Petit & Keet Bar & Grill, a joint venture between veteran Arkansas restaurateurs Louis Petit and Jim Keet, is scheduled to open May 18, according to a Tuesday news release.
It will open in the previous 1620 Savoy location at 1620 Market St. in Little Rock.
Arkansas Business first announced plans for the restaurant in September.
"We are excited to bring a chef-driven menu, original signature cocktails, and an expansive wine list with affordable prices to the West Little Rock area," Keet said in the release. "Little Rock has a growing number of food savvy customers who are looking for restaurants that are locally owned with great food, unique and vibrant atmospheres, and a top-notch staff. We look forward to exceeding their expectations."
Keet has been in the Arkansas restaurant business since 1975, and currently owns and operates Taziki's Mediterranean Cafés and Paninis & Co. in Arkansas with his sons, Tommy and Jake, who also are partners in Petit & Keet.
Petit, recently inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, was an original owner of Jacques & Suzanne, a legendary Little Rock restaurant that introduced a number of restaurateurs and chefs who went on to open other famed establishments in the area.
"Jim and I have been friends for decades and share a passion for excellent food and outstanding service. We have been talking about bringing an exciting new restaurant to Arkansas for years and we are looking forward to making Petit & Keet an unforgettable venue for our guests," Petit said.
The interior of Petit & Keet, which the release described as a "polished-casual restaurant and bar," was designed in collaboration with Little Rock native Garry Mertins and KO Construction Management was the contractor for the project.
The new restaurant will have a varied menu crafted by local chefs and will use as many local products and ingredients as possible, the release said. Petit & Keet will also have a full bar with specialty drinks, cocktails and "a first-class bartending staff."
"With the restaurant's polished-casual redesign, guests will be able to enjoy the outdoor patio, a new sidewalk café, or the redesigned dining room," the release said. "Petit & Keet will also have three private event rooms, accommodating parties from 10 to 70."
Brent Lenners, who previously has served as food and beverage director for Native Lights Casino in Oklahoma and Margaritaville Resort & Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, will be Petit & Keet's general manager. His wife, Tyler, will be assistant general manager and event coordinator.