Last day for Lunch at Metro Grill

Rumors had been circling, and yesterday an e-mail confirmed it: Metropolitan Grill is closing for lunch. Your last day to eat there midday is today. As of Monday the multiple-time Best of 417 "Best Business Lunch" winner will open at 4 p.m.

General manager Nathan Conn says it's a strategic decision, aimed at focusing resources and energies on high-profit segments (like catering) rather than low-profit ones (like lunch). "It gives us the opportunity to focus on catering, which is a huge aspect of the market," says Conn.

The switch also accompanies a change in late-night format for Metro. Also starting next week, Thursdsay-Saturday after 10 p.m. will be Metro "Mafia Nights". The bar will have a more loungeish feel, with a new drink menu pending, and a more upbeat atmosphere. "We want to give people having dinner a reason to stay longer," Conn says. You can also expect a new menu by the end of April.

Also, Conn says, owner Pat Duran is considering his family, and his time with them, in this decision.

He says there has been some blowback and disappointment in the end of the popular lunch, but also understanding. "We're sorry for the inconvenience ... but most of our clients are business savvy, and either own their own businesses or understand the world, and they understand that what we're doing is correct."

As a perk, though, Conn says Metro will soon double the size of its patio, making it an even more attrative happy hour stop.

What do you think of the changes? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Matt Lemmon, web editor

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