C/O Fortu's Instagram
Now, a new pan-Asian steakhouse concept is finally opening at 95 Central Ave.
Fortu is the latest concept from Benson Hospital Group and local restaurateur Shan Bakrac, owner of other St. Pete concepts like Top Slice Pizzeria and Black Cattle Burger Co..
Fortu has undergone some design changes since its original announcement last August.
Initially presented as a restaurant with sleek red-and-black interiors and Japanese inspired undertones, Corey Rose, Culinary Operations at Benson Hospitality Group, told St. Pete Rising Fortu will now feature lighter Earth tones—beige and brown—plus dark wood accents.
“I think it looks a lot better than the red and black we had originally envisioned,” Rose added.
The ceiling will be adorned with lantern style pendant lighting, with Fortu’s logo, a stylized F resembling a Torii—the traditional Japanese gate often found at the entrance of a shrine—on the back wall.
Fortu’s menu has an assortment of land and sea dishes, including Lobster Dynamite, miso sea bass, a raw bar, Korean fried chicken, hot & sour beef, and roasted pork collar. There’s also a speciality wagyu menu highlighting cuts, such as striploin, coulotte, tenderloin, and skirt steak.
The bar will focus on serving high-end Japanese whiskeys, cocktails, sake and wines, such as the Japanese Highball and Milk Punch.
Between its indoor and outdoor seating areas, Fortu can accommodate nearly 200 guests at one time. The basement under Fortu however will still remain El Cante, a Latin themed speakeasy.
With its opening date expected sometime in September, Fortu has started hiring for various positions on its staff, including server, host, prep and line cooks, and more.
Those interested in applying should email resumes to [email protected].
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