Culinary Growth: Staks Kitchen Expands to Arlington, Embracing Evening Hours and Fresh Concepts
Staks Kitchen, the brainchild of FedEx pilot and franchisee Nick Bolander, is set to expand its culinary footprint next year with the opening of a new location in Arlington. Bolander, inspired by his early experiences in the restaurant industry, launched the Collierville Staks in March and is now gearing up for the Arlington venture, expected to open by mid-April.
The Arlington establishment, the sixth in the Staks Kitchen concept, is currently under construction at The Shops at Arlington Village retail center, situated on the southeast corner of Airline Road and Milton Wilson Boulevard. Taking over the former Posh Lighting space at 5226 Airline Road, the restaurant aims to tap into the growing community dynamics of Arlington, where recent developments include the opening of a new Baptist emergency department, medical office complex, and various businesses.
Despite the challenges faced by the previous tenant, Posh Lighting, Bolander sees potential in the location, citing the ongoing development in the area. With projects like the $100 million Providence Place and the $700 million Hawthorne on the horizon, Arlington is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
Staks Kitchen, known for its from-scratch kitchen and emphasis on fresh ingredients, currently operates four locations in the Memphis area and one in Auburn, Alabama. The Arlington expansion marks a strategic move, offering evening hours and a bar and grill menu, a departure from the brand’s original association with breakfast. Bolander is confident that the Arlington community’s growth aligns well with Staks Kitchen’s plans for expansion.
Highlighting the commitment to quality, Bolander emphasized the kitchen’s focus on preparing dishes from scratch, particularly their signature fresh chicken, which is battered upon order and either fried or grilled. The Arlington location is also set to feature a covered front patio, equipped with heating for the winter months.
Looking ahead, Bolander, who holds franchise rights for Staks Kitchen in the Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska markets, envisions further expansion, possibly in Huntsville, Alabama, or Jackson, Tennessee, as the brand continues to carve its niche in the regional culinary scene.