SAUGUS — You may not be greeted by fiberglass cows, but an American-style grill that serves beef is slated to open at the former Hilltop Steak House site.
110 Grill will fill a 5,600 square foot space in the retail section of AvalonBay Communities’ planned development on the 13.9-acre site on Route 1. Lease agreements are still being finalized, but the restaurant is expected to open in early 2019, said attorney Karen Simao, on behalf of AvalonBay.
“We know that this is a location where there is a need for a restaurant operation,” Simao said. “We also know that the town continues to grow, the population continues to grow, and that with this site alone we’re adding 280 units. We’re having an influx of population that will have a direct need at this location.”
Developers wanted a restaurant that offered an upscale family-friendly environment where people could afford to eat multiple times each week, said Siamo. 110 Grill fit the bill.
The $100 million development will include a 24,000-square-foot, one-story building that will house multiple shops, and three four-story residential buildings that will be built toward the the rear of the lot.There will also be a one-story clubhouse with an outdoor swimming pool.
The Hilltop Steakhouse’s liquor license is now in AvalonBay’s name, but will be quickly transferred to the restaurant once agreements are finalized, she said.
On its website, 110 Grill said it’s locations have a comfortable, yet upscale and casual atmosphere, featuring open kitchens, large horse-shoe shaped bars, and outdoor patios with firepits.
Menu items range from crispy fried pickle chips for $7 to swordfish for $24. Also listed are tater tot poutine for $8, roasted beet salad for $10, turkey, salmon, or classic burgers for $13, and pulled pork mac and cheese for $16.
The entire core menu, developed in party by culinary director Elliot Williams, can be made gluten free, according to the website.
The restaurant owners must go before the Board of Selectmen for the transfer of the license once agreements are finalized, and for any alterations to the original floor plan. Simao said that could include the addition of a private dining room and outdoor seating.
110 Grill has locations in Berlin, Braintree, Chelmsford, Fall River, Haverhill, Hopkinton, Leominster, Marlboro, Wayland, Nashua, New Hampshire, and Rochester, New Hampshire.
An additional restaurant is slated to open in Stratham, New Hampshire this month. Locations in Athol, Worcester, Woburn, Wrentham, Maynard, West Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Newburgh, New York are expected to open next year.
The grill will be one of two food establishments within the development. The other is a coffee shop complete with a drive-thru window that has not yet been identified because agreements are not finalized, said Simao.
