Baltimore restaurant Mother's Grille closing its Federal Hill location after 27 years in business

BALTIMORE -- Mother's Federal Hill Grille is closing its doors after more than 27 years, the restaurant and bar announced in a letter posted to social media Wednesday. 

"After more than 27 incredible years in business, we have made the difficult decision to sell our Federal Hill location. While this chapter is closing, we are excited to look ahead to the next phase in Mother's history, with the younger generation continuing to grow and expand the brand," the post read.

Mother's Grille also has locations in Arnold and Timonium. The flagship Federal Hill location will close officially on Sunday, January 19, 2025. 

"Baltimore City will always hold a special place in our hearts," the company concluded.

Customers React

Customers said they aren't ready to see the restaurant and bar leave.

"I'm going to miss it," customer Til Strudwick said. "When it was nothing here, this place was here."

"It's kind of like a staple, an icon," customer Christine Korman said. "Without seeing Mother's here, it would be really different."

 Mother's Grille is where customers said they meet new people.

 "The food's great," Christopher Tankersley said. "The atmosphere is great."

 It's also the spot where some recall watching the best games of their lives.

 "The Super Bowl," Strudwick said. "That we won 35 and 47. It's the end of an era."

Why is Mother's Grille Closing? 

Mother's Grille Owner Dave Rather said it's time to close this chapter and put more of a focus on his other locations in Arnold and Timonium.

"Now there's tons of places down here, 25 bars and restaurants," he said. "The restaurant business is tough. You know, anybody that can last this long, it's saying something." 

Rather added that he and his wife are beginning to slow down as his son and other managers pick up more responsibilities.

"So, it allows us to take a step back to take two steps forward," he said.

Rather said Mother's Grille could branch out and add a new restaurant in surrounding counties. However, what's next for this building and who will own it is unknown.

"They didn't really want to talk about it at this time because I still think they're working on concepts," Rather said.

Rather said he's overwhelmed by all the messages he's received after the announcement to sell the building.

"One of the coolest things about being in this business for so long and being in the bar-restaurants business is all the people that I've met here," Rather said. "I saw somebody text today and comment on social media that people have met their husband or their wives here. Now they have families. That's really cool."

Rather said he'll host a couple of closing parties. One of them will be only for staff.