Garfield’s Restaurant joins Branson Landing

Construction of the $1 million-plus Garfield’s Restaurant and Pub began about two weeks ago and is scheduled for completion in late May, said co-owner Mike Denney.

The 5,250-square-foot restaurant, 1221 Branson Landing, will seat 290 and will include a 3,500-square-foot patio overlooking Lake Taneycomo.

“We’ve got a huge patio on the lake – that’s something we want to make a big draw,” Denney said. “And we’ve got huge windows so people can dine and look at the lake.”

The family-oriented establishment will have a sports bar feel, with big screen televisions and a 60-inch HDTV set in the bar area.

The general contractor for the project is L R Mourning Co. of Little Rock, Ark., and the architect is Blair Remy Corp. of Edmond, Okla.

Denney and co-owner Judd McPherson, of Joplin-based GRP of Branson, estimate they will hire about 100 people. Applications will be accepted at the end of April for a management team, kitchen staff, servers and host staff.

Daily selections will include a breakfast buffet, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, pastas, fruit smoothies and the chain’s signature Fire Strings – thinly sliced potatoes and onions fried and topped with eight hot spices.

Entertainment such as karaoke and local music acts will be offered in the travel and holiday seasons.

Other area Garfield’s are located in Columbia, Jefferson City, Joplin and Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Ark.