The Chop House restaurant in Chattanooga will implement a non-smoking policy throughout the dining rooms, in the lounge and on the patio, the restaurant announced Wednesday.
Brian Keyes, vice president of Connor Concepts, which owns and operates The Chop House, said the popular restaurant is taking the action to benefit its customers and its employees.
“The Chop House promises its guests casual dining at its best, friendly service, an inviting environment and made-from-scratch recipes,” Mr. Keyes said. “And smoke is not a part of that recipe.”
The Chop House, which opened in 1994, also has completely renovated its interior décor and added wireless internet service. Located at 2011 Gunbarrel Road, The Chop House is consistently voted a top choice at Taste of Chattanooga.
“We have received overwhelming requests from our guests to become non-smoking,” Mr. Keyes said. “We feel that eliminating smoking is something that all restaurants will do eventually. We want to be a leader – not a follower.”
Since it opened, The Chop House has been proud of its high standards, Mr. Keyes said. “We are guest-obsessed,” he said.
The Chop House serves premium aged, uniquely seasoned hand-selected steaks and chops guaranteed to be the finest available, Mr. Keyes noted. USDA Choice heavily aged, seasoned, corn-fed Midwestern beef is featured in its slow roasted, fork-tender lean prime rib.
Meats are grilled in unique Montegue ovens which sear in juices and natural flavors at a temperature of 1800 degrees, Mr. Keyes said.
Mr. Keyes said that experience at other Tennessee restaurants owned by Connor Concepts has shown that customers and employees respond positively to a smoke-free environment. “You can’t please everyone,” he said. “But this is something whose time has come. Almost everyone who has heard of our plans has been very positive.”