A photo illustration of the inside of Spurrier's Gridiron Grille, set to open this fall at Celebration Pointe in Gainesville. (Photo: Courtesy of Frankel Media)
Carter's Corner: Stopping by Spurrier's on Menu in Fall
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 | General, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Steve Spurrier has named a starting quarterback for Spurrier's Gridiron Grille.
Eight months after holding a press conference to kick off the search for an experienced restaurant operator to run the day-to-day business, Andrew Johnstone won the job. Spurrier's Gridiron Grille is scheduled to open this fall at Celebration Pointe and provide a unique dining experience in Gator Country.
"Our draft to select an operating partner for Spurrier's resulted in inquiries from all over the country," Spurrier said in a press release. "Andrew shares my vision of creating a first-class dining and social experience in the North Florida region."
Johnstone, former director of operations for Mission BBQ, a patriotic-themed chain with restaurants in 16 states, has experience in the Gainesville area as managing partner of Outback Steakhouse in Gainesville from 2002-14.
According to a press release, Spurrier's Gridiron Grille is a 16,700-square-foot space that will include three indoor-outdoor bars and a 5,500-square-foot rooftop lounge named "Visors" overlooking the Celebration Pointe Promenade and outdoor entertainment venue. The restaurant will include a nearly 600-square-foot sports memorabilia exhibit with Coach Spurrier's 1966 Heisman Trophy as the centerpiece.
A photo illustration of the outside of Spurrier's Gridiron Grille, set to open this fall. (Photo: Courtesy of Frankel Media)
As for the menu, no word yet on whether they will be orange and blue.
However, Spurrier's "will serve a variety of polished American-casual menu items with innovative twists, healthy options, and some of Coach Spurrier's favorite foods, such as avocado-topped burgers, grilled chicken, seafood, steak, pasta, salads and more."
If that's not enough to make you hungry, the dessert menu will be inspired by Jerri Spurrier, the Head Ball Coach's wife. Jerri's pecan pies and homemade chocolate chips were a hit with Spurrier's players over the years.
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