New restaurant on U.S. 41 in North Naples opens for lunch and dinner: What to know

J. Alexander’s debuted Jan. 10 with a line out the door. It’s the first Naples outpost of the chain’s 30 locations scattered across the country.

Tom and Lynn Duchardt wanted to be the first guests, because after "endlessly watching" the building’s construction progress, he is “overjoyed” that J. Alexander’s finally opened. The recently retired couple travel extensively and have visited 10 locations through the years.

“The food is outstanding, the service is excellent,” Mr. Duchardt said.

The two sat near the enormous kitchen window, just one of the myriad seating areas in the expansive space decorated with local art accents. A private dining room for 25 takes over Buca de Beppo’s former kitchen along U.S. 41.

J. Alexander veteran takes over North Naples kitchen

Heading the culinary team is executive chef Morgan Couch, a J. Alexander’s veteran who’s “excited to take Naples by storm.” He previously worked at the chain’s King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Lexington, Kentucky, locales.

Several times a day, Couch leads the “tasting plate,” where the entire culinary team meets while prepping to ensure everything from soups to sauces is consistent in quality.

Josh Kern is the CEO of SPB Hospitality, encompassing 15 restaurant brands, including J. Alexander’s and Logan’s Roadhouse; the closest one is in Fort Myers.

Kern explained how J. Alexander’s is different from other similar corporate concepts.

“It’s on the cutting edge of the upscale dining category in terms of a casual chain, where service meets the high standards of culinary. Since day one, each location is a scratch-made kitchen.”

“The heartbeat is what the team has been doing in terms of training. They're educated to look our guests in the eye and make sure that when people set foot in this restaurant, they are taken care of in a warm and inviting way,” said Kern.

Several items, including a shrimp cocktail and a kale salad, are unique to Naples. Given the city’s Gulf location, more seafood specials will be offered. Kern's favorite is baked “Brasserie Chicken” ($28), a tricky protein for many restaurants because of the time between cooking the bird and delivering the dish to the table to maintain its juiciness.

What to know

Prices range $14 to $24 for appetizers and salads; handhelds are $17 to $25 for a cold-water Maine lobster; mains are $31 to $54 for surf and turf. The vast wine list boasts more by-the-glass and bottle selections than typically offered at similar restaurant concepts. Top-shelf craft cocktails are priced $13 to $16.

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Reservations are suggested during season and bookable through Resy. There’s ample parking too.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; until 9 p.m. Sunday.

(8860 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-778-9095; jalexanders.com)

Food and restaurant writer Diana Biederman reminds readers this story is a "what to expect" preview, not a review. To connect, email [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: The new J. Alexander's restaurant in North Naples - what to know