Orchard Street Chop Shop in Dover to Close

A staple of Dover dining for 16 years is closing tonight.

Many people will remember 'The Firehouse' restaurant in this location, but the Orchard Street Chop Shop easily carved out it's own identity.

I had many wonderful meals there, as well as many fun get-togethers with friends and colleagues.

According to an article at Fosters.com, the restaurant will serve it's last dinner tonight (Tuesday) with owner Chris Kozlowski saying:

“After weighing my options, I have decided that it’s time for a change,” Kozlowski wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook page last Tuesday. “… I am planning to clear my head and begin working on my new project, Flat Iron Catering Company.”

Kozlowski said the decision to close the Chop Shop was a result of being a slave to the restaurant’s schedule.

“My passion is cooking,” he wrote. “In the last few years, I have been forced to move out of the kitchen to an operational role ... I want a life that I have control of, not one that controls me. Right now, I don’t have that. I have been living in a restaurant for the last 18 years straight.”

Below is the Facebook post announcing the closing.

Good Afternoon, even though it saddens us deeply that Koz is moving on, and deservedly so, the Orchard Street Chop itself as a function destination will soldier on through the month of December. Though we will be closing our doors officiallyafter service the night of Tuesday, November 29th, we still have close to a dozen parties that will still be honored and held. Our staff will be remaining to make sure that everyone has the best possible holiday we can provide. On that note, we would love to still invite you to host your holiday parties with us this upcoming December. Several excellent dates for the upstairs Top of the Chop, Havana Lounge, or downstairs by the fireplace remain available. You can reach me directly at the restaurant, or through our new function number (603) 395-0938. Email inquiries can be made at info@thebourbonroomnh.com. I thank you myself for getting to know you off and on over the 6 of the 14 years I was with Koz, from the beginning, through thick and thin, and right up until the end. He will be missed.