News Release McLean Pushes for Plaza III Opening before Gator Bowl Weekend Jacksonville, FL (December 20, 2005) Plaza III Kansas City Steakhouse Owner J. Bard McLean says he hopes to have his new downtown restaurant ready for business before the start of Gator Bowl Weekend, December 30 - but it's going to be close. "It's amazing the progress that we've made with this renovation in such a short period of time, but it always takes a bit longer than you expect with a project like this," McLean said.  "We may still have other bits of interior work to complete after we open, but we're counting down the days." The construction and expansion of the former Bravo! Restaurante, located on the ground level of the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront hotel, began in September.  When completed, the larger, 8,000-square-foot restaurant will have seating capacity for about 250 and a total capacity of about 360, which includes the bar and patio seating that overlooks the St. Johns River. Plaza III will also have a piano bar and lounge located at the front section of the restaurant, along with two rooms for private parties accommodating groups of 20 to 40 people. McLean's wife, Linda, is working on interior design elements at Plaza III, which McLean says will give the steakhouse a contemporary look - with wall colors and tiles that contrast the dark, rich mahogany wood throughout the restaurant. "Even through we're not open yet, people are already calling the Plaza III to order gift certificates for use after the holidays, which is a good sign of things to come," McLean said. The Plaza III Kansas City Steakhouse in Jacksonville, which originated in Kansas City, MO in 1963, will be the fourth in the United States.  The restaurant has been recognized among the "Top Ten of America's Steakhouses" by Zagats, and has received the Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence." The steakhouses are famous for the quality of their corn-fed beef; custom-selected by meat experts and aged in temperature-controlled, specially-designed beef lockers for 21-28 days to develop tenderness and exceptional flavor.  The restaurant offers an upscale menu including steaks, chops, and fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list including America's top 100 most popular wines. "We've got excellent managers and staff, all committed to customer service, which is going to compliment the reputation that Plaza III has already established across the country," McLean said. Restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays.  For reservations or gift-certificates, contact 598-0234.