Norfolk eatery relocates, another sold

Two tidbits for downtown Norfolk restaurant junkies to chew on:

Machismo Burrito Bar, on West York Street in Freemason, plans to move by the end of the month to the corner of Boush Street and College Place. And 219, closed since at least March, has been bought by a restaurateur who already has four eateries in the vicinity.

Machismo made plans to relocate when construction began for the light-rail line that will run right in front of its door. Business has dropped nearly 40 percent since the project started, owner Bill Caton said.

Despite the destruction of its already limited parking options, Machismo continues to pay its bills, he said. Caton has kept his lease for the current location "just to see how the light rail pans out," he said, and might use it as a catering and delivery hub.

Machismo's new space, in the former Downtown Provisions market and convenience store, is about twice the size of the York Street site. Caton plans to have a full-size kitchen there, outdoor seating and a license to sell beer.

Sture Sigfred said he bought 219, at Granby Street and Brooke Avenue, for more than $400,000 last month.

"It is, in my estimation, the best restaurant location in downtown Norfolk," said Sigfred, who owns 456 Fish, Bodega, Byrd & Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse and The Big Easy.

Sigfred, a retired radiologist, said he's not sure what the restaurant's new name will be or what it will serve. It will probably open next year, he said.

Sigfred said he's "absolutely bullish" on downtown, regardless of the recession or construction. His four restaurants "are turning in a solid performance," he said. "Our business is good."