by Tammy Taylor
Staff Writer
Steve’s Place is the latest culinary addition to call downtown home.
The restaurant is located on Main Street in Springfield and offers “upscale sandwiches and comfort food,” said head chef Jim Stetler.
Owner Steve Ghazanfari, who is also the proprietor of University Diner across from the Town and Country Shopping Center on University Boulevard, decided to open the new restaurant because he thought it was a good location.
“I thought it would be good to cater to downtown, and I liked the motif of the building,” said Ghazanfari, adding business is fair and he’s “breaking even” right now.
“It’s hard to find help,” said Ghazanfari. “Wait staff, cooks . . . everything is hard to find.”
Steve’s Place, which has been open for about six weeks, offers a lunch menu that is healthy and light.
“Location influenced the menu,” said Ghazanfari. “Most (downtown workers) eat healthy, so we want to make the food healthy. Nothing too greasy.”
According to Stetler, everything on the menu is char- grilled for flavor and lightness.
Steve’s Place is open only for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ghazanfari plans to offer dinner in a few months once regular business is established.
“We’re optimistic about dinner,” said Stetler. “We’re thinking New Orleans-style French food like seafood, steaks and grilled chicken.”
Ghazanfari said he plans to serve chicken, fish and steak cooked with a nutritious theme for the health-conscious patron.