NEW STEAKHOUSE/LOUNGE COMING TO TACOMA >>>

I've been watching for signs of life below the Big Wheel Steakhouse sign in a strip mall off Steele Street for months. Building owner Steven Kang took over the endeavor after the original would-be restaurateur defaulted, leaving the restaurant and lounge unfinished. Kang went looking for a general manager and came back with seasoned restaurant, kitchen and live entertainment venue manager Brandon Escovedo.

Escovedo cut his teeth at much larger and complicated locations in recent years - Station 56, Jazzbones, The Crystal Saloon and Firecreek Ale House - and he says he's crafted his "greatest hits" of recipes and dining fare into a loosely Italian lunch and dinner menu for Big Wheel. Expect appetizers of teriyaki tender tips, bruschetta, crab and artichoke dip, and entrees of steaks and combination plates, seafood, specialty pastas, hand-tossed New York style pizzas, salads, sandwiches and burgers thrown in.

Beside these basics, Escovedo says to expect feature sheets, which he says will, "will allow more focus on fresh ingredients and will play trends better."

Big Wheel Steakhouse will essentially have a split personality. The right side of the operation will hold a long bar serving beer, wine and liquor, a pool table and stage and DJ booth. The left side will be a family friendly dining room.

Military will receive a 10 percent discount.

Escovedo is hopeful for an end of August opening.

Big Wheel Steakhouse and Lounge

11401 Steele Street South, Suite 102, Tacoma