'Hell's Kitchen' Finalist To Head New Restaurant In Tysons

TYSONS, VA — A spinoff of Texas Jack's Barbecue will open in Tysons under the leadership of 'Hell's Kitchen' finalist Declan Horgan.

Jack’s Ranch is aiming to open in September at the Lumen development at 1755 Tysons Central Street. The restaurant will offer regional Italian dishes from a team of international chefs, including Horgan.

Horgan is a native of Ireland who studied at the DIT School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology. He worked at various Dublin restaurants, including the Michelin star Peacock Alley. He entered the culinary scene of the U.S. in 2015 working at an Irish restaurant in Virginia. In 2017, he became executive chef at a DC restaurant, notably where former First Lady Michelle Obama ordered his fish and chips. He drew praise from Guy Fieri on the Food Network show "Guy’s Grocery Games" as well as Gordon Ramsey on season 19 of "Hell’s Kitchen." Horgan was the first Irish contestant on "Hell's Kitchen" and was the first of the show's season to get a perfect five stars on his first dish.

Jack's Ranch will be the latest project in his acclaimed culinary career.

"After Covid, I am truly thrilled to be back in the kitchen heading up a top-notch team and working with the finest ingredients," said Horgan. "A lot of people have seen me on TV and know what I can do under pressure. Now I will be back in my own domain doing what I do best."

The restaurant will feature Denominazione d'Origine Protetta (DOP) products along with local ingredients. The menu will include smoked meats, salumi, cheeses and
produce from top artisans and farmers as well as seafood, Neapolitan and Roman pizza, and house-made pasta. It will also include Josephine’s Italian Market and Café, a full service Italian deli with gourmet smoked meats and cheeses, sandwiches, fresh pasta, house-made sauces, salumi, coffee and wine. The bar will offer handmade cocktails, a robust selection of wines, and 12 local craft beers on tap.

Jack's Ranch comes from the team behind Texas Jack's Barbecue in Arlington. The restaurant is named after Texas Jack, a cowboy from rural Virginia also known as John B. Omohundro. Texas Jack was known as an actor, journalist, scout and consummate showman who married Italian ballerina and actresss Josephine Morlacchi in 1873. The name Jack’s Ranch is a nod to their value of hospitality and their love of life, food, and the finer things.

The 11,000-square-foot restaurant will cover the ground floor and mezzanine of the Lumen building. An open kitchen highlights the space, along with 23-foot ceilings, 360-degree bar, and multi-level patio.

"We want to change the game and build a community, a place where everyone can get what they
want — the best possible food, shared at the table for all to experience and enjoy, plus warm and
welcoming service," said Steve Roberts, a founding partner of Texas Jack's Barbecue.

Stay up to date with the Jack's Ranch opening at www.jacksranch.com.