Plans in the works for Italian restaurant in Downtown Lodi
Plans are in the works for Brick House Restaurant & Lounge, an Italian eatery, to move into the space formerly occupied by McGuire’s at the corner of School and Elm streets in Downtown Lodi.
According to Franco Cassella, who owns Brick House Restaurant in Elk Grove with his brother Gino Cassella, planning is in the early stages and the design for the restaurant has been completed. They are just waiting on loan approval, Cassella said, and if the loan is approved the restaurant is expected to open this summer.
The two chose Lodi because it was an area they were familiar with. Their father owned two night clubs in Lodi and they grew up in north Stockton. Lodi is a perfect fit because it’s identical to Elk Grove as far as demographics are considered, Franco said. With the success they’ve had in Elk Grove, the two felt it was a “no-brainer” to expand to Lodi. They have gotten positive feedback from several of their Lodi customers excited that they will be coming to town.
“We have people coming in left and right from Lodi saying ‘we’re so happy you’re coming into town,’ ” Franco said.
The brothers have been trying to secure the space at the corner of School Street and Elm Street for the last five years, but were unable to cut a deal with the property owner. However, after some consideration the landlord came around and they were able to cut a deal, Cassella said.
Several restaurants have tried and failed at the location but Franco said what will set their business apart from the others is that they plan to gut the interior of the space for a complete remodel. Bathrooms will be renovated and one will be moved to a different location in the restaurant. The kitchen will remain in the same place but will be updated with all new equipment and appliances.
“To any customers walking in, it’s going to be a brand new facility,” Franco said.
“When you have a themed restaurant like it was before you have to refresh it every now and then or else your long-term customers will really get tired of that theme. Everybody in town was just tired of the same old thing and nobody wanted to invest in changing it around until we came around. We see a lot of potential for that location. We think if we can give people something fresh in that area.”
Brick House specializes in Italian American cuisine. Their menu includes sautés, steaks and homemade pastas. At the Lodi location they plan to expand the steak portion of the menu because they feel Lodi is lacking a good steakhouse.
Initially the restaurant will only open for dinner for a few months and will later open for lunch. Once they get settled regular hours for lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. During happy hour, from 3 to 5 p.m., the kitchen will be closed. Dinner will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. The bar and lounge will stay open until 2 a.m.
The Brick House recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Elk Grove.