A cut above Outback Steakhouse, but not quite Ruth’s Chris Steak House, that’s how Stephen Loftis, Vice President of Marketing for Firebirds Wood Fired Grill describes the new steakhouse coming this fall to Austin Landing. “It’s a higher-end offering, but not quite White tablecloth,” says Loftis.
The chain, which began in Charlotte, North Carolina and was was founded by two former Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon guys, co-founder Dennis Thompson and former president Doug Glendenning in 2000. They expect to have 40 restaurants by the end of 2014. With a location in Youngstown and one soon to open at Polaris in Columbus, Dayton would be the 3rd Ohio location, with a fall opening planned.
According to Loftis, the Austin landing location will bring 85-100 new jobs to 
the area and seat about 230 guests and will feature a patio with a fireplace. RG President Randy Gunlock says “this will be a great addition to the already successful line-up we are featuring and a perfect fit with the kind of atmosphere we are hoping to create at Austin Landing.”
The heart of the menu is steaks, which are hand-cut in the restaurant, such as the chile-rubbed delmonico. The menu also includes burgers, chicken, ribs, seafood and fish. Loftis said the sesame-crusted salmon is another favorite. 
The cooking is done on a wood-fired grill. For lighter fare, there are entree salads. Appetizers include a lobster-spinach queso dip while desserts are headlined with a creme brulée cheesecake.
The average check is $25 at dinner, $17 at lunch if you’re ordering from the grill, less if you’re getting one of the entree salads. A focal point of the decor will be the restaurant’s wall of wine with more than 100 bottles stacked horizontally and the “fire bar” backed with a “waterfall of bottles” on glass shelving.
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