Months after an August 2025 fire, Glory Days Grill has decided to make its closure in Merrifield permanent.
The sports bar, located at the Providence Place shopping center (formerly the Pan Am Shopping Center), announced the closure in an email to customers. A Fairfax County notice posted outside the 3059 Nutley Street restaurant deemed it unsafe to occupy following the Aug. 22, 2025 kitchen fire.
Glory Days Grill thanked customers for their “unwavering support” of the restaurant and encouraged them to visit locations in Centreville and Barcroft Plaza.
“After much careful consideration following the fire, we have made the difficult decision to close our restaurant,” Glory Days Grill said a statement to FFXnow. “Over the last 24 years this place was never just four walls, it was a gathering spot, a workplace filled with heart, and a community we were proud to serve.”
“We are endlessly thankful for the love shown to us and for every guest, team member, and memory that made this journey so ‘glorious,'” the chain continued in its statement, which was also emailed to customers.
Despite the sports bar’s announcement, Glory Days Grill customer Vanessa Curtiss started a petition calling for the sports bar to reverse its closing decision. Curtiss says the community has not only lost a gathering space, but also jobs for the employees.
“It has been a cherished gathering place for families, friends, and community members for many years,” Curtiss wrote with the petition. “Generations have passed through its doors, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and simply enjoying a night out. It’s a place where regulars are known by name and newcomers feel like part of a larger family.”
The sports bar franchise, which was founded at its Burke flagship location in 1996, can be found in four states. Glory Days Grill’s Florida franchise owner Bob Basham, who co-founded Outback Steakhouse, bought all Glory Days Grill locations in 2023 and runs it with Glory Days Grill co-founder Richard Danker.
Glory Days Grill also closed its Alexandria location in 2025, leaving 14 locations in Virginia. Other Glory Days Grill locations in Fairfax County are in Burke, Centreville, Reston, Herndon, Barcroft Plaza and Lorton.
Federal Realty, which manages the Providence Place shopping center, told FFXnow it will find a new tenant for the space after renovations.
“We are currently restoring and upgrading the space and actively marketing it for lease,” Federal Realty said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming a tenant that will complement the center’s existing mix of businesses.”
Federal Realty says it has secured two other new leases for Providence Place.
Afghan restaurant Smoki Kabobs, which specializes in kabobs, salads and desserts, will open in fall 2026. Pet supply retailer Pet Supplies Plus is expected to open in a 6,458-square-foot space previously occupied by Bank of America in winter 2026.
