Thunder Bay in Davenport closes its doors

A popular and longtime Quad Cities restaurant has permanently closed.

Thunder Bay Grille at 6511 N. Brady St., Davenport, was closed as of Wednesday, May 14, according to a spokeswoman for the Heart of  America Group, the Moline-based company that owns the restaurant.

“Heart of America Group has announced the closure of Thunder Bay Grille in Davenport as part of a reimagination of the space. Plans for a new concept at the location are being evaluated. Stay tuned for updates,” according to a statement released Wednesday from Leslie Uehran, the company’s director of marketing.

Heart of America leaders did not give any other details on the restaurant closure or possible timeline for the opening of a new business at the Brady Street site. Telephone calls to the north Davenport restaurant were not answered on Wednesday afternoon.

Also, Thunder Bay’s website for its Davenport restaurant was shut down as of Wednesday morning. Thunder Bay’s two other restaurant sites – in Rockford, Illinois, and Pewaukee, Wisconsin – are still open for business.

The restaurant serves steak, seafood and Cajun specialties. “We serve chef-driven menu selections, hand-crafted cocktails, local beer and a well-curated selection of wines. Our seafood is the best selection in the area, and our steaks are selected for quality – using Certified Angus Beef aged 28 days for flavor,” according to the restaurant brand’s website. “The rustic décor and cozy fireplaces make it the perfect place for gathering, relaxing and socializing – an ideal atmosphere for business or pleasure.” 

Heart of America founder Mike Whalen opened the company’s first restaurant, The Iowa Machine Shed, in June of 1978. Since then, Heart of America has expanded its portfolio to include additional brands such as Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Burger Shed, Thunder Bay Grille, Fifth Avenue Syndicate, The Republic on Grand, The J Bar, and Gramma’s Kitchen and Checkered Flag. It also operates hotels, such as  Hotel Renovo, Revel Hotel, The Rewind Hotel, The Axis Hotel in downtown Moline, and Wildwood Lodge.