Just two short weeks ago, Brad Parker, owner of Parker Hospitality, shut down Nisos Mediterranean, after being open for less than a year. In a statement, he wrote he had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the original chef, Avgeria Stapaki, and that he wanted to “reevaluate the Nisos brand.”
A few weeks later, Parker is ready to announce Nisos Prime, a Mediterranean steakhouse.
“We want to be a place where you come all the time,” Parker said. “Some of the stuff at Nisos had gotten very high-end. But along with carrying the best prime steak in the country, we’ll have a burger on the menu.” The new menu will also feature several types of pasta and fresh seafood, as it hopes to be known less as a Greek restaurant and more as a Mediterranean one.
Rick Tramonto, who was just hired by the restaurant group, will help oversee the new food and beverage program. But Parker said Nisos Prime shouldn’t be considered a Tramonto steak project. “He’s our food and beverage director,” Parker said. “But we are going to hire an executive chef soon. We really pride ourselves on a team mentality. It takes a lot of people to make a great restaurant.”
[ Review: Expensive and perplexing, Nisos Mediterranean struggles where it counts — the food ]
Parker said the space will be divided into three areas. The main dining room will be located on the second floor. Downstairs will be the Prime Bar at Nisos, which will have walk-in seating and happy hour specials. Also on the second floor will be Nisos Lounge, where DJs will perform until late Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The rest of the week, it will be available as a private event space.
Though he said the original Nisos didn’t go as planned, Parker had kind words for Stapaki. “Chef Stapaki is a visionary,” Parker said. “But I think our visions didn’t line up. So we decided it was best to go on our different ways.”
Parker said the décor will mostly stay the same, though they’ll add some leather to make it feel more like a steakhouse. “Our whole team is pumped,” Parker said. “We’re excited to offer it to the neighborhood in July.”
Nisos Prime is set to open at 802 W. Randolph St. in July.
