Lowell’s dining scene has everything from Mexican fare to fast food to a Chinese buffet. However, something has been missing, according to Brent Slagell.
“I’ve lived in Lowell for 25 years now, and there is no place where you can buy a pizza and a beer and watch a game,” he says.
Next year, that will change if everything goes according to plan. And that plan includes transforming the current Junction Bar into an Italian restaurant and sports bar.
In January 2022, BGR Investments – of which Slagell is a co-owner – purchased the former Larkin’s Restaurant on the corner of Main St. and N. Broadway St. The eatery’s name was changed to Junction, and it now operates as a bar with no food service.
The name will change once again when it is expected to become Romynelli’s in 2024. The name is a play on Slagell’s daughter’s name as well as an Italian last name. The menu is expected to include pizzas, subs, pasta and salads, and the atmosphere will be that of a sports bar.
“By the end of 2023, we should be in construction,” Slagell says.
At that time, Junction will close, and the building will get a complete renovation. Part of Slagell’s vision is to create an addition off the west side of the building with garage doors that could be opened, depending on the weather. The historic district would need to give its OK for that to happen though.
Upstairs, the building will be turned into a boutique hotel with five rooms planned. Since there is space between the restaurant and The Old Theater next door, Slagell says parking for hotel guests can be accommodated onsite.
This won’t be the first restaurant project for Slagell and BGR Investments either. The company owns Big Boiler Brewing and Rio Plano Taqueria in Lowell and is developing plans for an establishment in Greenville as well.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Is this still happening?
It’s our understanding that these plans are currently on hold.
Yay! Excited for Italian! Their plans sound awesome!