Former CEO of the Shula Restaurant Group plans to convert the historic Florida National Bank building in downtown Lakeland into Prima 135, an upscale steakhouse.
Prima 135 is envisioned as an elegant establishment that “will fill a niche in the market for a higher-end steakhouse,” according to Bill Freeman, the entrepreneur behind the project. He says he hopes to have Prima 135 open by the end of next year.
Prima 135 is heading to the Florida National Bank Building at 113 S. Tennessee Ave.
Restaurateur Freeman said he has secured commitments for private funding, but declined to name the investors.
According to a floor plan prepared by Straughn Trout Architects of Lakeland. The restaurant will take up the entire first floor of the Tennessee Avenue building, with the kitchen located at the rear, visible through large glass windows. It will seat 131, including two 12-seat private rooms and a U-shaped bar in the center with 24 chairs.