Fleming’s, P.F. Chang’s founder to launch new Chinese concept in Naples

The founder of prominent restaurant concepts including P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Pei Wei Asian Diner, Paul Fleming, is unveiling a new brand in downtown Naples.

The concept is named PJK Neighborhood Chinese. Fleming’s Paul Fleming Restaurants, which he operates with his wife, Jody Goodenough-Fleming, held a soft opening for PJK on March 7, according to a statement. An official grand opening is set for March 14 for the restaurant, at 835 Fourth Ave. S.

PJK Neighborhood Chinese specializes in scratch-made coastal Chinese. Specialty dishes showcase a mix of traditional and modern Asian flavors with all dishes and sauces being prepared daily using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the release states.

“We are extremely excited to introduce PJK to the Naples community and view this as an opportunity to launch a brand-new concept that provides a twist on the traditional neighborhood Chinese restaurant,” Paul Fleming says in the statement. “Our goal is to eventually roll out this new restaurant concept into other parts of Florida.”

The 152-seat restaurant has a casual coastal vibe, the release states. It also has a separate entrance and dedicated parking in the rear for those looking for takeout on the way home from work or the beach.

Specialty dishes featured on the menu include scallion pancakes with caviar, six kinds of Dim Sum, miso cod, braised short rib, mapo tofu and half Peking duck.

“Our Chef Partner Kayla Pfeiffer is passionate about the culinary arts,” says Goodenough-Fleming, CEO of Paul Fleming Restaurants, in the release. “Her cooking showcases the bold flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine that we all know and love as well as her own modern interpretations and fresh seasonal features.”

In addition to P.F. Chang’s, Fleming’s and Pei Wei, Paul Fleming Restaurants founded Asian Diner, Z’Tejas Grills and Paul Martin’s American Grill. The Flemings, who live in and are involved in several charitable organizations in Southwest Florida, have strategic growth plans for other emerging concepts in Florida, the release states. That includes the couple’s partnership in developing the Lake Park Diner by Smith Organics, with new locations coming to Bonita Springs and North Naples.