Grand Central Palm Springs has closed, but a new restaurant has already reopened in the same location.
Hunny’s, which has a similar menu to Grand Central, but plans to expand the offerings, opened on Friday, Oct. 10. Owner Precious Dykstra will bring a signature apple pie made with apples from her hometown of Oak Glen to the menu.
“I came out in March during Village Fest and I’m like, Oh my God, this vibe is amazing,'” she said of her reasons for wanting to open a restaurant in Palm Springs. “It was happy. Everybody is alive out here.”
Each table receives a fresh slice of apple bread to go along with their meal. Other unique offerings include homemade chicken pot pie and fudge.
The restaurant is still being transitioned into its next phase, although it is currently open for diners. Dykstra expects to receive her liquor license soon, after which she’ll be able to open a bar inside the restaurant. She plans on offering homemade baked goods each day and hosting events using a large indoor space in the back of the property.
The rooftop, which was not used by Grand Central, will feature a bar as well as a speakeasy.
Multiple generations of women will be involved in the operations of the restaurant, including Dykstra’s grandmother and daughter.
Dykstra had been in talks to purchase Grand Central and run it as is, but negotiations fell through. She will now operate Hunny’s as a brand-new eatery in the same location.
Grand Central owners Rita Capponi and John Diskin left a heartfelt message on social media to announce the closure.
“We will miss the table-side conversations, the familiar faces, and the chance to catch up with you,” they said in a joint statement. “Thank you for making us feel like part of your amily – we will carry those memories with us forever. You all hold a special place in our hearts.”
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Grand Central in Palm Springs closes, but new restaurant Hunny’s has already opened
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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