Bill Bateman's Bistro In Havre de Grace Is Closing

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Bill Bateman's Bistro will be closing after more than a decade in Havre de Grace. The restaurant's last day in business at the Swan Creek Village Center on Route 40 will be Sunday, Jan. 12.

Owners Lisa and Christian Giansante shared the news Monday, stating they made the decision "with a heavy heart" and "This isn't the way we thought it would end."

The Giansantes did not say why they were going out of business.

Bill Bateman's in Havre de Grace is part of the Bill Bateman's franchise, which started in 1987 on Harford Road in Baltimore County. Its menu features American fare and pub food like wings, burgers, soups, salads and sliders. The Havre de Grace restaurant was beloved for its food and for its support of the community through fundraisers and other activities.

The chain also has locations in Parkville, Rosedale, Severna Park and New Freedom, Pa.

Several franchise locations have closed in recent years. Bill Bateman's in Reisterstown closed in August after not renewing its lease at shopping center there, and the Bateman's in Towson shuttered in 2018, reportedly due to construction and development around the university.

Here is the full announcement the Havre de Grace Bill Bateman's owners issued Monday:

It is with a heavy heart that Sunday, January 12th will be our last day. 12 years ago, you welcomed us into the Havre de Grace community with open arms. We are so thankful for the support you and the other surrounding towns and communities have provided us.

To our valued guests - the friendships that have grown over the years have provided us with a lifetime of memories that we will cherish. We look forward to sitting on the other side of the bar with you and sharing a laugh. We may not have always gotten it right, but you were always there for us.

Last but certainly not least, thank you to all of our staff, past and present. Whether you worked with us for a day, week, month or decade we cannot express how thankful we are for all that you have done for us. You definitely made it a place where everyone knew your name. This isn't the way we thought it would end, but the amount of good each of you provided us and this community will be forever remembered. Your futures are bright. We thank you for allowing us to be a stopping point along the way.

Sincerely,

Lisa and Christian Giansante