Family Behind KC Prime Plan Mediterranean Concept In Warrington

WARRINGTON, PA — The family behind KC Prime steakhouse will be bringing a new dining concept to the area. Ardana restaurant, slated to open by the end of 2019 in the Shops at Valley Square, will serve Mediterranean fare in the space formerly occupied by The Melting Pot.

The restaurant, to be operated by brothers Mike and Antoni Christou, is inspired by the village in Cyprus where their grandmother was raised. The restaurant's name is even Ardana — the name of the small farming community where she grew up.

"We've always wanted to get into Mediterranean cuisine," said Mike Christou. "Everyone is trying to eat healthier and eat lighter, and Mediterranean cuisine lends itself to that."

The Christou family's background in the restaurant industry goes back nearly 40 years, when they opened the Golden Dawn diner in New Jersey. The family also operates KC Prime locations in Warrington and Lawrenceville, N.J.

Ardana, the newest concept, will feature dishes created with healthy and local ingredients. The menu will include signature small plates, fresh pastas, wood-fired pizza, and more.

The executive chef will be Warrington native Nic Servis, who attended culinary school at MBIT. Servis previously worked as a chef at KC Prime.

The restaurant will have a full bar, and will serve local beers as well as an extensive variety of wines to compliment the Mediterranean flavors.

The ambiance is described as "sophisticated yet laid back" with the vision to be carried out by architect Niko Kotopoulos of Nest Studios and Diana Schwartz from DVS Interiors. Expect elements like fresh greenery and a giant Meyer lemon tree in the center of the dining room.

Here are some renderings of the interior:

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The family chose the Shops at Valley Square for their next endeavor because it's a busy area with a very visible presence, Mike Christou said. Ardana will offer shoppers a high-quality dining option with a fair price point, he noted.

The main dining room will seat 80 and the bar area will have seating for 54. A private dining room can accommodate parties of up to 52.

For now, Ardana will be a dinner-only establishment, with hours from 4 to 10 p.m. Lunch will be added to the menu in 2020.

The family is aiming to open Ardana by the holiday season, Mike Christou said. Check back to Patch for specific details on an opening date.