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Few industries have been battered as hard as the restaurant biz, yet there never seems to be a shortage of people willing to step up and take a chance at running their own—even in a down economy. Here are a few upcoming openings below:
I certainly like the name: Steve B.'s Burgers and More is opening today in Clarksville on Veterans Parkway, an already restaurant-rich stretch. The New Albany Tribune reported owner Steve Baldwin (co-owner of Kansai, also in Clarksville) wanted to create a So. Indiana version of a W.W. Cousins with customized burgers, a toppings bar and hand-cut fries.
In April, Baldwin plans to open Studio Pizza, which the report said will serve hand-tossed Chicago-style pizza. Not to be terribly picky, but if it's hand-tossed, it can't be Chicago-style pizza, because that dough is pressed into a pan. I hope it's good all the same.
A Rumba in Middletown: Most of you likely heard some time ago that Havana Rumba would open a second restaurant in the former Pig City BBQ space in Middletown. According to The Courier-Journal, that'll happen in May, and it'll be dubbed Havana Rumba II.
Despite the fact that the original remains one of my faves here, I find it impossible to justify waiting two hours for a seat on a Saturday night, which many do, God bless 'em. Too many good options in Louisville to wait two hours for any place, even H.R. Heck, within spitting distance is La Catalana, Jack's Lounge, Equus and Café Lou Lou.
Regardless, I love the fact that it's that busy and that owners Pedro Hernandez and Ingrid Martinez are answering the call for more of a terrific thing.
Even more pizza for the Highlands: Papalino's Pizza opened on Baxter Ave. the last week of February serving 18-inch Brooklyn-style pies and huge slices for just $3 plus toppings. This is a gutsy move: Papalino's has staked its claim just steps from Wick's Pizza and blocks from Spinelli's Pizza.
To get delivery, call 749-8525. Want to get it yourself? They're open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight, and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.
New 'breastaurant' coming to Louisville: Expect construction helmets and, um, "party hats" to be among the featured fare at an upcoming Brick House Tavern and Tap looking to open up in Louisville. Have a look at the company's Website to see why restaurant analysts are—no kidding—talking about the growing "breastaurant" category. All the info available so far about a Louisville site is a Craigslist ad seeking managers.
That it's taken this long to see another chain challenge Hooter's hold on second base sales is truly surprising. Give credit to Brick House for being different than Hooters, though the menu is by no means unique. Its dozen or so restaurants centers on "man food" of beef, chicken and fried starches, as well as beer and wine.
Qdoba aiming for a Qdouble? UPDATED: Qdoba is opening its first downtown store (Fourth and Jefferson) on Monday, March 8. The new unit will operate from 7-7 Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The store will be the second to serve breakfast in Louisville.
Lauren Carpenter, director of marketing for ZT of Louisville, the area Qdoba franchisee, said an official grand opening celebration will follow on March 19. Expect some fun giveaways, plus a portion of sales will be given to a local charity.
Another unit is set to open on Dixie Hwy. in April, Carpenter added. That Qdoba continues to open stores here may address the question I hear so often: Why don't we have Chipotle (burritos) here? This is one of Qdoba's strongest markets, which is no surprise given the experienced restaurant muscle operating the stores here. Operating partner Don Doyle is the former president of KFC and CEO of Carl Karcher Enterprises (Carl's Jr. and Hardee's), and his partner is Michael Grisanti, former owner of fine dining spots Casa Grisanti, Mama Grisanti and Sixth Avenue. Grisanti also is a shareholder in a large Papa John's franchise group. The few times I've talked to Qdoba headquarters for other stories, they speak glowingly about the Doyle and Grisanti team, which is great to hear.
BTW, I recently sampled Qdoba's new Craft2 menu, which allows you to mix and match a few items to give you some variety and portion control. At $5.99, it's a bargain. Click here to see the offer.
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You don't have to be Freud to figure out the joke behind Brick House's promotions.
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ADD A COMMENT
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J.S. Holland
fri mar 05 2010
at 3:03 pm
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Figures. Just weeks after I move from the Middletown-Anchorage area, they bring my favorite restaurant there. |
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rob
fri mar 05 2010
at 4:02 pm
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That breastaurant is going to sell 40s of MGD. I am so there. |
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Steve Coomes
fri mar 05 2010
at 5:14 pm
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Apparently you have to bring your own paper sack "fo' the fo'ty," though, Rob. ;-) |
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