New steakhouse opens from Englewood restaurateurs

A new steakhouse will open in Englewood Jan. 9. Chophouse285 is the latest concept from restaurateurs Keith and Laurie Farlow, who also own Farlow’s on the Water. 

Designed as a high-end steakhouse, the eatery blends the cultures of the two owners — one who comes from the Caribbean and the other who hails from the American South.

“This has been in the works for some time now, because we wanted to make sure we got everything just right,” Keith Farlow says in a statement.

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The couple announced their plans for the steakhouse in June  Previously, the location at 285 West Dearborn St. was the home of Italian restaurant La Stanza. The building was sold by La Stanza for $1.6 million in April 2024 to an LLC with Keith Farlow listed as the registered agent, according to Sarasota County property records.

After renovations, the restaurant now features an Old Florida interior with Prohibition-era wood from bourbon-aging warehouses in Kentucky, the home state of Laurie Farlow. Spanning 10,000 square feet, Chophouse285 seats 300 plus has an event room for special occasions.

“The menu, the kitchen, the interior — we didn’t take anything for granted,” Keith Farlow says. “Every detail has been purposefully and painstakingly implemented to fulfill our vision of the highest-quality steakhouse where everyone feels welcome.”

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Chophouse285 has a dry-aging room with a Himalayan salt wall that pulls excess moisture from the air, according to a statement, which says dry aging adds tenderness and flavor.

Senepol beef, a meat from St. Croix, where Keith Farlow was born, will be among the steaks offered. Also on the menu will be seasonal pasta options. Individually sourced wines and spirits, including Hemingway Bourbon, will be available from the bar.

“Keith and I have always known that something special comes from combining our two cultures — his upbringing in the Caribbean and mine in the American South,” Laurie Farlow says in a statement. “When you take the best of those places, you not only get exceptional food; they both also share a welcoming hospitality that’s at the heart of our passion as restaurateurs.”