New steakhouse coming to Branson

ITEC Attractions Inc. created Branson Restaurants with the initial purpose of opening the steakhouse franchise. ITEC owns McFarlain’s Restaurant, also in Branson, and a noncompete clause prevented ITEC from operating both restaurants.

Montana Mike’s has 18 other locations in six Midwest states.

Becky Blair, director of advertising and public relations for ITEC, said Branson Restaurants is considering the possibility for future restaurants, but no plans are in place yet.

The decision to open Montana Mike’s came after ITEC President Paul Rasmussen experienced the restaurant while on vacation. He felt the atmosphere and food would be a perfect fit for Branson, Blair said.

“It’s very value-oriented, and it’s a family restaurant,” she said. “We already had an Ozarks-themed restaurant with McFarlain’s, so this is a mountain lodge theme.”

A former Country Kitchen Restaurant is being renovated to house the new venture. Blair said the inside of the 230-seat-facility is being painted and new carpet will be put down. The exterior of the eatery will be transformed to resemble a lodge.

Total costs for getting the restaurant up and running for its October opening likely will range between $100,000 and $150,000, Blair said.

The steakhouse’s location will boost its popularity, Blair said, as it’s positioned near the Best Western Centre Pointe Inn and a permanent Titanic exhibit set to premiere in November. The exhibit will feature a half-scale reconstruction of two-thirds of the ship.

ITEC also owns and operates Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, which includes an IMAX screen and the Little Opry Theatre.