Signs for the “Rick’s 26” steakhouse may have disappeared from the roadside near the imminent Millville Town Center retail complex, but according to local restaurateur Jerry Richard, a newly renamed “Steakhouse 26” is still on track for a late May or early June opening.
Coastal Point • SAM HARVEY:
Steakhouse 26 is on track for a late May or early June opening, according to part-owner Jerry Richard.
Namesake Rick Kirincich, one of the original partners, had dropped out of the venture, Richard said, but he is forging ahead with two other financial backers — his wife, Theresa, and local art gallery proprietor Brooks Long.
Long, who owns the Nassau Gallery in Rehoboth Beach, said he is going to open a new art gallery in the Millville Town Center, as well. He said he plans to take a hand in coordinating the look of the new restaurant, too, with a focus on a “warm and welcoming” atmosphere.
Theresa Richard may well contribute to the ambience herself — she occasionally sells her own original artwork and giclée prints.
Back on the restaurant side of the business, Richard said construction was progressing apace. Once complete, Steakhouse 26 would be divided into three smaller dining rooms and a café/bar area, he said — between 150 and 200 seats in all. He plans to have some outside dining, as well, during the season.
The restaurant is planned for the mall’s northern corner, with views over water features attached to the new residential community north and west of the Millville Town Center, Richard said.
Local restaurant personality Bryce West, most recently manager at Redfin (now reincarnated as Bluecoast), has joined the team and will take over as manager at Steakhouse 26. “I’m definitely excited,” West stated. “We’re going to be the only independent (steakhouse) in this neck of the woods.”
West said they intend to operate Steakhouse 26 year-round, and he expects existing relationships with meat and produce purveyors will help them keep prices reasonable.