Gillis Family Tavern is packing up its operation at the historic Jenny Grist Mill and heading straight into downtown Plymouth this summer, swapping a quiet nook by Town Brook for the thick of Main Street’s restaurant row. The mill location poured its last pint on Sunday, and the new home base will be the former Proof 22 space at 22 Main Street.
The tavern’s own website now lists the mill outpost as “Closed at the Grist MILL” and prominently teases “Opening at 22 main street this summer,” confirming the move to Main Street. The site also already lists 22 Main Street as the contact address alongside the restaurant’s existing phone number, according to Gillis Family Tavern.
What Now Boston reports that Sunday was the final day of service at the Jenny Grist Mill. The outlet also notes that the owners told The Patriot Ledger the larger footprint on Main Street should finally ease long-standing space constraints and help them sidestep ongoing construction headaches at the mill. It may only be a short hop across town, but the publication describes it as a significant operational shift for the team.
Proof 22’s Old Home Gets New Life
The downtown address Gillis is taking over was most recently home to Proof 22, a bar and restaurant that shut down last year after running into financial and licensing trouble, according to the Plymouth Independent. That reporting details a tax lien and a surrendered liquor license among the problems that ultimately sank the previous tenant.
What Diners Can Expect At The New Spot
Gillis has built a local following on straightforward New England comfort food - think clam chowder, fish and chips, chicken wings, prime rib and pizzas - plus a sports-friendly vibe, according to recent coverage in What Now Boston. The larger downtown space is expected to give the crew more room for diners and more flexibility for events, which the owners cited as a key motivation for the move.
Town Records Show Grease Trap Talks
Paperwork on file with the Town of Plymouth Board of Health shows Gillis Family Tavern requested a grease-trap variance and that owner James Gillis appeared before the board to talk it through, according to Town of Plymouth minutes. The record notes that the landlord was expected to address the issue, and it also reminds the owner that he is ultimately responsible for complying with the town’s fats, oils and grease regulations.
The restaurant has not announced a firm opening date at 22 Main Street beyond a general “this summer” target. Would-be patrons are encouraged to keep an eye on the tavern’s website for an official launch date, per Gillis Family Tavern. Downtown regulars, meanwhile, will be watching to see how the Main Street newcomer reshapes the local dining mix.
