Owners of popular Habersham County restaurant will lease Ping’s Grill in Toccoa
The Toccoa City Commission has approved a lease agreement for Ping’s Grill.
During the recent Toccoa City Commission meeting, City Manager Billy Morse told the Commission that an owner of both Midtown Grill locations in Habersham County is interested in using the City facility to own and operate Ping’s Grill.
Morse says the Commission had originally wanted this group to run the Grill; however, at that time, they were unavailable to run the restaurant, but offered advice to the City in opening Ping’s Grill.
Yes, you have a copy of the lease for Ping’s Grill with KR Equities, LLC, they have restaurant experience operating a grill of a very similar nature,” Morse said. “You will remember that we originally wanted this group to run the grill, but the timing was just not right for them, but they were very helpful and advising us as we were opening the restaurant. The proposed menu includes specialty burgers, dinner plates, sandwiches and salad plates. They will keep the name Ping’s Grill which will be open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, with the proposed opening date of September 9th.”
Additionally, Morse told the Commission that the lease agreement will be for 24-months with a renewal of an additional 3 years.
He says no rent will be required for the first 3 months, but in month four, rent will increase to $1,000 a month, then in month 10, rent will increase to $1,500 a month, and in month 16, rent will cap out at $2,000 a month.
“The city will provide all utilities and capital repairs to the facility the tenant will repair and replace all equipment as needed after a 60-day trial period and be responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the grill,” Morse said.=
City Commissioner David Austin asked if the City would be responsible for paying the utilities while the facility is being leased.
“I just got a question about the utilities We’re going to cover all utility cost,” Austin asked?
“That is correct,” Morse said.
“How much is that running a month, on average,” Austin asked?
“Oh goodness, I don’t have that number in front of me. It’s a little hard to determine, Commissioner Austin, because they’re all tied in together for the whole complex, so you’ve got several buildings that are running off the same meters and it’s just really hard to break it out,” Mors said.
“Alright, I’m just a little concerned that those electric bills and gas bills and all will exceed the value of the rent, that was my main concern,” Austin said.
Commissioner Gail Fry says the community will enjoy this restaurant.
“Mayor, I’d just like to say that I have visited at both Midtown Grills locations, the food is good, and they have a large following in Habersham County. I think we’re doing a service to the community by allowing a tried-and-true restaurant coming here, that people like,” Fry said.
Again, Ping’s Grill is scheduled to reopen on September 9.
The lease agreement was approved unanimously by the Commission.