Honest John’s Whiskey and Provisions in Lake Sumter Landing is closing this Sunday for an undetermined amount of time while updates take place for a new restaurant licensed by Guy Fieri of The Food Network. The details of ownership have not been disclosed, but other of his restaurants have been licensed with his name by Fieri but with separate owners.
Bob Willcox, general manager for Honest John’s, shared that The Villages will be home to the newest of Fieri’s American Kitchen and Bar, which features bold flavors and unique twists to traditional dishes.
Other American Kitchen and Bar restaurants are located in New York City, Mt. Pocono, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Cancun. Burgers, comfort foods and small bites along with Craft Beers are signature to this line of restaurants.
Guy Ramsey Ferry, with his trademark spiked hair, was born on January 22, 1968, later changing his last name to the original family spelling “Fieri.” He opened up his first food business at the age of 10, operating his own pretzel cart. After college, he worked as a restaurant manager, then started his own restaurant with a partner in 1996. In 2006, Fieri began his TV career after winning Next Food Network Star. Today, he hosts several food-themed shows and owns a variety of restaurants nationally and internationally.
While Fieri himself may not be present in The Villages at his new establishment, there are indications he will be skyped in at the grand opening. Details of the changes to come are not yet available, however, much of what Honest John’s has as décor fits with the style of the American Kitchen and Bar theme.
Villagers should note that prices at the Las Vegas and New York locations are higher than what most are used to paying in restaurants in the Town Squares, though his Mt. Pocono menu more closely reflects the norm of local meals. Fieri has unique combinations of salads, sandwiches and main courses that accentuate the bold tastes he is known for. Dishes such as Trash Can Brisket Nachos, Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burgers, Cedar Plank Salmon with Jalapeno Apricot Jam, and Seven Layer Jack Daniels Chocolate Cake may be some of the dishes in store for local pallets; however there is not yet a menu to preview for The Villages. Those who enjoy food which is prepared with flare and more complex tastes will appreciate that this will be a higher end choice for dining in The Villages.
Honest John’s opened May 29, 2015. It was previously home to TGI Friday’s. The staff have been told they are welcome to stay on when Fieri’s American Kitchen and Bar opens and many are choosing to do so, while others have found employment at other local restaurants.
