A new sandwich shop was supposed to open in Eagle. Welp, this bites.

When Grinkers Grand Palace unexpectedly closed in Eagle recently, there was a golden lining: The food would live on.

Packed with more than 300 classic arcade games, Grinkers also offered a menu of tempting sandwiches — described as “awesome” by more than one Yelp reviewer.

As word spread of Grinkers’ demise, owner Steve Barbey shared positive restaurant news on the arcade’s website and social media.

“In order to care for our amazing staff, we will be opening a small sandwich shop in downtown Eagle in the former Zen Bento building,” he wrote. “Be sure to stop by for a tasty sandwich and an ice cold beverage. We may even put a couple of games in the corner.”

Days later, it’s game over.

Barbey reversed course in an online update. The old Zen Bento building at 342 E. State St. will remain dark for the time being.

Here’s his latest message:

“On Sunday, Oct. 4, the staff held a meeting at the sandwich shop location and decided unanimously to respectfully decline my offer of continued employment. The sandwich shop would have been a completely different environment, and a completely different job. The staff elected to remember Grinkers as it was, and move on at this time. Some are going back to school, others are pursuing other job opportunities.

“I thought it was classy that the staff contacted me afterwards and asked me to join them so they could tell me in person. There is no ill will, and I sincerely wish them all the very best. The staff was a big part of Grinkers, and they will be missed. The primary purpose of opening the sandwich shop was to take care of the staff.

“With the staff bowing out, the need for the sandwich shop no longer remains. Therefore, the sandwich shop will not open. There are some former Grinkers guests that are pooling resources and looking to open an arcade and restaurant venue in the years ahead, and it was suggested that they could offer Grinkers sandwiches. We have offered our sandwich recipes, prep methods and vendor resources to them at no cost.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2020 at 10:16 AM.