All that is left of the former Chevy’s Fresh Mex restaurant at the Mercer Mall is a pile of rubble — the result of demolition that began last week.
By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
All that is left of the former Chevy’s Fresh Mex restaurant at the Mercer Mall is a pile of rubble — the result of demolition that began last week.
But in its place, two new restaurants will open their doors — Outback Steakhouse and Bonefish Grill. The two restaurants are part of the Bloomin’ Brands Inc. chain, which is headquartered in Tampa, Fla. The eateries will be housed in a new 10,223-square-foot building that will be constructed on the site.
The Mexican-influenced Chevy’s Fresh Mex restaurant closed its doors at the Mercer Mall in December 2011, shortly after the company declared bankruptcy. It was housed in a 9,300-square-foot building, which was demolished last week.
Although a firm opening date cannot be set for the Bonefish Grill restaurant because of the vagaries of the construction process, Crafton Bryant, the marketing director for Bonefish Grill, said the new restaurant is expected to open late in the year.
”We are excited to open another restaurant in New Jersey,” Mr. Bryant said. “We feel that Lawrence is the right fit for our restaurant. Bonefish Grill is looking forward to becoming a good neighbor within the community and a beneficial partner to the Mercer Mall.”
Bonefish Grill already has 11 restaurants in New Jersey, according to the restaurant’s website, www.BonefishGrill.com. There are restaurants in Brick Township, Deptford, East Brunswick, Green Brook, Marlton and Middletown. The one proposed for the Mercer Mall will have 178 seats in the dining room and bar. An additional 24 seats will be available on the patio.
The restaurant emphasizes grilled fish — rainbow trout, halibut, sea bass, tilapia, sea scallops, tuna and lobster tails. The menu also includes chick, steak and pork chops. Appetizers are weighted toward seafood, such as mussels and crab cakes. But the offerings also include edamame, burgers, fish and chips, soup and salad.
Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed restaurant whose menu focuses on grilled beef offerings — baby back ribs, steak, prime rib and filet mignon, as well as burgers. The menu also includes lamb, porch chops, salmon, tilapia and mahi. It offers soup and salad among the list of appetizers.
There are 19 Outback Steakhouses in New Jersey, including one in Hamilton Township. Other locations include Brick, Cherry Hill, Edison, Middetown, Old Bridge and Marlton. The Mercer Mall restaurant will have 170 seats in the dining room and bar, plus 28 seats on the patio.