Springdale Set to Gain Two New Restaurants
by March 4, 2012 9:35 pm 111 views
The Bleu Monkey Grill is one of two new restaurants set to open this spring in Springdale.
Owned and operated by cousins Joey and Ozzy Godoy, the BMG will seat 125 and offer a wide-ranging and eclectic menu featuring specialty dishes like Bon-Bon Chicken and Shrimp, Wasabi Crusted Tuna and Carne Asada. The menu also is littered with 20-plus appetizer choices and a full complement of sandwiches and salads, steaks and burgers.
The Godoys operate a BMG in Hot Springs, and said opening a second store in Northwest Arkansas was a natural move. The two attended the University of Arkansas and want to take advantage of opportunities here.
“We see growth opportunities here, even with the little bit of a slump due to the recession,” Joey Godoy said. “With the addition of the Crystal Bridges museum and all the people it will bring, we think this is a good spot.”
Ozzy Godoy said he’s received numerous requests to open a second location from Northwest Arkansas residents who frequent Hot Springs. BMG is located in the former home of Osegeura’s, near the Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway. 412 exit.
“We like the character of the building, but just wanted to put our touch on it,” Joey Godoy said.
Finishing touches are being put on the space, and a target open date of March 26 has been set. The restaurant, which will have a full-service bar, will be open seven days a week.
Jim Johns, of Centerton, meanwhile, plans to open a Rib Crib sometime in April, in the former home of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. The space, on Mathias Drive near Ozark Center Point shopping center, is undergoing a full remodel.
Rib Crib will be open for lunch and dinner, and feature the chain’s standard menu of more than a half-dozen kinds of meats. They’ll be available in a variety of items, including sandwiches, salads and combination platters.
There will be ribs, too, including an all-you-can-eat special on Tuesday nights. The store also will have a pick-up window for to-go orders and a full catering division.
Johns has worked as general manager of several Rib Crib stores over the last 10 years, and is opening the Springdale location with a group of partners. Johns will serve as operating partner.
There will be seating for about 130, Johns said, and the store will employ a mix of about 50 full- and part-time workers. According to its corporate website, Rib Crib franchisees must make a minimum initial investment of $500,000.