March 10, 2005 - R.J. Gator's adds a new flair to Fort Worth Dining

Hurst , TX - R.J. Gator's sprung to life in 1986 in the coastal Florida town of Jupiter. It specialized in serving seafood, chicken wings, and specialty sandwiches in an environment where locals and visitors alike could savor tasty pub food amid a rustic Everglades lodge theme where the real Florida comes to life.

The company, which is still based in Jupiter, currently has 21 locations - eight company-owned restaurants and 13 franchise locations. R.J. Gator's is known for Florida signature foods like Alligator Tail, Havana Banana Chicken with black beans and rice, Hand Made Coconut Shrimp with sweet plantains, and the Fresh Catch of the Day. The Alligator Alley Punch and a wide assortment of tropical drinks are also favorite menu items.

The diverse and unique menu concept was one of the elements that attracted Ft. Worth local Blake Brooks to sign on to franchise 3 R.J. Gator's locations in the Ft. Worth area. Blake seeks to bring a "different flair" to the restaurant scene in Ft. Worth with the addition of R.J. Gator's. "The concept offers locals an experience which does not currently exist with Chili's and Friday's situated on most corners," says Brooks.

The stuffed alligators and kitschy signs that adorn the walls are just some of the staples that provide guests the unique Florida Everglades lodge experience. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a woodsy, rustic and spacious log cabin. Waiters and waitresses, called Everglades Guides, wear shorts and bright shirts, and serve tasty delicacies like alligator tail and handmade coconut shrimp. The effect is a family-friendly, hometown grill atmosphere with Florida Everglades flair.

Blake Brooks chose a location with 6149 square feet of Florida fun. R.J. Gator's features 180 inside seats and another 82 exterior seats on two patios. Locals can soak up the sun on an open-air patio or feel the refreshing breeze on a covered patio. The indoor/outdoor dining options are another of the unique options guests have at R.J. Gator's.

In conjunction with the Grand Opening, R.J. Gator's will be hosting a friends and family night on Thursday followed by a VIP, invite-only dinner party on Friday night. Both the Mayor of Hurst and the Mayor of Ft. Worth are expected to be in attendance. On Saturday night Blake Brooks and the R.J. Gator's family will continue the corporate tradition of supporting local charities with a portion of proceeds from all sales going to benefit two local organizations. The first is Lone Star Gymnastics. Lone Star's gymnasts are between the ages of 4-16 and there are over 700 members. Dinner sales on Saturday night will also benefit L.D. Bell High School which boasts one of the areas strongest gymnastics programs.

R.J. Gator's public Grand Opening will be held on Monday March 14, 2005 at the first Ft. Worth location located at the Northeast Mall in Hurst . On Tuesday, Rebecca Hoffman from the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 am . The free-standing building is located right outside the mall between Nordstrom's and Dillard's. Hours of operation will be from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm .
 

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