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The perfect match for the mall
By CHRISTINA K. COSDON, Times Staff Writer
Published November 25, 2007
Matchstick Grill & Bar is the newest addition to the dining options at Largo Mall. The building will be familiar to many customers because it housed the popular Durango Steakhouse for many years. Matchstick offers an extensive menu with a wide variety of food and prices. The business is owned by the Bullards, a local family long involved in development and the hospitality industry. Burton Bullard, the sixth of seven Bullard children, is the guiding hand behind the new Matchstick, as well as behind the four Durango restaurants located in Brevard County and Atlanta. Call 727 585-1816 or visit www.matchstickgrill.com. Why did you decide to change the concept of the restaurant? The restaurant was in need of a remodeling and we thought it was a good time to do a rebranding. The steak business has been tough the last few years. Fuel, grain and the cost of steak for our top sirloin has gone up 50 percent in the last five years. We still have the steaks on the menu, but we're giving our guests more options and more opportunity for variety." What was your vision for the new restaurant? Something a little bit more fun and contemporary but with a nod to the Old West feel that we had, as well as a change in style and type of menu. What did it cost to convert the restaurant? It was a cosmetic remodeling. We used a lot of paint and tile. We put in new booths, tables and chairs. In all, it only cost about $40,000. How did you come up with the name Matchstick? As the saying goes, I was driving to work one day, listening to a song. I'm sure it had something about lighting a fire or a match. What are the restaurant hours and how many employees do you have? We're open from 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, with entertainment every Sunday from 9 p.m. to midnight. We have 50 employees. What are some of the menu choices? Appetizers include fried green tomatoes for $6.95 and jumbo lump crab cakes for $9.95. Among the soups and salads are white bean chicken chili soup, $4.50, and Pacific rim chicken salad, $9.95. Favorites include Tumbleweed Pork Chops, $11.95, grilled chicken cordon bleu, $11.45, and chicken pot pie, $9.95. Other choices include fajitas, seafood, pasta, steaks, barbecue, sandwiches and wraps, burgers, house-made Key lime pie and a banana split. Christina K. Cosdon can be reached at cosdon@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4154. If you go: Matchstick Grill & Bar Largo Mall 10500 Ulmerton Road (727) 585-1816 Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
[Last modified November 24, 2007, 21:36:49]
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