Argentinian fast-casual coming to the John’s Country Kitchen space in Plaza Midwood
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Coaltrane’s, an Argentinian flavor chargrill-style fast-casual restaurant, will take the space formerly occupied by John’s Country Kitchen on Central Avenue in Plaza Midwood. This fast casual restaurant is targeting an early June grand opening.
The structural bones of John’s Country Kitchen are beautiful.
You’ll order in the back left of the space. The ground floor will Coaltrane’s will have dining tables. Additionally, the restaurant will have a mezzanine floor and a second story rooftop back patio with a gorgeous view of our skyline.
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This will be Coaltrane’s second location. Their first location opened in the EpiCentre this past summer.
For those who haven’t been, I’d describe Coaltrane’s as a Argentinian flavored Viva Chicken. Popular menu items include: Stuffed Avocado, 1/4 Chicken with rice and side and Pulled Chicken Sandwich on Ciabatta.
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The owners behind Coaltrane’s are Mike Libretto of Libretto’s fame and Mario Flynn of Pint Central and Neighborhood Theatre. These two guys have previous invested and worked together on joint ventures like the new Uptown bar Flight.
“The space and restaurant will reflect the character of the neighborhood,” Mike told me. “It’ll be family friendly and I’d love it to have a bluesy chicken vibe.” Expect live jazz, exposed brick and murals by Matt Hooker and Matt Moore.
Coaltrane’s will be restaurant-first, not bar-first. They’ll serve beer and wine, not liquor.
John’s Country Kitchen was a Plaza Midwood institution and the neighborhood’s expectations are high.
I know what you’re thinking – “Ugh, an EpiCentre-style, knock-off Viva Chicken is taking one of the best spaces in Plaza Midwood.” I disagree, here’s why.
Mike and Mario aren’t dumb. They understand hospitality, culture and the vibe of Plaza Midwood. I could tell from my conversation with them that they’re out to prove something. Both men are already successful and this Coaltrane’s project is personal. I got the feeling that the execution of Coaltrane’s at the EpiCentre doesn’t come close to their shared vision for the brand.
Coaltrane’s has the opportunity to become Plaza Midwood’s go-to fast casual restaurant with a family-friendly music vibe and a uniquely designed space that matches the intimacy of Soul Gastrolounge’s space.
Now it’s up to Mike and Mario to deliver.