LITTLE ROCK — Trio's partners Capi Peck and Brent Peterson last week signed a lease on the former Imagine space in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, and plan to open a tapas/wine bar called Capi's Place on or about Oct. 1. Peck says the quick turnover is possible because Imagine's owners left most of their kitchen equipment and dining room furniture in place when they closed. She's planning to enlarge the kitchen and make what she calls some "cosmetic" changes to give the place a more Mediterranean look, with some casual seating areas where you can enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine and a nibble, and a "more formal [dining] area for people who want to chow down." And by October the weather should be nice enough for Peck and her customers to use the patio. We'll keep you posted.
Catfish City & BBQ Grill closed its 14800 Cantrell Road location July 31, "due to the inability to keep both restaurants properly staffed," according to an advertisement in last Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "We regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers and invite you to our 1817 S. University Ave. location." Hours there remain 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday. The telephone number is (501) 663-7224.
Panda Garden Super Buffet is advertising its grand opening at the Shackleford Crossings Shopping Center, Interstate 430 and Shackleford Road, offering "Chinese food, fresh sushi bar, seafood, steamed fish, steak & grill, salad bar, fresh fruit bar, dessert bar, ice cream with eight exotic flavors - over 100 items and more," according to a display ad in last week's paper. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. The telephone number is (501) 224-8100.
A Quiznos outlet opened this week in the food court of Park Plaza mall, West Markham Street and University Avenue.
And a restaurant industry insider tips us that a Cheeburger Cheeburger is slated to go in next to Pier 1, 2601 McCain Blvd., in the Lakewood area of North Little Rock. However, the Website www.cheeburger.com/ locations.asp doesn't yet list a North Little Rock franchise outlet among those "coming soon," just the one in Little Rock's Pleasant Ridge Town Center.
Has a restaurant opened - or closed - near you in the last week or so?
Does your favorite eatery have a new menu? Is there a new chef in charge?
Drop us a line. Call (501) 399-3667 or (501) 378-3513, or send a note to Restaurants, Weekend Section, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203. Send e-mail to: eharrison@arkansasonline.com
Weekend, Pages 70 on 08/08/2008