Grill-N-Grate Passes The Torch To Peterson’s Fish
SYRACUSE — It started with a phone call and led to a mutually beneficial deal that allows Kevin and Allison Robie, owners of Grill-N-Grate, to retire while giving Peterson’s Fish, owned by Roger and Susan Peterson, a permanent place to call home.
“We had read that Peterson’s was needing a place,” Allison said of the call, noting that at the time she and Kevin had been looking to retire and take care of health concerns with his feet, which require getting him off them.
“It was the best phone call we’ve ever gotten,” Susan said.
As part of the planned transfer of the current Grill-N-Grate building, located at 1009 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, the Robies wrapped up their services Sunday, July 26. Allison noted this will give them at least two weeks to polish up the building before the Petersons take over.
“We’ll donate any remaining candy and food to the food pantry,” Allison added.
Once the building is cleared, the Petersons stated they plan to expand the dining area and give it a nautical feel.
“We had salvaged some nautical decor from the Gropp’s building before it was demolished,” Susan said, “and we plan to work it into the new building.”
As for a opening date, the Petersons said they hope to announce one soon.
Grill-N-Grate has been a staple in Syracuse for six years at the South Huntington Street location. Prior to opening the restaurant, Kevin and Allison catered and sold barbecue at the corner of the old Doc Miller building — something they did for a year to a year and a half, rain or shine.
Kevin, a Syracuse native and member of the first graduating class of Wawasee High School, noted he’s long had a passion for barbecue. He said his passion probably began after preparing barbecue for tailgates during Purdue/Notre Dame games at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.
As for what awaits them now, Kevin jokingly stated, “We’re going to Disney World.” He added that they plan to take their grandchildren there right after Christmas.
The Petersons also have a long history in Syracuse. They operated Gropp’s, later called Pete’s Fabulous Fish, for 12 years. For a year and a half they have been running Peterson’s Fish at the Shore, located at South Shore Golf Club. Just outside the Syracuse area, they also owned Peterson’s Steak & Seafood House for five years in Goshen.
“When we saw the town didn’t have a fish place anymore, we decided to come home,” Susan said.
With the new deal Peterson’s Fish will have room to grow, and the Robies will be enjoying some R & R — a win-win for all involved.
“Once the decision was made, we were just ready to move,” Allison said, adding it was like “passing on the blowtorch.”
“We are really thankful for these folks,” Roger said of the Robies. “It’s the best thing to ever happen to us.”
Allison added, “It was a good thing for all of us — good karma.”
Keep your eyes peeled on the Peterson’s Fish Facebook page for the latest news and its official opening date.