WILLIAMSBURG — Over the last week, it has been announced that Waypoint Seafood and Grille in Williamsburg has become part of the Water Street Grille restaurant family.
Water Street Grille is a Yorktown-based riverfront restaurant, located at 323 Water Street.
The announcement was made on the Water Street Grille’s Facebook page.
Waypoint’s new menu will differ from its previous. In an interview with WYDaily, Amber Sewell, general manager of Water Street Grille, said that Chef Brian Hines will shift his primary focus from Water Street Grille to Waypoint. He is planning a menu that has a greater emphasis on Mediterranean-style cuisine from what was previously offered at Waypoint.
“He [Chef Brian Hines] is a perfectionist,” Sewell said. “He is putting his vision to the paper. Then he has to cook and present in different ways to make sure the menu is ready for showtime.”
She went on to emphasize that Waypoint will continue to provide fresh, farm-to-table ingredients to its diners.
Jennifer Gallaccio, who was a manager at Water Street Grille, has been promoted and will serve as Waypoint’s general manager. Sewell also reports that some of the restaurant’s previous staff will be returning.
Ownership is aiming for a reopening date of August 1.
The restaurant is currently accepting applications for a variety of positions. Those interested in applying for a position should reach out to Jennifer Gallaccio or Chef Brian Hines at either restaurant.
RELATED STORY: Popular Fine Dining Restaurant Unexpectedly Closed
On Wednesday, May 26, WYDaily published that Waypoint, located at 1480 Quarterpath Road in Williamsburg, had unexpectedly closed following the announcement that Chef Hans Schadler and his daughter, Tina Schadler-Phillips, were departing from their positions with the restaurant.
At that time, a handwritten note was posted in Waypoint’s front restaurant window, indicating the sudden closure. An official statement as to why the restaurant abruptly closed or how employees and operations were effected was never issued.
Sewell was also unable to comment as to what happened with the prior ownership nor its sudden closure.
WYDaily will continue to keep you posted on this developing story.