Ken Smith, owner of Chefs2U Catering and Food Truck, has opened a restaurant in Gulf Gate Village (6584 Superior Avenue, 941-921-9070, chefs2u.menu). Chef Smith began his culinary career working for Budweiser in New Jersey, attending Florida Culinary Institute and subsequently holding chef positions at an Italian restaurant in Miami and with Mattison’s in Sarasota.

“At the new restaurant, we’re serving gourmet comfort food in casual surroundings,” said Smith, who is using his signature lime green color with blue linens at tables with seating for 18 diners.

For breakfast, in addition to egg dishes and lemon curd pancakes, there are favorite combinations such as spinach and brie omelets with cheesey waffle potato sides and mixed berry and cream cheese-stuffed French toast.

For lunch, guests may choose sandwiches and salads or such popular items as brie, cranberry mayo and roasted turkey grilled cheese sandwiches; lobster mac & cheese or a crab, shrimp and avocado stack salad. Desserts change daily and might be a decadent deep fried cinnamon apple loaf or cinnamon and raisin bread pudding with a caramel sauce.

Plans are in the works for providing beer and wine at the new facility that is open Sunday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and delivery from 11 a.m.

-Lee McCall