This restaurant right next to TCU has closed after ‘four wonderful years’
A fan favorite restaurant close to TCU has closed its doors.
The Jon’s Grille on Berry Street has ceased operation, owner Jon Bonnell announced Saturday in a statement on Facebook.
“Dear Fort Worth Friends, Family, and TCU community, After four wonderful years, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Jon’s Grille,” Bonnell wrote.
Bonnell, who said the decision wasn’t made lightly, explained the closure.
“Like many independent restaurants, we’ve faced significant economic challenges over the past several years, and combined with my recent health journey, it’s simply become the right time to close this chapter,” Bonnell said.
Bonnell, who still owns four restaurants including Buffalo Bros locations on South University Drive and in Burleson, explained his special relationship with TCU in a phone interview with the Star-Telegram Sunday. He said his brother is a TCU professor, his nephew is at TCU medical school, his parents are TCU alumni and his grandparents are Horned Frog supporters.
“We’ve been part of the TCU community my whole life,” Bonnell said. “ ... The community has always been very welcoming. I knew Jon Meyerson really well on the old Jon’s Grille, and when we were thinking about doing a burger concept, [Berry Street] just seemed like a great spot and a natural fit.
“And it’s really been an honor to be there for the last four years, but sadly, this chapter has come to a close.”
Bonnell received an outpouring of support on social media, with more than 150 comments wishing him well and expressing gratitude.
“It really does feel good that instead of people jumping online and saying, ‘Here is what they did wrong or here is why I hated it,’ they are all just very supportive. It really does feel nice when the community that we’ve supported so much feels the same way in return. It feels great.”
Jon’s Grille featured a variety of food on its menu, including brisket burnt ends and corn dog nibblers. It garnered a strong reputation for its nine types of burgers and also served barbecue, including brisket, turkey breast, and jalapeño sausage. It also serves specialty milkshakes and cocktails.
Jon’s Grille boasted plenty of televisions for fans to catch a game. In May, he told the Star-Telegram that obtaining access to every broadcast is “highway robbery” for restaurant owners during the modern streaming era.
That’s one of many challenges Bonnell has dealt with recently.
Bonnell, a former Ironman Championship triathlete and cancer survivor, announced that he is cancer free in March. His recovery was a significant challenge, as he underwent a four-month round of surgeries and radiation.
In April, he urged adults, children and teens to get vaccinated against the now-universally prevalent HPV to prevent cervical cancer and reduce head and neck cancers.
Bonnell, born and raised in Fort Worth, has founded restaurants including Buffalo Bros, Waters Restaurant and Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine.
“Nothing good about closing a restaurant,” Bonnell said. “It’s a hard thing all around. But at least we’re in a position to make sure that all our staff is offered a job somewhere else, if they choose to stay with us.”
He said Jon’s Grille gift certificates, coupons and items purchased at charitable events will be honored at any of his locations.
This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 11:26 AM.
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