By Melissa McCart Thu., Dec. 15 2011

Chef owner Anthony Pizzo, Brandon Belluscio, and Brian Albe are finalizing details to open Park Tavern, inspired by New York’s Gramercy Tavern and Worthing Park facing Atlantic Avenue.

The restaurant slated to open January 18 from the trio behind Cut 432 — which has earned multiple Best Steak House awards from New Times — features indoor and outdoor seating for 180 people. Belluscio designed the interior that will feature Edison lights, wood accents, galvanized steel, Chicago brick walls, butcher-block tables, black tufted booths, and concrete floors.

Partners have been working on the concept for six months, since they acquired the former Carlos & Pepe’s space.
“We have been discussing how the economy is not where it used to be, and I’m not sure it will ever come back to where it was,” said Pizzo. “We wanted to create a seasonally inspired, comfort food menu with sustainable ingredients.”

The trio hashed out plans in one session at Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern, the inspiration for their next concept. Gramercy Tavern has earned a bazillion accolades since it opened in the mid-’90s, including Zagat‘s “best restaurant” and three stars from the New York Times for simple, stylish cuisine in a polished yet homey dining room.

Pizzo said they’ll limit the menu to 30 items a season that will change four times a year with a price point from $4 to $38. “We want people to feel at home here, to treat it as if we’re cooking for them in our home,” said Pizzo. The website will be up and running Monday, with menus available online shortly thereafter.