WYOMISSING, Pa. – A restaurant offering premium steaks, chops and seafood dishes will soon end operations in Berks County, but a new tasty concept is already in the works at the same property.
TAO Japanese Steakhouse & Bar is planned for 305 N. Park Road in Wyomissing, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
TAO will operate at the site of Willoughby’s on Park, which is set to close on March 14.
Chad Blimline | WFMZ-TV
A target opening date for TAO has not yet been announced.
“We are pleased to confirm that this location is now under new ownership and will soon be re-introduced as TAO Japanese Steakhouse & Bar,” Wednesday’s announcement reads.
“This is not simply a reopening – it is a complete transformation. Our team is elevating every aspect of the experience, with upgraded menus, a more sophisticated Hibachi dining atmosphere, and Japanese Omakase. Our vision is to create a premier Japanese Steakhouse destination known for exceptional quality, consistency, and hospitality.”
Following Willoughby’s on Park’s closure, work will begin to bring the new dining concept to life.
“We sincerely appreciate your patience during this transition as we work behind the scenes to deliver a dining experience that the community, including our long-standing, loyal patrons, can be proud of,” the announcement continues.
“We look forward to welcoming you to Tao Japanese Steakhouse & Bar very soon!”
On Tuesday, Willoughby’s on Park owners George and Eleny Zeppos announced that the fine dining steakhouse will hold its last day of operation on March 14.
“After over a decade of being the premier, fine dining steakhouse in our community, we have made a difficult and bittersweet decision to sell our business to another local family, who, after renovations will develop a new concept,” the Zepposes stated on Willoughby’s on Park’s Facebook page. “Although this decision did not come easy, we felt that this opportunity was best aligned for our future goals.”
Willoughby’s on Park offers “superior quality and flavors with exceptional service in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere,” according to a description on the restaurant’s website.
Guests can enjoy starters such as filet carpaccio, steak tartare, lamb lollipops and mozzarella prosciutto; cold bar options such as shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, fresh oysters on the half and chef’s caviar selection; and steaks and chops such as 14-ounce bone-in veal chop, 16-ounce USDA Prime New York strip, 20-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye and Kobe wagyu tomahawk for two.
“We dedicate ourselves to consistently delivering a world class experience with the highest quality food and service,” the restaurant’s online description continues.
“Our steaks are selected from USDA Black Angus, Dry & Wet Aged, to USDA Prime. Whether it’s one of our delicately chosen chops, fresh selected seafood, to our creative pastas and appetizers, everything we serve at Willoughby’s on Park delivers the best quality and flavors for our appreciated guests.”
Other menu highlights include soups and salads such as grilled Caesar salad, French onion soup and lobster bisque; seafood selections such as crab cake, lobster ravioli and sea bass saltimbocca; and entrees such as lamb rack, cauliflower steak and seared duck Manhattan.
The restaurant also features a full bar offering a wide array of cocktails, scotches, whiskeys and wines from around the globe.
“Over the years, we have grown to know so many of you and have been blessed to have seen so much joy and laughter within our walls,” Tuesday’s announcement continues.
“We have had so many fond memories ‘On park’ and can’t thank our community enough for their tremendous support. We love serving all of you and being part of your memories as you are of ours. We are beyond grateful and proud of our staff and team members who have made Willoughby’s on Park the leading restaurant in the area and wish them nothing but the best. Such an amazing group of talented people throughout the years. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our last day of operation will be Saturday, March 14, as our doors, known as Willoughby’s on Park, will close forever.”
Within a few hours of its posting, Tuesday’s announcement had garnered more than 400 reactions and over 150 comments, primarily from community members extending warm wishes to the restaurant’s owners and staff.
“George & Eleni..congratulations but at the same time, sorry to see one of the finest dining experiences in Berks County come to an end,” one person stated. “Thanks to both of you and your excellent staff. The good news is we still have a few weeks to continue to enjoy your fabulous food and staff. Best wishes to all.”
“This is so sad…this was our absolute favorite spot for our special occasion dinners,” another person commented. “Always the best food and drinks…nothing can compare in the area. Definitely sad to see you go but wish you the best of luck. Thank you for your amazing service and food!”
“I am very sad to hear,” another person stated. “Our family has celebrated with Willoughbys many family milestones. You will be missed. We wish you much luck. Thank You.”
In Wednesday’s announcement, the TAO owners noted that it is “truly an honor to be taking over a space that has meant so much to this community.”
“Thank you [George and Eleny Zeppos] for the opportunity to move into such a beautiful fine dining establishment. You have built an incredible legacy here and we have some very big shoes to fill!” the TAO announcement continues.
The Zepposes are prominent local restaurateurs, who also own and operate Telia, a fine dining Mediterranean restaurant, at 400 North Park Road in Wyomissing.
No changes have been announced for Telia, which operates catty-corner from Willoughby’s on Park, across the street.