Holy Grail of the Lakes to close

By MICHAEL KITCH, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — The Holy Grail of the Lakes will close at the end of the month, David Kennedy, who with his wife Maureen owns and operates the restaurant and tavern, announced on Monday. The Kennedys have not disguised the mounting challenges they have faced since opening the restaurant what was the Evangelical Baptist Church in Veterans Square on Memorial Day in 2014. In January the couple issued an apology for their shortcomings and soon afterwards hosted a "Second Chance Party." At the time, Kennedy said that he was puzzled that despite overcoming the challenges that led the business to stumble and the opening of several new enterprises downtown, patronage of the restaurant fell shy of what was required for financial success. The Kennedys drew on the profits of their flourishing restaurant in Epping to keep theitr doors open in Laconia.

Kennedy said on Monday that he has informed his staff of the decision to close.

"It's all very disappointing," he said, "but we had no other choice."

Meanwhile, the property has been listed for sale by Weeks Commercial Real Estate with an asking price of $1.2 million, nearly half the $2.3 million invested in converting the century-old church to a restaurant and tavern with seating for more than 250 patrons.

The Holy Grail is closing at the end of the month. (File photo)