Restaurant readies to reopen in new spot

More employees added to Great Lakes Mall site

Outback Steakhouse’s new Mentor location will welcome customers Dec. 5.

A ribbon-cutting hosted by Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce is planned at 10:30 a.m. in Dillard’s parking lot on the west side of Great Lakes Mall.

“A portion of our proceeds from opening day will benefit Operation Homefront,” said Bloomin Brands Inc. spokeswoman Elizabeth Watts.

The 8595 Market St. store closed Nov. 27.

“The staff will transfer and we’ve hired approximately 40 additional team members for the new location,” she said.

The 6,500-square-foot restaurant at the mall will have seating for 248 people.

Outback’s relocation adds to the mall’s evolution and creates an opportunity for repurposing the site on Market Street, sandwiched between two Penske dealerships, city officials say.

“The city of Mentor is thrilled that Outback Steakhouse has made a significant investment in the continued redevelopment of the Great Lakes Mall area and provides yet another exciting dining option for visitors to enjoy,” Mentor Economic Development

Director Kevin Malecek said.

Neither he nor Watts had information on what will become of the old site.

Outback offers a different experience for mall patrons, said General Manager Tony Pestyk

“Offering in-demand attractions like dining and entertainment is one way Great Lakes Mall continues to deliver a dynamic experience our guests can’t get online,” he said.

The Mentor Planning Commission in January approved the final site plan for the new restaurant. In June 2017, the commission approved a minor subdivision creating the parcel for it at the mall, at 7785 Plaza Blvd.