Philly’s SugarHouse Casino just announced that legendary steakhouse icon Gibsons Restaurant Group will open “Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House” at the Delaware Avenue hot spot.
The first of several to-be-announced new dining concepts on property, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is part of the $164 million expansion of SugarHouse Casino, which is set to debut at year-end 2015.
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is a member of Chicago-based Gibsons Restaurant Group, which has operated Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in its hometown for more than two decades. Now with 13 locations, Gibsons is the only restaurant group in the country to have its own USDA Prime Angus beef certification, which Hugo’s will serve at SugarHouse.
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is Gibsons’ first and only Philadelphia restaurant.
“Attracting an exclusive, world-class restaurateur like Gibsons to SugarHouse is a great win for our casino and for Philadelphia,” said Wendy Hamilton, SugarHouse general manager. “The Gibsons brand is famous for its exceptional food and extraordinary service, and we are delighted that Hugo’s has leapt into Philly’s casino.”
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House will be located in the northwest corner on the first floor of SugarHouse’s expanded property. The combined seating in the bar and dining rooms will accommodate more than 300 guests. Stylistically, Hugo’s marries a classic steakhouse with contemporary design and seamlessly blends upscale and casual.
“Our customers are like family, and what better place to have an extended family than in the City of Brotherly Love,” said Steve Lombardo, Gibsons principal. “We’re thrilled to bring Gibsons’ core values of hospitality, quality and value to Philadelphia.”
As part of its extensive menu, Hugo’s will serve USDA Gibsons Prime Angus beef, which is aged for 50 days and cooked in an 1,800-degree infrared broiler. This gives the steak a thin, charred crust to help seal in the natural juices.
The “Philly Cut” is a 12-ounce rib eye cap, topped with smoked provolone, crispy shallots and fried herbs. The Philly Cut will be served only at Hugo’s new SugarHouse location.
“We’re excited to bring an unmatched level of beef quality to a city that is steeped in steak history, from cheesesteaks to porterhouse,” said Hugo’s Philadelphia General Manager Jeff Cybulski. “We know the city will be sweet on our new SugarHouse Philly Cut 12-ounce steak, as well as the quality, service and atmosphere that are central to the Hugo’s experience.”
