RED LOBSTER IS COMING TO TOWN Voted Rock County's Best Rumor

If I received a DOLLAR every time I heard that RED LOBSTER was coming to Janesville I'd ....
I've even heard it’s opening this spring. A friend of a friend swears he knows the plumber that has been hired to do plumbing for RED LOBSTER. The latest thing I've heard is that RED LOBSTER is going to be building by the NEW Menards location. I'm actually the listing agent for these parcels - so let me tell you first hand - if RED LOBSTER is coming to Janesville - it's not going to be there. I think I'd know about it.


Red Lobster was once in Janesville. Maybe you remember? If my memory serves me right it was where World Buffet sits, 2701 Milton Avenue. The list of restaurants that have occupied this place begins with Red Lobster, proceeds to RJ Wheelers, Pizzeria Uno, and ends with World Buffet. Quite a transition but we've still got other national's like Red Robin, Applebee's, and Red Lobster’s sibling, Olive Garden.

Red Lobster is owned by Darden Restaurants. Maybe you've heard of them? They have been in the media quite a bit over the past several months. Most recently in an article in FORTUNE Magazine titled 100 Best Companies to Work For. It's listed as #65. Why you ask? It provides eligible part-time workers for low cost health insurance. The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining: - according to darden.com. Such names as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V's and Yard House are in the mix. If you're looking to be eligible for low cost health insurance you know where to apply.


So if you are looking for Red Lobster, please travel West on Interstate 90 to Madison or East to Rockford. But if you're looking for FISH - keep it local - and go where readers? (HINT: Looking for your recommendations here).

EATS & DRINKS Expand Beyond Restaurants Chains

It's only February and Rock County's new and expanding eating and drinking landscape looks like more than chain restaurant opportunities. With five new known options, one pub expansion, and a rumored new opportunity in The Speakeasy Lounge and Restaurant, we may not have to call this place Chainsville anymore.

1. AVENUE GRILL - Open.

Quoted by the Janesville Gazette as "A new chapter in the restaurant history of Milton Avenue," Sadri Shabani, owner, opened Avenue Grill February 9th, 2013. The former home of Ponderosa Steakhouse has been remodeled and now features a bar and private kitchen. The Avenue Grill is said to be a family restaurant and bar serving American cuisine. A website, online menu, or Facebook page could not be located.

2020 Milton Avenue(@ Randolph Rd.) Janesville, WI; (608) 563-0349.

2. CHINA HOUSE - Opening Soon.

Nang Huit Chen currently runs the China House located at 1260 Milton Avenue in Janesville, WI, but plans to open another location in Beloit in early spring 2013. The Hunan Szechuan Cantonese Mandarin style restaurant will offer self-serve dining as well as carry out and delivery. Lunch specials will be offered daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a special diet menu offering salt, sugar, corn starch, or M.S.G. free options. Known for its dependable and fast delivery, China House also offers free soda for carry out orders only. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, Mon. thru Thurs. 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A website, online menu, or Facebook page could not be located.

2240 Prairie Avenue (in Northgate Plaza), Beloit, WI; phone unknown.

3. MERRILL AND HOUSTON'S STEAK JOINT - Open.

The former Cafe Belwah reopened as Merrill and Houston's Steak Joint in July of 2012 after a phenomenal transformation. With a rustic decor and nostalgic downtown Beloit and Ironworks photographs dating from the early 1900's this joint is positioned with a view of the Rock River and a flavor worth tasting. As the name implies, the menu features rib eye, porterhouse, fillet and more and quoted  to be "reasonably priced" according to Beloit Daily News. The restaurant is open seven days a week at 4:00 p.m. Visit their website at merrillandhoustons.com which features everything you'll need to know and like them on Facebook at Merrill and Houston's Steak Joint.

500 Pleasant Street (@ Beloit Inn), Beloit, WI; (608) 313-0700.

4. O'RILEY & CONWAY'S IRISH PUB  - Addition to Open March 12th.

Coined Janesville's true Irish Pub, O'Riley & Conway's opened in March of 2010 and is doubling  its capacity with an addition that is expected to open March 12, 2013. Known for its authentic Irish fare, cozy atmosphere, and twenty-four featured tap beers and sixty scotches & whiskeys, you can't go wrong. The pub opens at 11:00 a.m. seven days a week, offers daily lunch specials, and a Happy Hour daily from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Visit their website at orileyandconways.com and like them on Facebook at O'Riley & Conway's Irish Pub.

214 W. Milwaukee Street (Downtown), Janesville, WI; (608) 554-4549.

5. QUAKER STEAK & LUBE - Opening Spring/Summer 2013.

If you haven't heard of it yet, you sure will be hearing about it soon. Quaker Steak and Lube is a family friendly restaurant with a motor sports-themed atmosphere. Commonly referred to as "The Lube," the restaurant is said to feature a unique blend of great service, award-winning food, super charged events and eye-popping decor. Visit their website at quakersteakandlube.com.

3111 Wellington Place (formerly Damon's), Janesville, WI; phone unknown.

6. RIVALS SPORTS BAR & GRILL - Open.

Located in the Denali's building in downtown Beloit, Rivals Sports Bar & Grill opened February 17th, 2013 after significant renovations. Offering daily food and drink specials along with your favorite sporting events on one of the six high definition TVs. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open Mon. thru Sun. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Like them on Facebook at Rivals Sports Bar & Grill.

443 E. Grand Avenue (@ Pleasant Street), Beloit, WI; (608) 299-8580.