News Release Plaza III Steakhouse Opens, Donates to Juvenile Diabetes through Feb. Jacksonville, FL (December 30, 2005) Plaza III The Steakhouse, a Kansas City tradition, located at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel opened today at 5 p.m. - completing an aggressive four-month construction and remodeling project just in time for Gator Bowl Weekend. Owner J. Bard McLean says the opening is a "dream come true." "I've wanted to open a Plaza III here since I worked on the original restaurant opening in Kansas City in 1986," said McLean.  "We still have other bits of interior work to complete, but despite that we're going to make a great impression to our first guests over the weekend." McLean says they sold more than $10,000 in gift certificates before the restaurant even opened its doors. More than 20 pictures of historic Jacksonville are located throughout the 8,000-square-foot restaurant, which will seat 250 out of a total capacity of about 360 - which includes two rooms for private parties of 20 to 40 people and the bar and patio seating that overlooks the St. Johns River. McLean's wife, Linda, coordinated the interior design elements at Plaza III, creating a contemporary look with wall colors and tiles that contrast the dark, rich mahogany wood throughout the restaurant. McLean also announced that the restaurant will make a donation of 10 to 20 percent on all dinner purchases from now until February 28 on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  "My general manager's son suffers from this disease, and it has made us more aware of the impact it has on children, so we decided our opening months would give us the best opportunity to raise funds for this important non-profit agency," 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 and offer an upscale menu including steaks, chops, and fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list including America's top 100 most popular wines. Restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.  For reservations, contact 598-0234.