Written By: Jordan Howse
Photo By: PHOTO: DON DAVIS, JR. ; The High Point Enterprise, High Point NC (13/0404)
Cory Carlisle has assumed operation of the Blue Zucchini Grill on N. Main St.
A popular lunch spot is under new ownership. Blue Zucchini, a restaurant near the intersection of North Main Street and Lexingon Ave., is under new ownership. Paul Riggan, owner of the Blue Restaurant Group that owns Blue Bourbon Jacks, Blue Water and Blue Rock Pizza and Tap, sold the restaurant to Cory Carlisle, a chef from the Triad. “(I sold it) so I can focus on the other three restaurants and I just had another child so I’m really busy,” Riggan said. Riggan rented the property after Grateful Bread closed in 2011. At the time he said it would operate similarly to its predecessor and Carlisle promises the same. “Basically, it’s business as usual,” Carlisle said. “I’ve known Paul for years and he’s always put out quality food at quality restaurants and this was a good opportunity at an established restaurant with a good reputation.” Carlisle was executive chef at the O’Henry Hotel in Greensboro and opened a restaurant in Lake Gaston, Va. called Kennon House. He said he does not plan to make many changes to the restaurant because it already has a loyal following. “We’d like to expand the dinner menu but otherwise we’re going to let it continue to be the quality the people have come to expect,” Carlisle said. He said he also would like to expand its catering services and create a larger online presence at bluezucc.com. The ownership officially changed hands March 1, 2013 and Carlisle said that business and the location has continued to be great. Carlisle said he worked in restaurant design and helped Riggan with the design for Blue Zucchini. Also he said that he and Riggan will continue to work together. “We are still working together as a partnership instead of being competition,” he said. “It’s two restaurateurs working with each other.”
jhowse@hpe.com|888-3617