Steakhouse primed for reopening after $1M renovation

BONITA SPRINGS — After being closed since May for a $1 million renovation, Chops City Grill is scheduled to reopen Friday, Oct. 8.

The project included redesigning booths, flooring, ceiling, tables, chairs, walls and lighting. The opening also marks the debut of a new menu, created by chefs Rafelo (Raf) Elisea and Francis Pischner, according to a statement. Located midway between Bonita and Estero near the Coconut Point Mall, the 250-seat upscale Chops City Grill, at 8200 Health Park Blvd., opened Christmas Eve 2001.

“It was time for a redo,” says Skip Quillen, founder and owner of Culinary Concepts, which operates Chops City Grill in addition to three other Southwest Florida brands. “We renovated the entire steakhouse interior with spectacular results.”

While the framework, kitchen and bar remain in the same place, the redesign details include elegant crushed black velvet banquettes and private booth draperies; muted deep purple with silver accented walls; and embellished dark brown woodwork. There’s also comfy custom-made pillow backs and cushions and new upholstered chairs and new acoustic ceiling tiles to reduce noise levels.

The steakhouse’s fabled 20-foot antique bar, now illuminated with three new large Italian crystal chandeliers, offers more than 50 creative craft cocktails, nearly 100 whiskey selections, a 300+ bottle wine list, and non-alcoholic selections, the release states. “We are proud of Chops’ reputation as a top steakhouse,” says Quillen.

Culinary Concepts operates five restaurants under three brands: Pazzo! Cucina Italiana, Yabba Island Grill and the Saloon; There are two Chops locations, one in Naples and the one in Bonita Springs.