A life-long friendship, turned business partnership, is bringing success back to home roots for two Langley boys with their newest venture, a restaurant called S + L Kitchen and Bar.
The steakhouse is officially holding its grand opening on Jan. 22 (Friday).
Located on 8399 200th Street in Langley, the steakhouse is a new concept for the Joseph Richard Group (JRG).
Compared to the Townhall public houses owned by the group, S + L is the first of its kind in the Lower Mainland.
“The overall concept is to bring a new twist to an old concept of a steakhouse,” said co-owner Ryan Richard Moreno.
Moreno and Andre Joseph Bourque are business partners and co-owners of JRG, and have been best friends since about Grade 4.
Moreno explained that choosing Langley as the opening location was a business decision, as “it was a good time for this location." It was also a personal choice.
Moreno grew up in Walnut Grove, and Bourque grew up nearby, in Surrey.
“I grew up in Langley, it’s our own backyard,” Moreno said.
“We have a lot of appreciative support.”
Moreno added that four more steakhouses are in the works, with the next location set in Fort McMurray.
Although the grand opening is set for Friday, the restaurant has been undergoing a soft opening for a bit – serving both lunch and dinner.
“One of the biggest comments was the price point and the menu items for lunch,” Moreno explained.
The lunch menu includes lighter items than typically found at a steakhouse such as sandwiches, and salad.
As for the more notable menu items, Moreno said that they’ve focused on good quality food and affordable pricing, all part of maintaining an “approachable atmosphere.”
The Wagyu beef, used in the Eye of Ribeye dish, as well as the Zabuton dish, comes from Snake River Farms in Boise, Idaho – one of the best beef suppliers in North America, noted Moreno.
JRG’s corporate chef is David Jorge, season two winner of Canadian television show Master Chef.
The Sablefish, a pan fried sablefish dressed with miso mayonnaise, was the dish that got Jorge on the show.
Jorge will be at the restaurant for opening weekend, Moreno said.
“I think the most special thing, is that Dave’s going to be there.”
The grand opening starts at 5:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Moreno added that the restaurant will not be taking reservations until Feb. 1.
