New Offerings at The Bend

The Bend, a popular multi-concept property in Ogden anchored by The Parlour House bar, now has a full-service restaurant with the opening of Middle Sound Grille.

The open-air restaurant, owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Chris and Sheila Politis, offers comfort food in a laid-back setting among the trees.

Chris Politis has a hand in the construction of all the buildings on the property through his company, Saltwater Renovation Services. He was originally hired by Bend owners Katie and Randy Tarr to build The Parlour House, and as time went on, he became aware of the Tarrs’ plans to build a restaurant and ice cream parlor as well.

“Randy kept mentioning he wanted a restaurant out here,” Chris Politis said. “At first, I was just helping with the bar, but then it kind of just fell into place. The folks originally lined up to do the restaurant backed out, and by that time I had fallen in love with the property. The location is killer, the atmosphere is killer and it just kind of fell in my lap.”

Though he came to the project through his construction company, Chris Politis’ roots are in the restaurant industry. Both his father and grandfather were restaurateurs, and his father still operates restaurants in the Holden Beach area.

“I grew up in kitchens helping my dad,” he said. “So, I’ve basically been in the business my whole life.”

When developing the menu for Middle Sound Grille, Chris Politis said he drew upon many of the dishes his father and grandfather are known for.

“I wanted to keep it simple but bring in the best stuff,” he said.

Some of Chris Politis’ favorites include handhelds like the bacon jam burger and the Philly cheesesteak, and appetizers like the buffalo chicken dip and grouper bites served with Cajun remoulade. The menu also includes wings, fries, soft pretzels, egg rolls and potstickers, and pork barbecue as well as a few Greek specialties such as Greek marinated chicken served in a pita with tzatziki.

Guests order food at the indoor service counter, then find a seat on the covered patio or at the picnic tables located throughout the property. The grille offers a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages, making it a welcoming spot for all ages, while adult beverages can be found just steps away at The Parlour House.

In just a couple of weeks, The Bend will also be home to Grumpy’s Soft Serve, an ice cream parlor serving chocolate and vanilla soft serve with a wide range of toppings as well as shakes, sundaes and hurricanes, Grumpy’s version of a Blizzard. Grumpy’s will also offer a non-dairy option and gluten-free cones.

The Tarrs, who will operate Grumpy’s, hope to open the first week in June, just in time for the inaugural Rock the Day for The United Way fundraiser being held at The Bend on June 7. Check out The Bend’s website for details on menus, events and hours of operation.