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"When I met Don about eight years ago he was looking to move out to Washington and start his own restaurant, but that didn't work out. About a year later, I was looking for a general manager and called him and he's been with me ever since," said Vernaci.
"From the beginning it's been Don's desire to own his own business, so this is really a culmination of that plan and I'm really excited for him," added Vernaci, who plans to focus his efforts on his development and construction business.
Vernaci is the developer of the Phoenix Center I and II shopping centers off Highway 100.
"I will miss the restaurant business," he said. "It's been a real pleasure to open, own and operate Chico's."
Grahl said he's "very excited" about debuting his new restaurant which is tentatively set to open in mid-October after extensive renovations are completed.
He plans to retain many of the Chico's employees, but all will be subject to the application process. More workers are needed, he added.
Not ready to disclose the name of the new restaurant, Grahl said he will offer lunch and dinner seven days a week, and plans to keep some of the favorite items from the Chico's menu, including the house margaritas and the popular Cinco de Mayo event.
"We'll also be adding a game room for kids which will be camera-monitored and able to be viewed by televisions in the dining room so parents can keep an eye on their children," he said. "We will be very family-friendly."
The bar will remain, but the decor in that area will switch to a sports theme. The two dining rooms also are undergoing major renovations and private parties will still be accommodated. More flat-screened televisions also are planned.
The approximate 5,500-square-foot restaurant seats about 240-250 people with the outdoor patio.
This is not Grahl's first restaurant. He and his wife Donna also owned a restaurant in the St. Louis area.
"I've been in the restaurant business for 30 years. It's all I have ever done, from being in the kitchen to out front," he said. "At my new place, I want to offer a great atmosphere and quality food at a good value."
In the beginning, Grahl said he'll most likely be spending most of his time back in the kitchen.
All Chico's gift certificates will be honored at the new restaurant through the end of the year.
Vernaci thanked everyone who patronized and supported Chico's over the years.
"And I ask them to continue to support Don and his family in this new business venture," he said.
