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Longtime Worcester County restaurateur closes Park Grill eatery on Park Ave.

Eric and Nancy Pearson in front of Park Grill & Spirits in April of 2017.
Eric and Nancy Pearson in front of Park Grill & Spirits in April of 2017.

WORCESTER — Park Grill & Spirits, 257 Park Ave., closed its doors Sunday, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Eric B. Pearson Jr. and his wife, Nancy B. Cotter-Pearson, bought the business in January 2017.

The Pearson family posted, “Yes, it’s true. We are retiring from the hospitality business. This is our LAST WEEKEND. Great new owners soon. Details to follow.” The family’s message also included a thank you “for years of loyal patronage & one hell of a ride!”

Eric Pearson and his family have a long history in the restaurant industry. Pearson was owner of Pinecroft Dairy & Restaurant in West Boylston for 36 years, selling it in 2016. Eric and his brother, Kurt E. Pearson, and their father, the late Eric B. Pearson, bought the business in 1980.

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Pearson’s father with a partner founded the former Bergson Ice Cream and Food Shops Inc. in Westborough, and at one time the Pearson family operated 10 ice cream and sandwich shops, and the 1790 Restaurant & Tavern in Westborough, also known as Bergson’s 1790 House.

Bergson’s 1790 House was the family’s flagship restaurant for 20 years. In a Meet the Chef column, published in the Sunday Telegram, Eric Pearson said the chefs from the former Bergson’s 1790 House were his biggest influencers in his career.

“Old-school CIA (Culinary Institute of America) graduates, no shortcuts in quality or technique,” he said.

When the Pearsons opened Park Grill & Spirits, Pearson said that he and his wife had traveled after the sale of Pinecroft and after returning to Worcester they looked to open a new business close to home.

Park Grill had a good reputation and location and it was a right fit for them, he said. Five Pearson family members were hired to work at the restaurant.

Park Grill & Spirts will hold memories for many of its guests, not only for its food, but also comedy nights and live music and entertainment.

And the Pearson family’s hospitality.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Longtime Worcester County restaurateur closes Park Grill on Park Ave.