Connors Steak & Seafood Celebrates Three Decades of Growth with Florida Expansion
Connors Steak & Seafood, one of the nation’s leading upscale-casual steakhouse concepts, is marking more than three decades of exceptional growth with an exciting expansion in Florida. The brand recently unveiled its new Tallahassee location and has announced plans for an upcoming restaurant in Naples, further cementing its reputation for delivering “Superior Dining Experiences. Every Day.”
Founded in 1992, Connors Steak & Seafood emerged with a simple yet ambitious vision: to serve the highest-quality steaks and freshest seafood in a warm, inviting environment where hospitality is as important as the food itself. Over the years, that vision has guided the brand’s expansion across the Southeast, with locations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida. Today, the company continues to blend culinary excellence with genuine customer care, creating a dining experience that is both memorable and consistently exceptional.
“From day one, our goal has been to combine quality ingredients, expert preparation, and heartfelt service,” said Rick Tasman, Chief Executive Officer of Connor Concepts. “Even as we expand into new markets, that same philosophy drives every decision we make. Our focus is always on providing a dining experience that our guests will want to return to again and again.”
Following highly successful openings in Louisville, Kentucky, and Alpharetta, Georgia, in 2023, Connors Steak & Seafood turned its attention to Florida, a state that has become a key growth market for the brand. The Tallahassee restaurant, which opened in spring 2025, has already earned accolades from both locals and critics alike, being named the best steakhouse in Tallahassee by Tallahassee Magazine. This recognition highlights not only the quality of the cuisine but also the brand’s ability to resonate with new communities.
The upcoming Naples location, scheduled to open in early 2026, promises to bring the same high standards and signature offerings to southwest Florida. Guests can expect a menu featuring USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood inspected under strict U.S.D.C. guidelines, and a curated selection of craft cocktails. The expansion into Naples is a strategic move, tapping into a vibrant market where diners appreciate premium ingredients, expert preparation, and a polished yet welcoming atmosphere.
“Florida has been incredibly welcoming to Connors Steak & Seafood,” said Mike Connor, Founder and Chairman of Connor Concepts. “With thriving locations in Fort Myers, Sarasota, and now Tallahassee, expanding further into this region was a natural progression. Our goal is to bring the Connors experience to communities that value quality dining and exceptional service.”
Connors Steak & Seafood’s reputation for excellence is backed by consistent national and regional recognition. The brand has earned a place on OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Loved Restaurants in America in both 2022 and 2023, as well as a spot on the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America in 2023. The Huntsville Business Journal named it the Best Upscale Restaurant in 2024, while the Sarasota location has been voted the best steakhouse by Sarasota Magazine nearly every year since 2019. These accolades reflect the brand’s commitment to maintaining high standards, regardless of location.
Currently, Connors Steak & Seafood operates 17 restaurants under both the Connors and The Chop House brands. This steady growth is not slowing down, with plans to open additional locations in 2026, including two new The Chop House restaurants in Alcoa, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama. Each location maintains the core philosophy of the brand: offering a welcoming environment, premium ingredients, and expertly prepared dishes that exceed guest expectations.
At every Connors Steak & Seafood location, the day begins at 11 a.m., with a thoughtfully curated lunch menu designed to showcase the same premium ingredients and careful preparation that define the dinner offerings. From hand-cut steaks cooked to perfection to freshly sourced seafood dishes, the menu is crafted to satisfy both casual diners and culinary connoisseurs. Beyond the food, the ambiance of each restaurant is carefully designed to create a relaxed yet refined dining environment, making it ideal for everything from business lunches to special celebrations.
The brand’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate. Staff at each location are trained to deliver service that embodies the brand’s values, ensuring that every guest feels valued and attended to. This dedication to hospitality has become a hallmark of the Connors experience, helping the brand build lasting relationships with its patrons and communities.
Expansion into new markets like Tallahassee and Naples also reflects a strategic approach to growth. By entering communities that demonstrate strong appreciation for quality dining and hospitality, Connors Steak & Seafood ensures that each new restaurant not only meets but exceeds the expectations of local diners. The success of past expansions demonstrates the effectiveness of this strategy, as new locations often quickly earn a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Looking ahead, Connors Steak & Seafood remains committed to its founding principles while embracing opportunities for innovation and growth. Whether through menu development, service enhancements, or community engagement, the brand continues to evolve without compromising the quality and integrity that have defined it for more than 30 years.
As Connors Steak & Seafood celebrates over three decades of success, its expansion in Florida serves as both a milestone and a statement of intent. The Tallahassee location’s early success and the upcoming Naples opening are evidence that the brand’s philosophy of quality, hospitality, and culinary excellence resonates across regions. With new locations on the horizon and a strong track record of growth, Connors Steak & Seafood is poised to continue delivering exceptional dining experiences to even more guests in the years to come.
For diners seeking a premier steakhouse experience in a welcoming and refined atmosphere, Connors Steak & Seafood remains a trusted destination. With each new restaurant, the brand strengthens its presence in the Southeast and reaffirms its promise: Superior Dining Experiences. Every Day.
