Shula’s 347 Grill now is open nightly for dinner and brings a hip and energetic atmosphere to the South Miami and Gables restaurant scene.
With its large, high impact bar, flat screen televisions, warm atmosphere and signature menu, Shula’s 347 Grill quickly has become a socializing hot spot and the perfect dinner destination.
Shula’s 347 Grill, named in honor of NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s 347 career victories, is the newest concept among the four brands of Shula’s Steak Houses. The new Coral Gables location, situated on the corner of Red Road and San Ignacio, is the 11th Shula’s 347 Grill among the chain’s 31 total restaurants.
“We knew that this particular Shula’s concept would be a wonderful addition to this area,” said Francesco Balli, managing partner. “Whether you’re stopping by the bar for appetizers and cocktails or planning a nice meal out, there’s something on the menu to fit everyone’s mood and budget. We’ve had a great response from the community.”
Bringing the popular franchise to the neighborhood is an all-star team of locals that Balli describes as a “winning group of successful business men and community leaders.” They include five partners, Charlie Martinez, Eddie Garcia, Pepe Garcia, Tom Cabrerizo and Ignacio Garcia- Menocal.
Rounding out the winning team is general manager John Kulhanjian, also known as “JK,” and executive chef Bret Hessler. Kulhanjian is the former owner of the Roasted Pepper in Broward and later spent three years as “head coach” of Shula’s Steak House in Miami Lakes. Balli said that JK “is a born leader and veteran in the restaurant business.”
“Hessler is a superb chef who, coming from Smith & Wollensky, brings his fine dining experience and standards of the highest caliber to the table,” Balli continued. “Customer service excellence is a top priority for our team.”
The menu at Shula’s 347 Grill features gourmet salads, fresh fish, burgers, sandwiches and the best beef money can buy — the Shula Cut steaks.
“If you’ve eaten at Shula’s before, you already know that you’ll enjoy a high quality meal,” Balli said. “Combine those Shula’s standards with great pricing and you can’t miss.”
Menu options at Shula’s 347 Grill include an eight-ounce filet and two sides for $34 or a Premium Black Angus Beef cheeseburger and a side for $11. Jumbo stone crabs also will be offered on the menu during season.
Signature appetizers, such as Barbecue Shrimp, Crispy Ravioli and Blackened Tenderloin Tips, start at $9 and are served quickly. Great salad choices, with or without a protein, are perfect for a light dinner or can be ordered as a half salad to accompany an entrée.
Shula’s 347 Grill offers some 60-70 choices of wine by the bottle and more than 20 exceptional wines by the glass, including the popular Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether having a glass of wine or a signature martini, the bar area is the perfect gathering spot for business types, groups or individuals looking for a warm atmosphere to “see and be seen.”
“The bar seats 35 and is the largest bar in the area,” Balli added.
The atmosphere at Shula’s 347 Grill is casual and full of energy. After an extensive renovation, the 6,500-square-foot space features warm woods, earth tones, black granite, leather seating and black and white “old Miami” photos adorning the walls. Sliding glass doors will be opened during the coming months to give the lounge area an indoor/outdoor feeling. The restaurant also offers a private dining area with a private entrance that is perfect for parties of 10 to 50.
“People who knew Jake’s will be amazed at the level of changes in the space,” Balli said.
Shula’s 347 Grill is open Monday through Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 3 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. It is located across from Sunset Place at 6901 Red Rd. in Coral Gables and the phone number is 1-888-97-SHULAS or 305-665-9661.
