BARRINGTON, IL  --- Shoppers at Columbia Mall have another place for steaks and ribs.
GK Development, Inc., owner of Columbia Mall in Grand Forks, N.D., and Texas Roadhouse, have inked a deal bringing the full service restaurant to the regional shopping center.
The restaurant chain, known for its hand cut steaks and award winning ribs,  has built a new 7,135-square-foot restaurant on the south west side of the shopping center near 32nd Avenue.
“We’re pleased to bring Texas Roadhouse to the Grand Forks community. Having a moderately priced, family friendly restaurant within steps of the mall enhances the shopping experience at Columbia Mall and fulfills our goal of offering patrons an exciting mix of retail and entertainment options,” said Garo Kholamian, president of GK Development, Inc.
The restaurant seats 239 and features the chain’s signature menu of specially seasoned, aged, hand cut steaks cooked to order over open gas-fired grills.  Other selections include award-winning ribs, hamburgers, fish, chicken and vegetable plates, homemade side dishes and fresh baked bread.
“National chains recognize that Grand Forks, especially Columbia Mall, is a retail and entertainment magnet for a large geographical area. That makes the mall a very attractive location for Texas Roadhouse,” said Kholamian.
Texas Roadhouse is known for its lively atmosphere and large portions.  The eatery has been voted the number one steakhouse in America and the best steakhouse value and menu variety in recent consumer surveys.   The Louisville, Kentucky-based company operates in 235 locations in 43 states. The company has locations in Fargo and Bismarck.
Bringing a full service restaurant to the shopping center is the latest step in a series of improvements that GK Development has undertaken since the real estate firm acquired Columbia Mall in April 2004.
In March 2005 the company unveiled the Dakota Café, a spacious new food court, and renovated rest rooms and a new family rest room.
The firm also acquired the property formerly used and owned by Target Corporation and the property that includes the JC Penney building.
GK Development is aggressively marketing the balance of the Target space, roughly 84,000 square feet, to potential tenants who can offer new shopping experiences and complement the current tenant mix.
Columbia Mall boasts three major department stores and 70 specialty stores located on a single level.  Major tenants are Macy’s, JC Penney and Sears.