Walt Disney World Officially Announces STK Orlando Steakhouse

[Figment!]

The Walt Disney World resort has confirmed rumours of a forthcoming STK steakhouse for the Disney Springs development.

ONE Group Hospitality Inc. and the Walt Disney World resort have made the following joint Press Release:

New Restaurant Projected to Open in 2015

ONE Group Hospitality Inc. and Walt Disney World Press Release
December 17, 2014

NEW YORK, NY – The ONE Group Hospitality Inc., known for developing upscale, high-energy restaurants, today announced plans to open a STK in Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. STK Orlando is expected to open in The Landing at Disney Springs in 2015, with the full completion of Disney Springs expected in 2016.

The new STK will be located within the waterfront setting of The Landing at Disney Springs, a completely re-imagined shopping, dining and entertainment complex that will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney. The Landing is the first phase of Disney Springs and will be home to unique and memorable dining experiences such as STK, Morimoto Asia and The BOATHOUSE, plus a number of still-to-be-announced innovative restaurants and boutique shops.

STK’s unique ambiance blends the elements of a modern steakhouse with a sleek lounge, including a DJ, emphasizing a social, fun environment. At approximately 14,000 square feet, the Orlando outpost will be one of the largest STK locations. STK Orlando will have two dining floors—including a main level and the only rooftop dining venue in Disney Springs.

“We are thrilled to join the Disney Springs family with the launch of STK Orlando,” said Jonathan Segal, CEO of The ONE Group. “The combination of an innovative menu and high-energy atmosphere has driven the success of STK, and we believe it will be an ideal addition to Disney Springs, and will help further cement its status as a place for friends and family to gather for fine dining and entertainment.”

Segal added, “Our entrance into the Orlando market represents another example of our continued growth strategy. We remain on track with our expansion plans for 2015 and hope to continue to partner with exciting world-class brands like Walt Disney Parks and Resorts moving forward.”

“STK Orlando is a welcome new addition to Disney Springs. With its innovative, high-energy atmosphere, STK is the perfect complement to our growing array of dining, entertainment and shopping offerings,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort.

About The ONE Group

The ONE Group is a global hospitality company that develops and operates upscale, high-energy restaurants and lounges and provides hospitality management services for hotels, casinos and other high-end venues both nationally and internationally. The ONE Group’s primary restaurant brand is STK ®, a modern twist on the American steakhouse concept with locations in major metropolitan cities throughout the U.S. and in London. STK Rebel SM, a more accessibly priced STK ® with a broader menu, is an extension of the STK ® brand. The ONE Group’s food and beverage hospitality services business, ONE Hospitality SM, provides the development, management and operations for premier restaurants and turn-key food and beverage services within high-end hotels and casinos.

About Disney Springs

Representing the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, Disney Springs will be a one-of-a-kind Disney experience, treating guests by day and night to great dining, shopping and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm. With an air of sophisticated grace and design that harkens to Florida’s waterfront towns at the turn-of-the-century, Disney Springs will be home to four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods opening in phases: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace and West Side. The Landing, as the first of the four neighborhoods and home to unique and memorable dining, is scheduled to open in spring 2015. When fully completed in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues – from the current 70 to approximately 150.

[Scar]

High-energy restaurant?

[Butters]

Not sur if I'm in the minority here but I'm tired of the new restoraunts being touted as improvements. I don't fly half way across the country to eat at a new steakhouse. Give us some new attractions and entertainment options!!!

[Hammer]

Not sur if I'm in the minority here but I'm tired of the new restoraunts being touted as improvements. I don't fly half way across the country to eat at a new steakhouse. Give us some new attractions and entertainment options!!!

A large portion of DTD has always been about restaurants and shopping. It is not one of the theme parks. I like the type of shops they are bringing to DTD/Disney Springs. Look to be more upscale dining options, which I tend to prefer.

Not to mention, there are new or revamped attractions and entertainment coming to AK, Epcot and DHS. MK just had the additions to Fantasyland. Now, if none of these changes do not appeal to you, that is a whole other issue.

[AllyMonkey]

STK’s unique ambiance blends the elements of a modern steakhouse with a sleek lounge, including a DJ, emphasizing a social, fun environment. At approximately 14,000 square feet, the Orlando outpost will be one of the largest STK locations. STK Orlando will have two dining floors—including a main level and the only rooftop dining venue in Disney Springs.

A DJ in a Steakhouse? That doesn't sound like a very relaxing dinner atmosphere to me. Maybe I'm just getting too old and crotchety (in my 30's). And I'm a little skeptical about rooftop dining in Florida- home of the surprise afternoon downpour. Even with a roof, sounds like your meal could be a little damp.

[big blue and hairy]

If you want to avoid the "hip, high energy" part go earlier. I have been to the STK in Miami several times and let me tell you, the food is absolutely fantastic! Quite expensive, but ridiculously good.

I don't know if there will be some cover or not, but rooftop looking out at the water in Disney Springs sounds pretty nice, and quite possibly and little less "high energy"

[Scar]

OK, perhaps I was a little too vague.

Could someone please explain to me what exactly a "high energy" restaurant is?

[BrerGnat]

OK, perhaps I was a little too vague.

Could someone please explain to me what exactly a "high energy" restaurant is?

Loud. Like a bar/nightclub that serves great food.

[Scar]

And people (families) actually want to eat at a place like that?

[BrerGnat]

And people (families) actually want to eat at a place like that?

It's probably not supposed to be a "family" place. Not everything on Disney property had to be geared towards families. I think part of the focus of this DtD/PI renovation is to bring back some "adult" places.

Of course this place won't turn kids away, but by its nature will probably keep many families away.

[BrerGnat]

This place is very pricey. They serve high quality food and drinks. It is not going to attract many families anyway.

[Butters]

A large portion of DTD has always been about restaurants and shopping. It is not one of the theme parks. I like the type of shops they are bringing to DTD/Disney Springs. Look to be more upscale dining options, which I tend to prefer.

Not to mention, there are new or revamped attractions and entertainment coming to AK, Epcot and DHS. MK just had the additions to Fantasyland. Now, if none of these changes do not appeal to you, that is a whole other issue.

Not just the DTD change but the parks you mentioned too...

Epcot - new dining experience in Mexico, morocco, France and one new ride replacement in over a year

HS - nothing announced yet except closures and a new movie ending to GMR

AK - new sit down connected to pizzafari new QS in Africa, and rumor of another dining option once Pandora happens... 2 rides opening in the next 2 years

MK - although new fantasyland is nice what we got was a restaurant a QS food stand (Gastons) and 2 new rides. Overall I do see this as a nice upgrade. We also just got a new HM gift shop.

My complaint is they are focusing the changes on restaurants and gift shops since it creates more opportunities to spend money. If they don't focus more on attractions and entertainment there will be less incentive to make the trip down there.

My opinion is the value is decreasing for me with every trip and we are starting to look for other travel destinations on a more regular basis.

[mechanic]

If the the other locations are " expensive" it boggles my mind to think how much it would cost at disney village marketplace. (Oops , yes I am old). I have no desire to eat anywhere thats high energy.

[big blue and hairy]

And people (families) actually want to eat at a place like that?

Like I said, early, probably fine for family with more uptempo background music. Later, it's more clubby.

STK is really less a family place than a high priced adult place. That doesn't mean families couldn't enjoy it, but it's not the focus.

[firefan43]

Not everyone is going to WDW with kids. Wife and I love going there, and we love the food at the more upscale restaurants. And yes, the food IS an attraction to us.

[Butters]

Not everyone is going to WDW with kids. Wife and I love going there, and we love the food at the more upscale restaurants. And yes, the food IS an attraction to us.

I agree dining adds to trips with or without kids, we enjoy sit downs daily on our trips.... But a new steakhouse will not entice me to fly across country as much as a new attraction will. Also if I'm traveling to experience more upscale food I would prefer an adult trip to Vegas.

[Hammer]

I agree dining adds to trips with or without kids, we enjoy sit downs daily on our trips.... But a new steakhouse will not entice me to fly across country as much as a new attraction will. Also if I'm traveling to experience more upscale food I would prefer an adult trip to Vegas.

Downtown Disney, and now Disney Springs, also caters to locals, not just WDW vacationers. I suspect these new restaurants could be very popular with locals.

[Scallywag]

Not sur if I'm in the minority here but I'm tired of the new restoraunts being touted as improvements. I don't fly half way across the country to eat at a new steakhouse. Give us some new attractions and entertainment options!!!

Good point.

[big blue and hairy]

Not sur if I'm in the minority here but I'm tired of the new restoraunts being touted as improvements. I don't fly half way across the country to eat at a new steakhouse. Give us some new attractions and entertainment options!!!

Well, an "improvement" isn't necessarily an "oh my god, we have to go now!" thing. It was certainly an improvement when WDW finally caught up and put free wi-fi throughout the resort, would that make you fly across the country?

[Butters]

Well, an "improvement" isn't necessarily an "oh my god, we have to go now!" thing. It was certainly an improvement when WDW finally caught up and put free wi-fi throughout the resort, would that make you fly across the country?

Agreed, but at least I don't have to pay for the wi-fi (yet ). Restoraunts and gift shops are only being built in such quantities to gain a quick ROI on their investment.