VALDOSTA — A new business has a “steak” in North Valdosta Road.

A new steak house will be opening in the former Charlie Trippers building, 4479 North Valdosta Road.

Jack’s Chophouse, a “proper” steak house that serves steaks cut in house, chicken, seafood and quail, is expected to open before the end of August, said Keith Sirmans, owner.

The locally owned restaurant will feature a full bar with beer, wine and liquor.

Sirmans leased the property in June and has been landscaping the property, which includes removing the remnants of cut trees.

“There were a lot of gorgeous trees outside that were cut down that left stumps, so we had to have those removed,” he said. “I wish they were still here. They were beautiful magnolias.”

Sirmans said removing the stumps and filling in the holes was a “huge ordeal.” He is now overseeing general landscaping.

Since starting his lease in June, Sirmans has done some work on the inside of the building, but not as much as one might expect from a building that has been empty for several years, he said.

“We just cleaned it up,” Sirmans said. “The inside was in great condition. We cleaned the kitchen up. We rebuilt the equipment back there so it all works now.”

Sirmans said he has begun decorating the building with the help of his wife, friends and family.

“My wife has an amazing family,” he said. “So her and her friends came in here and helped out. This was a friends and family effort. She put a lot of effort into this. This place wouldn’t be where it is without her.”

But it wasn’t just friends and family, Sirmans said.

“A lot of local artists brought in their artwork,” he said. “Jill Bright and Windy Giddens they helped with the decorating and so did my wife. All the artwork is donated by them.”

The building is designed to have a Southern feel, but still be comfortable for families, business people and individuals just looking for a calm atmosphere, he said.

“What I strive for is good food and a comfortable atmosphere. I want people to come in here and enjoy their time,” he said.

Sirmans was still hiring Wednesday for all positions in the restaurant ranging from waitstaff to management, he said. He is holding open interviews from 1-5 p.m., but said interested residents can reach out to the Facebook page about a job.  

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.