After 25 years as a North Shore landmark known for quality food and excellent service, Chuck’s Steak House at Princeville Shopping Center closed earlier this month.
A few weeks later, it reopened, as CJ’s Steak & Seafood, under new ownership and familiar management. The new owners are Chuck’s long-time manager Jeff Powers, and Hanalei resident Craig Schafer.
“We were very pleased by the first night’s turnout,” said Powers. “Over the 25 years we were in business as Chuck’s Steak House, our regular customers have come to expect a dining experience characterized by exceptional service and quality food,” he said.
“When word got out that CJ’s Steak & Seafood would be operated by the same staff with substantially the same menu, their response was overwhelmingly positive.”
Powers was able to reopen quickly when the entire staff of 23 employees all agreed to return. “Most of our staff has worked at this restaurant for many years, including some with over 20 years of service,” Powers continued.
“With this kind of continuity, it wasn’t difficult to put together a partnership to keep the restaurant open.”
“As a long-time customer of the restaurant, I’ve known Jeff and most of his staff for many years,” said Schafer. “When Jeff approached me to become a partner, I didn’t hesitate. All I needed to hear was that Jeff planned to continue offering the same excellent prime rib, steaks, seafood and high level of service that has kept me coming back,” Schafer said.
The new year will bring a plan for extensive refurbishment of the restaurant, beginning in the spring, the partners said. The plan is to keep the same, classic steakhouse atmosphere, but update the decor and make extensive repairs to the operating areas like the kitchen and bar.
Special attention will be given to the main entrance, where restaurant customers will find a new, open and inviting waiting area and hostess station.
“Jeff and I have heard over and over from long-time customers that they really don’t want to see many changes,” Schafer said.
“I think our renovation plan will give CJ’s Steak & Seafood an exciting new look, but keep the same comfortable feel in the dining areas that our clientele expects.”
CJ’s Steak & Seafood is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays for lunch, and 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week for dinner.
The dinner menu features broiler-prepared steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, chicken, pork ribs, lamb chops, lobster, crab and fresh-caught local seafood. A similar, wide variety of lunch items are served weekdays.
For reservations and more information, please call 826-6211.
