Famed Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr is rejoining the culinary scene in Atlantic City .

Under a partnership announced April 3, Ocean Casino Resort expects to launch two new dining concepts this summer developed by the James Beard Award winner.

Starr expressed excitement over working with the team at Ocean Casino Resort. “It feels like a full circle moment for me to work on restaurant projects in Atlantic City, a place where I formed some of my finest childhood memories, both at the beach and on America’s most popular boardwalk, where I worked as a teenager,” he said.

While this week’s announcement did not include any further details about the restaurants in development, Starr told Forbes one of the eateries will be an Americana concept open for breakfast and lunch. The menu of nostalgic, comfort foods is slated to include dishes like pigs in a blanket, tuna tacos, pierogies, meatloaf and Thanksgiving dinner served year-round.

Welcome return

As for the second spot, Starr said he is drawing inspiration from the Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecot in Paris — and aims to offer a menu centered on steak frites.

Since founding Starr Restaurants in 1995, he has grown it to become one of the largest multi-concept and independent restaurant groups in the U.S. Starr’s 30-plus establishments span Philadelphia, New York, Florida and Washington, D.C.

The hospitality industry veteran has also picked up numerous honors, including “Restaurateur of the Year” from Bon Appétit and Zagat and “Outstanding Restaurateur” from the James Beard Foundation.

Starr previously had Atlantic City offshoots of two of his best-known Philadelphia restaurants, Buddakan and Continental, at the former Pier at Caesars. Both establishments closed during the pandemic after nearly 15 years in business.

The upcoming restaurants will occupy space on the lobby level at Ocean Casino Resort and replace the former Sky Café and Harpers, Philly Voice reported.