Business Profile: Char Steakhouse – Mahopac
For Rick Megna, owning a seafood restaurant in Mahopac the past 12 years has proven to be a worthwhile venture. Now the restaurant owner is looking to give steak a try, too.
Last Thursday, Megna held the grand opening for his latest restaurant, Char Steakhouse along Bryant Pond Road in Mahopac. After finding the right space, and having the willingness to take on another restaurant, Megna is looking forward to Char Steakhouse becoming a staple in the Putnam County community, just like his other restaurant, Rick’s Seafood has become.
“I’ve wanted to do a steakhouse in the area,” Megna said. “I thought it’d be a good compliment to what I was already doing and I love the space here so I had the opportunity to come and renovate it.”
In a location that used to house a hotel, as well other food service businesses, Megna likes the fact it’s right near the Taconic State Parkway. His restaurant is one of the first spots drivers will see.
While Megna loves his seafood restaurant, he eventually had the urge to expand his trademark. In contrast to Rick’s Seafood, Megna calls Char Steakhouse a “different type of dining experience.” With a bar, along with plenty of dining space, Megna said that the steakhouse is more of a complete dining experience.
And he’s also making sure to bring some of his seafood expertise and cuisine to his new spot with a raw bar and other fresh seafood.
“It’s a good marriage,” Megna said. “Seafood and steak, it kind of covers all the bases. I was just excited to do something new, something different.”
On the menu, besides a wide range of steak and seafood, the steakhouse also offers a martini list with fresh fruits. During the grand opening Thursday, Megna said everyone who attended was impressed with the variety, along with the “ambiance and décor.”
Megna grew up in Katonah and has lived in Mahopac the past 15 years, with two children currently going through the school district. Unlike some owners, Megna has the advantage that he’s already well known and established in the community from the other restaurant. Megna also has a restaurant in Long Island.
Growing up, the restaurant business wasn’t a particular interest of Megna, but once he moved to Mahopac, he became inspired to enter the industry. He found the food service industry to be a curious venture, and had an interest in culinary. The atmosphere is one he enjoyed; even if the grind can be hard work.
The interior of the restaurant was aimed to have an early 1900s feel to it, with plenty of black and white posters scattered throughout the space.
Megna said what will make this restaurant a successful one is the combination of a fine dining atmosphere that features a fireplace and elegant bar. Additionally, the selection of meat and seafood means every customer can find something they can take a bite into.
“We really focusing on pleasing the customers,” Megna said. “Making it very, very good dining.”
Char’s Steakhouse is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located on 151 Bryant Pond Road. For more information, call 845-526-1200.
