Port City Club | Photo Port City Club Facebook page

Dec. 6. By Dave Vieser. Celebrity chef David Burke’s hospitality management group has assumed day-to-day operations of Port City Club as the Lake Norman restaurant scene continues to come back from the pandemic.

While Nick Lyssikatos still owns the 13,500 square foot eatery, inside operations will now be a collaboration between Lyssikatos and Burke, both New Jersey natives, according to David Hynes, president of David Burke Hospitality Management.

Lyssikatos, who also owns Brick House Tavern in Davidson, did not comment. He opened Port City in 2013.

Nick Lyssikatos

Enhancements coming

“Essentially we are enhancing the food experience and cocktail options. We will also be making some diner-friendly improvements on the back deck area,” said Hynes.

They will continue to cater to the boating community, local residents and “corporate clients looking for excellent event space,” Hynes added.

A new revised menu also debuted last week: Bison Burgers are gone, at least temporarily, while other regional specialities, such as shrimp and grits, are now a daily dinner menu selection.

Port City has also dropped its reservations only dinner policy. The reservations only policy was the result of staffing issues, a challenge for many local businesses post-COVID.

David Burke | Photo: Chefdavidburke.com

Hynes says it will take several months to implement all of the changes at Port City.

David Burke superstar

David Burke is a nationally known restaurateur. He was awarded a coveted three-star New York Times review for the River Café in New York and later became a familiar guest on TV’s Top Chef.

He partnered with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte to create paid internships for recent graduates with associate or bachelor’s degrees.

Burke’s new GOAT coming to Cornelius

Meanwhile, construction continues on the building that will house Burke’s new concept, GOAT Pizza, on Hwy. 21 near Bailey Road. GOAT will have an emphasis on fresh pizzas as well as North Carolina celebrities and sports figures.The new freestanding building will be just north of Waterman, a seafood restaurant operated by Paul Manley.