Walnut Grill in Collier getting a makeover

Walnut Grill in Collier is temporarily closed.

The establishment is expected to reopen in a few months with a new name, a new look and a new menu concept.

“It is time for something different,” said Kirk Vogel, president and co-founder of Walnut Grill Holdings, which owns the restaurant. “We love the location and that it is in an area that connects so many municipalities that we have supported and been embedded in for the past 10 years.”

Vogel said they’ve been reevaluating all the restaurants over the past few years and decided to make a change to this one. He and his co-partners spend time in each of the spaces and make suggestions. The plan is to open in the spring. Diners will notice a difference in decor outside and inside, he said.

It will have a new name and the atmosphere will be casual. He can’t reveal the name or the concept just yet, he said.

The Collier restaurant is being considered a rebranding project. It will remain under the same ownership group. The other locations are doing well in Washington, Robinson, Pine and Fox Chapel, as well as St. Louis, Mo., and Charlotte, N.C. The original Shadyside restaurant on Walnut Street is now part of Shady Grove.

“We are keeping all of the details close to the chest until we have everything fully defined,” Vogel said. “It will be a shiny new concept and very community-driven. It will be a fun place for everyone with some cool bells and whistles.”

He said both patios would be utilized. They plan to hire 60 to 70 people and employees at some of the other restaurants might come and work there. Some restaurant workers lost trust in the industry during the pandemic, Vogel said.

“All of the shutdowns really hurt,” he said. “But things are improving.”

Details: www.eatwalnut.com