Golfer Tiger Woods has got game — in the restaurant business.
More than 70 people streamed in the moment the velvet ropes were lifted from the door to his new restaurant, The Woods Jupiter, in Jupiter, Florida on Monday.
The 5,900 square-foot restaurant — a sleek and modern upscale sports bar with touches such as illuminated quartz bar and a U-shaped bar that is the restaurant’s focal point — was immediately buzzing with an eager crowd.
Woods was not at the opening for the general public, but several staff members said he hosted several VIP parties at the restaurant over the weekend before flying to the PGA Championship, which starts this week at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Staff members said he has been a regular at the restaurant over the last several weeks, looking over the final design details. He had told several people he would have delayed the restaurant’s opening had he won the tournament last week because he wanted to be in town when the first dishes went out.
Woods, who lives on an estate in Jupiter Island, also plans to make his worldwide headquarters next door to the restaurant, above Bravo! Cucina Italiana restaurant, according to sources at Harbourside Place, which has public and private docking space for boats. A spokeswoman says Woods may attend an official grand opening some time during the start of football season.
The restaurant, which focuses on New American cuisine, hopes to be a family-friendly place with a “sophisticated dining experience” at the water’s edge, according to the official release. It also hopes to be a happy hour hangout with a special happy hour menu, cocktails, and local craft beer offerings from breweries such as Boynton Beach’s Due South Brewing and Tequesta Brewing Company.
The menu reflected that ethos, with items ranging from a lobster and crab cake with a whole lobster claw, tuna “crudo” over arugula and fresh grape tomatoes and a cheese and charcuterie plate.
The main menu included items such as a rib eye steak sandwich with wine-marinated cheese and caramelized balsamic onions, rack of lamb and hog snapper.
“We can see ourselves eating here a couple times a week,” said Pam Gentner of Jupiter.
Some foodie and golf fans came out in hopes of catching a glimpse of Woods, but stayed to be among the restaurant’s first guests regardless.
“I can’t wait to put it on Facebook so my sister and all my friends can see it,” said Claire Crews, 84, of Jupiter. “I just had to be here for the grand opening.”
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