Damon's Grill opened its doors to the Levittown community on April 14 with the grand opening of its first New York metropolitan area location. Damon's Restaurants Inc. has over 140 company and franchised locations worldwide and is excited to now make itself part of the local community.

The restaurant is located at 3535 Hempstead Turnpike, in front of the Kohl's shopping plaza. A native of Levittown, Todd Bialow, Metropolitan Restaurant Group (which owns and operates this location) president said that he is thrilled to have opened this establishment in this particular community.

"Having grown up here, I'm very familiar with the area, and Damon's will fit right in," Bialow said. "We're working very hard to become a part of the community, a place where families and friends will feel right at home, whether it's after a soccer or Little League game, after work or when one of our hometown teams is playing."

Bialow further noted that from a demographic standpoint, Levittown has all the elements, including a high population and good income levels.

"This is certainly also a great sports town," he said, adding that Damon's plans to work with local sports teams in a variety of ways, including sponsorship. "We really want to fit in with the community. Since we've gotten here, we've developed an excellent rapport with the community. We've really tried to reach out and we've befriended the fire department and police department. We really want to make this more of a local place where people feel comfortable."

Bialow noted that the restaurant's first week of business was very successful and that residents seem to be excited about the establishment. Along with distinctive food, Damon's offers a unique dining environment, including a popular, high-energy "Clubhouse" with four giant television screens, tiered, stadium-style booths and tabletop speakers. In addition to watching sports and other network shows, Clubhouse guests can also enjoy playing interactive trivia.

"It's nice to see people walk in and see their faces. It's such a unique concept," Bialow said of the restaurant.

While the Clubhouse and bar will probably be a favorite with sports fans, the restaurant also offers a separate dining room for those seeking a more quiet place to have their meal. Bialow also noted that the establishment is very kid-friendly.

"We've had so many parents come up to us and tell us that for the first time, they can sit down and enjoy their meals because their kids are quiet," he said. "We're extremely kid-friendly. Our kids meals start at $3.99 and with our big screen TVs, parents have raved about the fact that you can control the volume on the TV from each table."

After restaurant-goers have marveled over the visual aspects of the establishment, they get to look over their menu and see the variety of food available. Damon's, known for its award-winning ribs, steaks, chicken and seafood, also features an extensive lunch and dinner menu centered around grilled specialties. They recently updated their menu to feature such items as Prime Rib, Jumbo Shrimp and Ribs Combo, Sirloin Gorgonzola with a bold peppercorn sauce, and a fresh catch of the day. New on the appetizer menu is Tuscan Shrimp Dip and the Southwest Feast Sampler. These appetizers bring together some of Damon's most popular starters, which include a Pulled Port Quesadilla, Spicy Grilled Shrimp, Mozzarella Sticks, Crispy Onion Straws and San Antonio Spring Rolls.

Diners who appreciate lighter fare can choose from a selection of salads. Lunch items begin at $5.99 and dinner items start at $9.99. Damon's also features a full service bar.

"Damon's is truly a unique restaurant that residents of Long Island are going to enjoy," Bialow added. "The food is great whether you're having a quiet meal with your family in the dining room or watching the big game with friends in the Clubhouse."

Also well received has been a tribute wall to local heroes. Bialow noted that in addition to an extensive collection of Islanders, Jets, Yankees, Mets and local college sports memorabilia, the restaurant also features a photo tribute wall to local heroes, including police officers and firefighters from Long Island.

Bialow noted that he heard from many individuals about the alleged reputation the location of this restaurant has, since so many other restaurants have come and gone.

"From what I understand, some things have been successful at this location but over the last 10 years or so people have just renovated the inside and opened their doors," he said. "We gutted the entire building and put a lot of money into renovating the building. The location itself is excellent, some of our most successful locations are those that other people have failed in."

Bialow reiterated the restaurant's most important goal, the fact that they want to fit in with the community and give its patrons the best service.

"Above all, I feel we're doing an excellent job of serving an excellent product," he said. "Our job is to deliver an excellent product in a timely manner. It's a simple thing to do but I don't think enough guys out there are doing it."

He added that Damon's is planning to start a happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m., during which they will offer half price drinks and half price appetizers.

The establishment will employ approximately 85 people and can seat 250 guests. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. With fewer Long Islanders cooking, Damon's is also providing curbside delivery of take-out orders, which can be placed by calling 796-0756.