Any word on Corbett's?

Does anyone know when Dean Corbett is going to open his new restaurant next to Costco? I was over in that area the other day and saw that they had added a large dining area in the back of the building and there were new windows all around. However, it didn't look like they were near completion anytime soon. An earlier post said something about August, but I can't see them being ready by the end of this month. I can't wait to try it.

This is an exciting time for us "East-enders". With Corbett's and the new Seviche coming soon, and with Mojito being a couple of miles down the road, Browsboro Road could be the next Restaurant Row!

[Robin Garr]

Does anyone know when Dean Corbett is going to open his new restaurant next to Costco?

I was told fairly reliably (but by an outside source) that renovation issues have pushed it well back, maybe not until October or November.

I'm really eager to see what Dean & Co. do out there, too. As outstanding as they've made Equus and Jack's in a bland setting, I'm just imagining what they can do with a beautiful historic farmhouse. (Too bad the windows will look out on bulldozed stripmall, but you can't have everything.)

I was told fairly reliably (but by an outside source) that renovation issues have pushed it well back...

Thanks for the update. I can imagine that with a house that old, one would run into many unforeseen obstacles. I guess I'll have to wait a little bit longer.

(Too bad the windows will look out on bulldozed stripmall, but you can't have everything.)

It is a little unfortunate that you will look out to see people waiting for hours to eat at Olive Garden, Chili's and Longhorn.

[Robin Garr]

It is a little unfortunate that you will look out to see people waiting for hours to eat at Olive Garden, Chili's and Longhorn.

I hadn't thought about it that way, but yes, that sort of thing would put one off one's feed ...

From what I understand, the addition on the back will be kitchen space,(based upon the original foot print of the building) As far as I can tell there will no dining areas facing the Costco.

[Robin Garr]

From what I understand, the addition on the back will be kitchen space,(based upon the original foot print of the building) As far as I can tell there will no dining areas facing the Costco.

Let the record reflect that I meant no criticism of Dean and his venture in any way, shape or form. What's more, I'm a member of Costco.

I just have a philosophical aversion to the idea of bulldozing and paving over the suburbs to build malls and shopping centers and tract mansions, and I just cain't he'p making wisecracks about it. What Dean is doing - renovating and making good use of an existing, historical dwelling - is <i>the</i> way to go, and I praise him for it. But I can hardly believe that the view out the windows of that old farmhouse won't have some ticky-tacky in it, Costco or otherwise. But that's no fault of Dean's, and I hope nothing I said implied otherwise.

Hi Folks,

While renovating the Von Allmen mansion into a fine dining restaurant our first concern was to maintain the historical features of this fine old home. This presented a challenge architecturally while attempting to still keep it efficient and well functioning for dining.
There were multiple hurdles to face which we did not anticipate when planning our original schedule, unfortunately on or around November 1st will be opening day.
I can tell you the house structurally was a fortress with 2 foot thick limestone walls which have been maintained in the lower level to create a bit of a rathskellerish feel, this area will be designated as a upscale lounge and wine tasting area with private dining as well.
The main floor, front porch and side porch are all to be designated main dining areas with the exception of a small lounge on the main floor predominantly seen as a waiting area, or a spot for a late night rendezvous.
The upper level is entirely devoted to storage and employee areas as given the chance to design a restaurant from the beginning and not conform to the parameters of a strip mall, I wanted a large area devoted to employee dressing areas, restrooms etc., their space if you will.
We expect to employ about 45-50 people when fully operational.We are building a patio around the front right and side of the building in time for spring which I hope will please all with its design elements, the trees are to remain which offer a wonderful shade during this current heatwave we are experiencing. I do expect both the patio and front porch to be utilized up to 10 months a year with the assistance of heaters and misters.
The addition on the back is comprised of 2 main restroom areas for guests as it made no sense to attempt to utilize the existing 4 small restrooms, the remainder is all kitchen which I initially drew on a knapkin and the Dine Co. has made a reality.
As a working chef for so many years, you always keep in the back of your mind the perfect kitchen you would lay out if ever given the opportunity, I hope my gang at Corbett's will enjoy the working environment, the windows are to have fresh air and a peek to the outside from within as we have all worked in a box once in our lives and I was determined not to have this be the case with my new kitchen.
Landscaping will be abundant as to block the adjacent parking areas from view although the folks at Cosco have been absolutely terrific about all of the inconvenience.
My staff is very excited not only about the challenges that lay ahead professionally for each of them but to see this project and this grand old home transformed. I really appreciate all of your interest and apologize for not being more forthcoming with information, quite honestly after a tough year logistically speaking we are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

Best of luck, Dean. The new place sounds awesome!

[Robin Garr]

While renovating the Von Allmen mansion into a fine dining restaurant ...

Dean, welcome to the forum, and thanks for the first-hand report! You know an awful lot of our participants want to be among the first to line up for dinner at your new spot!

Now that you've found your way here, I hope you won't be a stranger.

Dean,

Looking good. I love that you will be closer to me. I'm looking forward to eating your fine food. I still have some cheese barrels for you.

Thanks Dean for a very detailed reply. I'm sure it will be worth the wait. I'm also certain that with the food and the atmosphere inside, people will forget that they are in the middle of a strip mall

Good luck Deano and hope you feel better. Great reply.

I've been away from the forum for a while. I had heard rumors of Chef Dean Corbett's upcoming new restaurant. But I was unaware of just where the restaurant was going to be. I am so excited to know that hubby and I will be just a hop, skip and a jump away!

Our one visit to Equus was memorable. However, we don't get to the St. Matthew area much. With your new place so near, I hope to become a regular. Please keep us posted on your progress, Chef/Owner/Restaurateur Dean. And thank you for saving a historic building.

I was at Costco yesterday and the only building you'd be able to see from Corbett's would be Costco, and then only from the back end of the building (which if I'm understanding right, would be the kitchen). The rest of the "restaurants" and all the other buildings are way too far away to see. I can envision landscaping and a patio around Corbett's and think the atmosphere could be excellent once finished.

It's no more in the "middle of a strip mall" than say Azaleas....

Dean- Congrats on your new venture and having the insight to do it the way you are doing! Historic renovation is Never cheap....

Deb

Windows! In a restaurant kitchen! Excellent.

Deano, it's cool you think enough of your staff to plan spaces and amenities for them. I'm sure other chefs in town would opt for windows if they were starting from square one. It's just that most "inherited" spaces don't sport existing windows in the kitchen.

Separate employee bathrooms are a cool perk, too.

Looking forward to it! (The food - not the employee bathroom )

Come over and have some of my sorbet at Lou Lou. It's hot outside - had you noticed?