FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8 , 2008
Contact: Tyler Fray 704.944.5176
tfray@firebirdsrockymountaingrill.com
FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL TO OPEN IN SOUTHPARK
Charlotte, NC (May 8, 2008) - - - Get ready for wood grilled steaks, ice cold martinis and more when Firebirds Wood Fired Grill opens in SouthPark. Slated for an August opening, the restaurant will be situated in the Morrison Plaza facing Sharon Road, near Earthfare. This will be the 3rd Firebirds location in the Charlotte area.
Guests can expect to experience the same well seasoned steaks grilled over the open flame that the restaurant built its reputation on over 7 years ago when they opened their flagship location in Ballantyne. Additional favorites include herb roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, hearty pasta, awesome burgers and oversized salads. In addition to Ballantyne and the newly opened SouthPark site, Firebirds’ other location is just north of the city at Northlake Mall, Exit 18 off of I-77.
Firebirds is the creative concept of local owner and restaurateur Dennis Thompson. Mr. Thompson is also the co-founder of Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon and Fox and Hound. While splitting his time between residences in Aspen, Colorado and Charlotte, NC, Thompson drew from some of his experiences out West to develop the food and the flair of Firebirds.
The new prototype is about 6,500 square feet in size compared to that of the flagship location. Firebirds StoneCrest local that opened in December of 2000 was 7,400 square feet. Moving away from the Aspen lodge style interior with the high vaulted ceilings and light colored woods; the new look is smaller and more intimate in feel. Mahogany woods, bold colors and stacked stone columns make for a cozy, comfortable setting. The restaurant still features both an indoor and outdoor stone fireplace where guests can kick back and relax fireside. Firebirds new “Firebar” is now separate from the dining room to create more of a concept within a concept. The Firebar menu features all new appetizers that are only available in the bar and the patio. An impressive wall of backlit bottles lights up the bar, while upbeat music pulsing through the room gives off a cool, hip vibe. Guests can sip cocktails and enjoy appetizers in the Firebar. Colorful tiles illuminated by the warm glow of candles in the ladies room make even the restrooms unique.
The exposed kitchen showcases a flurry of activity, while smoky aromas from the hardwood flames infuse the restaurant. “Grilling over the open flame gives all of our food a tremendous flavor,” says Thompson. “Our blend of bold seasonings, spices and sauces is designed to create an innovative style of American cuisine that makes each dish flavorful from beginning to end,” he adds.
Signature dishes include the Lobster Spinach Queso, Seared Ahi Tuna, BLT Salad, Bleu Cheese Filet, Buffalo Meatloaf, Pecan Crusted Trout and Crème Brulee Cheesecake. Firebirds also features their own private label red and white wine.
Market Partner Gerald Pulsinelli, who has been with the company since its inception, as well as Managing Partner Sara Forgash, from the Northlake location, will be heading up operations. David Sullivan will serve as head Chef.
The restaurant features a spectacular outdoor patio as well as a private banquet room that seats up to 25. Special promotions include Wine Down Mondays, featuring ½ priced glasses and select bottles of wine. Enjoy Happy Hour every Monday – Friday featuring ½ priced Firebar appetizers in the bar and on the patio from 3pm-7pm. Thursdays include all day drinks specials throughout the entire restaurant.
The SouthPark site will mark the 15th restaurant for the Firebirds group and the 6th location in the Carolinas. Additional North Carolina sites include the 2 other Charlotte locations (Ballantyne and Northlake Mall); Durham (The Streets at Southpoint); Raleigh (North Hills Mall) and Winston-Salem (Hanes Mall Blvd). Additional restaurants are located in the following markets: Richmond, VA; Phoenix-Peoria, AZ; Memphis-Bartlett, TN; Tucson, AZ; Phoenix-Chandler, AZ; Birmingham-Hoover, AL; Collierville, TN; Omaha, NE and Wilmington, DE.
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