FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26th, 2006
Contact: Tyler Fray 704.944.5176
tfray@firebirdsrockymountaingrill.com
Firebirds Opens 11th Restaurant
Charlotte, NC (April 24th, 2006) - - - Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill opened its 11th restaurant nationwide today at Northlake Mall, just north of Charlotte. The restaurant is situated off of I-77 at exit 18 and is located at the upper level, main entrance of the mall. This marks the company’s 4th Firebirds in North Carolina.
Building on the success of their south Charlotte flagship restaurant in Ballantyne, the latest addition to the group will feature the same Colorado inspired cuisine that created a buzz around the Queen City with its opening 5 years ago.
Guests will experience a vibrant blend of flavors born in the American West – where the wood fire of the cattle ranch meets the bold flavor of the Desert Southwest. This unique style of American cuisine which originated in Aspen, Colorado welcomes guests “back to the lodge” after a day spent in the mountains. Hand-cut steaks grilled over the open flame, herb roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, rotisserie chicken, homemade pasta, awesome burgers and giant salads are signature items. The 6,800 square foot store restaurant is reminiscent of a cozy, Colorado ski lodge with an open-air kitchen, exposed wooden beams and an expansive stone fireplace in the bar area. The restaurant seats approximately 225 guests. Patio dining around an additional outdoor fireplace and live seasonal entertainment will also be available.
Happy Hour bar bites will be available every Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 pm in the bar and patio with drink specials all day every Wednesday. On Mondays, guests will be able to enjoy ½ priced bottles of wine all day, every Monday.
Sara Forgash has been named Managing Partner of the north Charlotte location. With over 10 years of restaurant management experience, Ms. Forgash was most recently the Managing Partner of Firebirds’ Hoover, AL location. She holds a degree in restaurant management from Florida International University and has held management positions in such operations as J. Alexander’s, Brio Tuscan Grille and TGI Friday’s.
Charlotte native Michael Farnick will serve as Executive Chef for Firebirds Northlake locale.
Mr. Farnick was the Executive Chef of the south Charlotte restaurant for 2 years and has over 14 years of culinary and managerial experience. He holds an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from CPCC of Charlotte
Prior to opening to the public, Firebirds partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte on Thursday, April 20th for a charity mixer. The pre-grand opening celebration featured an array of Firebirds signature appetizers and desserts as well as complimentary beer and wine. Highlights from the evening included a silent auction and check presentation where Firebirds donated $7,500 to BBBS of Greater Charlotte. Firebirds 5th anniversary wine was also available for purchase and proceeds benefited BBBS. A live appearance by WFNZ’s Mark Packer, host of Charlotte’s #1 rated sports talk show “Primetime with the Packman” was part of the festivities as well.
Marketing Director Tyler Fray says that the entire team is very excited about the 2nd Firebirds to open in Charlotte. "Many of the management that will be part of the Northlake restaurant either started, or at some point trained, at our StoneCrest location. It's a great feeling or pride to be building on that. For years we've had people asking when we were going to open a Firebirds north of the city. With the Northlake restaurant, guests can finally take a (short) trip and experience the great taste of Colorado, right outside their door," she added.
"Letting the concept have wings over the last 5 years has been fun," says Owner Dennis Thompson, but there's something to be said when you feel you have enough appeal to open a second location in your own backyard. The Ballantyne area has been very good to us and we hope to become a favorite of the Nothlake community as well."
In addition to Firebirds Northlake location and the flagship store in south Charlotte, the two other North Carolina locations include Durham (The Streets at Southpoint) and Raleigh (North Hills Mall). Additional restaurants are located in the following markets: Richmond, VA; Phoenix-Peoria, AZ; Memphis-Bartlett, TN; Tucson, AZ; Phoenix-Chandler, AZ; Birmingham-Hoover, AL and Omaha, NE. Coming up this summer, Firebirds will open its 12th restaurant outside of Memphis in Collierville, TN. For more information please visit:
