In what he called the “hardest post ever,” owner Charlie Swanson made a public Facebook announcement on June 7. “The Grad’s guaranteed last day (in our current location) will be June 30th. Thanks to all … of the amazing people that made a simple bar and grill special.” He acknowledged loyal customers who became lifelong friends and connections, and hard-working employees who endured low pay while serving the community and having some fun.
“Since 1972, we have done our best to be a reflection of our community,” he wrote. “Well, I can’t really write much more except thanks to all who have supported us so much. … I am not sure what the future will bring but we gave it a hell of a run.”
The Davis Graduate is at 805 Russell Blvd. in University Mall. The sprawling sports bar, restaurant and dance venue fills 7,500 square feet, which is vast by today’s standards. The restaurant and sports bar includes a game area. Once part of a franchise that had locations in Chico, Sacramento and Stockton, the Davis store is independently owned. Chico and Sacramento Grads are long gone; Stockton’s remains open.
Swanson did not return my messages when I sought to clarify possible future plans. A staff member told me Swanson didn’t want to talk about anything, and was headed out of town for a family member’s graduation. He has not sold the liquor license, however.
Residential Uses. Redevelopment of the site will introduce four levels of multi-family residential units over parking and retail to create a vertically mixed-use project. The project proposes 264 multi-family residential units. The units will consist of one, two, four, and five-bedroom units ranging in size from 700 SF to 1,800 SF with an average unit size of 1,124 SF, and the total bed count may total 894 beds. The area of the residential portion of the project would be approximately 412,500 SF and a density of approximately 32 units per acre. Residential buildings would be a Type III construction.
Due to the immediate proximity to the University of Davis campus, the residential is primarily focused on student use, but will also welcome and include many options for non-students as well. The residential units will be arranged around a courtyard with a pool and an outdoor lounge area. Additional amenities will include will include a fitness room, extensive bike storage, a bike repair station, rooftop terrace and resident services.
AggieSportsTalk.com, the pulse of Aggie athletics. The home of Aggie Pride. Create an account to contribute to the conversation!