VERO BEACH — Joey’s Bistro, a nightclub and restaurant that opened in Scott Parker’s 3 Avenues shopping center in 2009, suddenly vanished this week, leaving patrons wondering what became of it.
Turns out Parker, developer of the center on Indian River Boulevard between 20th St. and 21st St. that houses Panera Bread and Chicos, bought bistro owner Joey Cataldo out of his lease to make way for a national chain restaurant, according to commercial real estate broker Billy Moss.
Moss would not reveal the name of the new tenant, but the rumor around town is that a Bonefish Grill will be moving into the space.
Moss says he is looking for a new location for Cataldo where Joey’s can reopen.
The first Bonefish Grill restaurant opened in Tampa in 2000, launched by Tim Curci, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and restaurant industry veteran Chris Parker. Since then the chain, which serves fresh fish, steak, chops, chicken and burgers in an upscale casual setting, has expanded to more than 150 locations.
Up until now, the Bonefish Grill on Federal Highway in Stuart was the closest one to Vero Beach, requiring a 70-mile round trip to sample the cuisine.
