'The Vampire Diaries': Real-Life Mystic Grill Opening In Georgia

Courtesy of The CW (3)

Beginning this summer, ‘Vampire Diaries’ fans can get one step closer to becoming Damon’s new drinking buddy!

Let’s talk about that dream you have every Thursday night. You know, the one where you’re greeted at the bar by a blue-shirted Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig), who looks deep into your eyes and asks, “What can I get for you?” Well, Vampire Diaries fans, that slightly obsessive little fantasy is about to become a reality, as The Mystic Grill is in the process of being made into a real-life restaurant in Covington, Ga., where The CW series is filmed!

“We very much hope to open by summer,” Convington resident Angie Henderson Beszborn tells the Newton Citizen about the restaurant, which she explains will serve lunch and dinner. “Southern comfort food with a touch of fine dining.”

The outside of the existing Mystic Grill is used for exterior shots on The Vampire Diaries, but when the cast films scenes inside the grill, they do it on a separate soundstage. The building, formerly an office for lawyers and accountants, already boasts the Mystic Grill sign out front — so, hey, why not turn it into a real-life restaurant?

Angie and husband John Beszborn, already owners of Convington restaurant Bullritos, are teaming up with Mayor Ronnie Johnston and wife Kelly to make the Mystic Grill a reality. The foursome is seeking funding through the Department of Community Affairs Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund — though I can think of a few million fans that wouldn’t mind throwing a dollar each their way!

Famous Events At The Mystic Grill

Whether you realize it or not, the Mystic Grill has played host to some of the most game-changing moments in Vampire Diaries history. Not only is it where Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) got shot — one of his countless deaths on the series — but it’s also where Caroline (Candice Accola) won back Matt with song! Actually, maybe it’s better we forget about that one.

HollywoodLifers, will you travel to Convington this summer to check out the real-life Mystic Grill? Drop a comment and let me know! (Maybe I’ll see you there; we can play darts or something.)

Newton Citizen