A Sugarfire Smokehouse is scheduled to open in Arnold near the start of the new year.
Gregg Medeiros, who owns the location along with Tom Lombardo, Tyson Long and John Brauch, said the restaurant is scheduled to open Jan. 2 at 2204 Michigan Ave. in the Water Tower Place and Shoppes Center. That 5,300-square-foot space used to house a Super China Buffet restaurant.
“We are very excited about opening in Jefferson County,” Medeiros said. “It has been over a year since we started looking at this location. We are very excited to finally be at the end of the race.”
He said the owners plan to employ up to 70 people at the restaurant. He said those interested in applying may send resumes to careers@sugarfire55.com or by fill out an application at sugarfiresmokehouse.com.
“We have been hiring for weeks, and we are seeing a good response,” Medeiros said on Dec. 12.
The Arnold location will be the 16th Sugarfire Smokehouse.
The menu will include barbecue and other items the chain of restaurants has become known for since opening its first location in O’Fallon, Ill., in 2017.
The restaurant will sell brisket, baby back ribs, turkey, salmon and pulled pork with chef-inspired side options that change daily.
The restaurant also offers a double-pattied burger, which has grass-fed beef blended with a mix of chuck, brisket and boneless short rib, hand-patted and griddle seared. The chain also has specialty sandwiches, like the Big Muddy made of brisket, smoked sausage, horseradish sauce, BBQ sauce, lettuce and pickles, along with the Brisket Cheesesteak, a Philly-inspired sandwich served with brisket, onions, peppers and cheese on a hoagie roll.
The restaurant also will serve pies made by co-founder and pastry chef Carolyn Downs, including her famous pecan pie.
Along with Missouri and Illinois, Sugarfire has locations in Colorado, Texas, Florida and Iowa.
“We will run most of our most popular specials that opening week, including the Cuban Reuben, which won the 2020 Best Sandwich in the World competition,” Medeiros said.
Leading up to the Arnold opening, Sugarfire will offer giveaways and provide updates about the restaurant on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @Sugarfire55.
