STRFSH, the fast-casual fish sandwich shop from famed chef duo Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, has received an investment from leading hospitality group, K2 Restaurants, forming a new partnership with the Chefs and United Talent Agency, whom is also vested in the concept. K2 Restaurants, owned by John Kolaski, has immediate plans to open at least three new locations this year.
STRFSH is located on the Third Street Promenade inside Santa Monica’s Gallery Food Hall alongside K2 original concept, Azulé Taqueria, Paperboy Pizza, and Dialogue by James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran. The Gallery Food Hall, re-developed by Linwood Ventures and LPC West, is a premier dining collective of high profile restaurants.
“We’re honored to partner with the Voltaggio Brothers and contribute to the growth of STRFSH,” said John Kolaski, Founder, CEO and Curator of K2 Restaurants. “The Gallery is a prime location for STRFSH’s debut restaurant, and we look forward to expanding its presence.”
As part of growth plans, K2 has worked with Bryan and Michael Voltaggio to expand STRFSH’s current menu. New menu items include the Santa Monica Hot Fish, a beer battered Alaskan Cod, rubbed in Nashville hot spice and topped with tartar sauce, pickles and lettuce, and the Filet O’ STRFSH, a nostalgic beer battered Alaskan Cod topped with cheddar cheese and tartar sauce. In addition, STRFSH will expand the beer and wine menu and continue to roll out new Voltaggio creations including a Lobster Roll, Warm Crab Dip and Soft Shell Crab Sandwich early this year.
Customers can continue to enjoy the menu originals including Michael’s favorite, a swordfish sandwich seasoned with sea salt, topped with tartar sauce and dressed with pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions and arugula, and Bryan’s favorite, a salmon sandwich seasoned with old bay drizzled with green chile mayo and dressed with lettuce, tomato and avocado.
Other STRFSH favorites such as the popular Flying Fish, a fried chicken breast sandwich, or the build your own options remain on the menu as well. In addition to playing a large role in the operations and growth of STRFSH, K2 Restaurants is targeted to expand its restaurant ownership portfolio in The Gallery Food Hall in the upcoming year.