New Steakhouse Chophouse285 Set to Sizzle in Englewood this Fall!

285 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, Florida, USA - There’s exciting news for food lovers in Englewood, Florida! Keith and Laurie Farlow, renowned for their beloved Farlow’s on the Water, are ready to open their latest venture, Chophouse285. This steak and seafood restaurant is set to launch this fall at 285 W. Dearborn Street, a location that has a rich history of dining—having hosted various restaurants for over half a century. As the community continues to embrace this revitalization, Chophouse285 is poised to be a vibrant addition to Englewood’s dining scene.

Chophouse285 will boast a generous capacity of 340 seats, featuring approximately 250-260 indoor seats, including a cozy 28-seat bar. Outdoor seating will enhance the al fresco dining experience, perfect for those balmy Florida evenings. The space will not only serve food but also cater to events, providing opportunities for gatherings like a Kentucky Derby party, something that wasn’t possible at Farlow’s. The commitment to enhancing the dining experience is bolstered by the creation of a dedicated dry-aging room for wood-grilled steaks, ensuring that every meal is exceptional.

A Culinary Focus on Quality

The menu at Chophouse285 promises to be a treat, highlighting dry-aged steaks alongside a selection of seafood. Farlow’s signature approach of using premium ingredients shines through, with dishes cooked on a custom wood-burning grill sourced from Atlanta-based Grills by Demant. Executive chef Austin Davis will oversee a menu that includes traditional steakhouse favorites as well as a captivating selection of northern fish like Halibut and Chinook Salmon, setting it apart from Farlow’s southern fish focus. The intent is clear—a robust dining experience that appeals to a wide range of diners, offering both upscale options and more accessible dishes like burgers and pasta.

The Farlows are not just focused on cuisine; they are also deeply committed to honoring the history of their new location. By preserving part of the original Bootleggers structure, they are weaving the past into the fabric of the new restaurant, creating a narrative that locals can connect with. This kind of thoughtful renovation contributes positively to the transformation of Dearborn Street into a walkable corridor filled with shops and community spaces.

The Bigger Picture

The opening of Chophouse285 comes at a pivotal moment for the restaurant industry, which is projected to reach a staggering $1.5 trillion in sales by 2025, according to the National Restaurant Association. While diners express a strong desire to eat out more, many are held back by their finances. Nearly 64% of full-service restaurant customers prioritize a memorable dining experience over cost, indicating the growing importance of local spots like Chophouse285 in fulfilling this need.

As more restaurants work to attract customers, 47% of operators are looking to enhance value through discounts or promotions, reflecting the competitive nature of the dining scene. This bustling environment is also expected to create around 200,000 jobs, ultimately increasing employment in the sector to 15.9 million by the end of 2025. Such positive trends signal a bright future not just for Chophouse285 but for restaurants across the board.

With the official opening date fast approaching, the anticipation continues to build. As residents await this latest dining gem, there’s undoubtedly something special about Chophouse285 that promises to make it a destination worth savoring in Englewood.

For more exciting developments and to stay up-to-date, check out Herald Tribune, Sarasota Magazine, and the National Restaurant Association.