Hearth on Mellwood to shut down permanently, become new home of Chik'n & Mi

Hearth on Mellwood, the short-lived restaurant by Chik’n & Mi owners Jason McCollum and Aenith McCollum, is closing permanently.

Formerly Bistro 1860, the old farmhouse got a renovation and new paint job before opening earlier this year as an upscale seafood-focused concept. But an announcement on Chik’n & Mi’s Facebook page confirmed Hearth will not reopen in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown.

The good news, perhaps, is that the much-loved Chik’n & Mi will move from its smaller space at 2319 Brownsboro Road into the former Hearth building. A vinyl Chik’n & Mi sign already has been placed over the former Hearth sign facing the corner of Mellwood and Brownsboro.

“This is a neighborhood we have come to love and which many of us call home,” the restaurant’s announcement reads. “We consider our customers to be friends and family to us, and we thank you for your unwavering support through the years.”

The new Chik’n & Mi will open for limited dining room service starting Friday, May 22, with curbside and carry-out still an option. Hours will be Monday-Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-10 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hearth, which featured one of the best happy hours in town, will be missed. Especially those mussels.