New Waters

The Trak family has fulfilled its dream of expansion once again, and as a result, the Seafire Grill was born. Chef Michael always “thinks outside of the box” when it comes to his cuisine. He is always eager to mix up something new and exciting for his customers’ enjoyment.

In early 2006, he felt inspired to spice things up once again. As many Trak family restaurant patrons know, Chef Michael is very passionate about and dedicated to his restaurants. As a result of this dedication, he never takes time off. Determined that he take a break, Chef Michael’s children, Marianne and Mitchell surprised him on Christmas Day 2006 with a trip to Nassau, Bahamas. At first Chef Michael refused to leave, but Marianne and Mitchell would not take “no” for an answer. They packed his bags and forcefully sent him on his way.

During his visit, Chef Michael and Mother Mary, his wife, decided to venture out to a seafood restaurant on the island. While dining outside overlooking the water, Chef started thinking about how much he has always loved seafood, whether eating or preparing it. As he looked out over the crystal clear, Caribbean water and the way the sun hit it perfectly, he thought about the name Seafire.

Newly inspired, he returned home to tell the rest of his family about his idea for a new restaurant. The ladies of the family were not at all intrigued, but Mitchell thought it was a great idea and also became inspired. Each time the family visited their beach house that summer, Mitchell started speaking to local fishermen and seafood experts. He gathered information about the different flavors and textures of fish as well as what type of seafood is in season at various times of the year.

Thirsty for knowledge about the seafood business, Mitchell did more research and called many local vendors. When he had gathered enough information, he presented it, along with his business plan, to his father. Excited about the plans, they both went to the ladies of the family again to get a second opinion. Overlooking the new plans and observing the excitement on Chef Michael and Mitchell’s faces inspired the ladies of the family to jump on the bandwagon.

As a test, Chef Michael prepared seafood specials, in addition to the seafood dishes already on the Grapevine II menu, to see how customers would respond. Week after week, he received only pleasing remarks about his seafood with a Mediterranean flair.

This positive feedback confirmed to Chef Michael that preparing a variety of seafood dishes in a different location than Grapevine II was definitely a great idea. He felt that Grapevine II already had an extensive menu, and Richmond is lacking in the area of high quality seafood restaurants, especially in the West End. Therefore, the decision was made to change the original Grapevine restaurant on Lauderdale Drive into the new seafood restaurant of which Chef Michael had always dreamed.

This addition provided the Trak family with three different restaurants that cater to a variety of age groups. It would also be convenient because the fresh seafood served at Seafire could also be sent to Grapevine II for special menu items on weekends.

After much debate, over different names, the Seafire Grill was finally chosen. The vision for Seafire Grill was to be a hidden treasure in the heart of the West End of Richmond, and that is exactly what it turned out to be.

Seafire Grill is a neighborhood, family friendly seafood grill that is tucked away off of Broad Street. It is inviting and casual, yet it has an upscale feel. Patrons can expect to be served only the freshest seafood and be provided with superior service, just like at Grapevine II and the Slice of Grapevine.

Seafire Grill, just like Grapevine II, has an extensive menu that caters to seafood lovers as well as non-seafood lovers. The soothing aquariums in the dining room are meant to relax adults and entertain children. You will also be pleased to find that members of the Trak family are always here to welcome you into their new home.

The Trak family welcomes you to Seafire Grill and hopes to see you on many more occasions. Thank you for your continued patronage.