A Tale of Two Chains: Brother Jimmy’s BBQ + Del Frisco’s Grille Coming to Stamford

Stamford’s restaurant scene is an interesting mixture of new and old, big and small, chains and mom and pop shops. Truly, there’s a place to go for everybody. Starting in a few months, there will be two more options for hungry Stamfordites and Fairfield Countiers to sink their teeth into: Del Frisco’s Grille and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.

First up is Del Frisco’s which will be located at 101 Broad Street in the heart of downtown. You know the spot that it’ll be in, too . . . that corner building across from McDonald’s. It has been the source of many rumors since The Ground Round closed there: it’s going to be a Whole Foods, it’s going to be a Trader Joe’s, it’s going to be a Cheesecake Factory. Well, we can finally put all those rumors to bed because it will be a steakhouse featuring seafood, starters, salads, and sides. Del Frisco’s certainly has a great reputation with 11 locations from NYC to Vegas to Texas. We wish them the best, but they are definitely up for some challenges coming to Stamford.

Morton’s recently closed in the nearby UBS building and right down the road Rodizio Grill shuttered up, so many are wondering if this new spot might become another restaurant casualty. Perhaps the biggest obstacle of being in Stamford Downtown are all the less expensive options nearby where a couple can grab a dinner with drinks for about $100 total, whereas a meal at Del Frisco’s could easily cost a couple $250. The menu at their NYC spot shows that Crab Cakes cost $24, an 8. oz Filet Mignon costs $45, Pan-seared Scallops cost $40, Lamb costs $51, and a 32 oz. Wagyu Longbone costs $95. But, Morton’s became quite successful because of its power lunches with clients and business people. Can they sustain this approach and even draw in more of a crowd during dinner time, too? We’ll have to see . . . 

And another familiar name that is coming to Stamford is Brother Jimmy’s BBQ. Probably their most iconic location is right across from Madison Square Garden where throngs of ravenous fans come to devour their BBQ, burgers, and beer. The Stamford spot located at 112 Bedford Street (say goodbye to Butterfield 8, brahs) recently held an open house at Lola’s Mexican Grill in Stamford, seeking out some great people to work for them. Brother Jimmy’s promises to “Put the South in Yo’ Mouth” with dishes like Frickles, Hush Puppies, wings, salads, Southern specialties, BBQ snacks and platters, sandwiches, and, like we mentioned, burgers.

Prices won’t be too bad with a 2 meat combo coming in around $24, burgers around $12, and most apps around $7-11. Like Del Frisco’s, Brother Jimmy’s is definitely a brand that has built itself up across the country with 6 spots in NYC (including Yankee Stadium), Southern Florida, NJ, and White Plains where their Butterfield 8 used to be, too. We do worry about over saturation, though. Can Brother Jimmy’s compete with Dinosaur, Bar BQ, and Smokey Joe’s or will they give these established Stamford BBQ joints a run for their money?

What are your thoughts on Del Frisco’s Grille and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ coming to Stamford? Let us know by commenting below.