Jillian's considers leaving Waterside

NORFOLK, Va. - 2009 is turning out to be a year of troubles for Norfolk's Waterside. WAVY.com has learned that one of Waterside's largest tenants is considering moving out of Norfolk.  City leaders say the owners of Jillian's are looking to possibly vacate their spot in Waterside and move into Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake. 

 If this plan comes through, it would leave the second floor of Waterside virtually empty.

WAVY.com was there back in August when the City of Norfolk shut down two Waterside bars, "Have a Nice Day Cafe" and "Bar Norfolk." The city cited repeat violations as reason to padlock their doors and revoke the special exemption permits that allowed the bars to sell alcohol.

And just last week, Norfolk Festevents suspended Club 20-20, a monthly dance for teenagers because of capacity limitations.

Police say last month, officers had to shut the event down because hundreds of teenagers showed up at the dance.

Festevents managers tell WAVY.com that as of right now, the dances are postponed indefinitely.

If Jillian's moves out, it would be bad news for Norfolk according to Councilman Randy Wright. "They've run a great business there and I'm really sorry to see Jillian's go and I'm hoping there's maybe some way we can turn that around."

The manager of Waterside, Lane Brown, told WAVY.com there actually could be a way to turn it around. "The goal is for them to stay and that's on our part and Jillian's and if they are going to stay Jillian's has suggested they want to downsize," said Brown.

So maybe Jillian's will stay after all. But, what about the other remaining restaurants? Outback, Hooters and Joe's Crabshack?

"These major tennants have shown they have confidence in the location and in Waterside," said Brown. "And as a result, yes, they are going to be here for a while."

One of the biggest problems in attracting new businesses to Waterside right now... the city can't tell them what their plans are for the future.