Morton's of Chicago to Open Upscale Steakhouse on the Southbank

Morton's Restaurant Group Inc. of New Hyde Park, N.Y. has acquired a prime piece of land on the Southbank to open one of its upscale steakhouse restaurants by June. The 7,800-square-foot project, developed by Morton's of Chicago/Jacksonville LLC, will seat 220 patrons and employ 60 to 80 people. This new location is among the chain's ambitious expansion plans, which include opening a Boca Raton restaurant, as well as at least seven more locations within the next nine months.

Key Takeaways:

• Morton's Restaurant Group Inc. paid $896,600 for land on the Southbank to open a 7,800-square-foot upscale steakhouse restaurant, slated to open by June.
• The restaurant will seat 220 patrons, with 160 in the dining area and bar, and 60 in private dining rooms.
• Morton's plans to employ 60 to 80 people at the new location, contributing to the local job market.
• The chain is actively expanding its presence, with plans to open a Boca Raton restaurant and at least seven more locations within nine months, including the Jacksonville location.
• The new restaurant will be developed by Morton's of Chicago/Jacksonville LLC.
• The Southbank location is not far from competitor Ruth's Chris Steak House in the Hilton Hotel & Towers.

Statistics:

• $896,600: Land acquisition cost by Morton's Restaurant Group Inc.
• 7,800 square feet: Size of the new restaurant project.
• 220 patrons: Total seating capacity of the restaurant.
• 160: Number of seats in the dining area and bar.
• 60: Number of seats in private dining rooms.
• 60-80 employees: Projected staff for the new restaurant location.
• 9 months: Timeframe for opening at least six more locations, including the Jacksonville location.

Sources:

• Margaret Hobday, "Mortons of Chicago to open upscale steakhouse in Southbank", Florida Times-Union, no date provided.
• [No other sources mentioned in the original text.]