Lujack’s All-American Grill

Where Legacy, Hospitality and Fine Dining Converge

By Cheryl Mandell

Great restaurants often tell a story before the first plate even hits the table. At Lujack’s All-American Grill in Naples, that story begins with a legacy rooted in family, community and a legendary American sports name.

Opened in January 2026 by owners Grant Pohlmann and Ted Kasemir, Lujack’s is more than a steakhouse-inspired American grill. It’s a tribute to Pohlmann’s grandfather, Johnny Lujack, the legendary 1940s Notre Dame quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and record-setting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, whose charisma and larger-than-life presence inspired the concept.

That spirit is evident the moment you step inside. The interior strikes a balance between classic steakhouse warmth and contemporary polish. Rich wood flooring anchors the expansive dining room, while deep green velvet chairs and cozy booths invite guests to settle in and stay awhile. Above, a dramatic embossed, copper-toned ceiling reflects the glow of oversized globe pendant lights, creating a warm amber ambiance that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Stone columns and dark wood accents frame the room, with vintage black-and-white photographs lining the walls, a nod to Johnny Lujack’s remarkable legacy in both football and family.

The photos throughout the restaurant are from an album Pohlmann made for his grandfather’s 90th birthday. Notre Dame celebrated “Johnny Lujack Day” in honor of the legend’s milestone birthday, and Pohlmann’s album to his grandad contained over 70 photos from the Notre Dame and Bears archives.

“I’m looking at this photo album, and I said to Grant, this is a concept,” said Kasemir. “I’ve opened 150 restaurants in my career and I can make a place look great, but the hardest part is coming up with the name, the backstory, the theme. And here it was.”

Lujack’s menu is unwaveringly American, with steakhouse classics, seafood favorites, and elevated comfort dishes with playful modern touches.

The braised short rib is pure comfort, slow-cooked until fork-tender and served in a rich red wine sauce with roasted root vegetables. Lujack’s prime New York strip delivers bold flavor with

a beautifully charred crust and tender center. Richly marbled and expertly prepared, it’s a timeless steakhouse cut.

Beyond its signature steaks and burgers, the Lujack’s menu offers plenty of surprises for diners looking to branch out. The spicy calamari is golden and crisp, tossed with cherry peppers and red onion and finished with a bright herb chili vinaigrette for just the right amount of heat. For a lighter dinner, Johnny’s chopped salad layers roasted chicken, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, beets, corn and scallions into a fresh, flavor-packed bite. The double-cut Duroc pork chop delivers a hearty, steakhouse-worthy option with earthy house-blend mushrooms.

Don’t skip the à la carte shareables, especially the creamy serrano creamed corn and roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with hot honey and bacon, a combination Kasemir jokes “still counts as a vegetable.” Likewise, the very sharable loaded baked potato is assembled table-side.

Behind the bar, handcrafted cocktails like the Heisman spritz and classic martinis round out the experience, alongside curated wines and local draft beers. Pair any meal with Lujack’s refreshing summer cuke cocktail or the smoky, bourbon-forward cherrywood-smoked Manhattan for an indulgent start to finish.

Lujack’s is open Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering a Sunday respite to staff. The bar keeps pace with the kitchen, offering martinis, curated wines and daily happy hour specials, making Lujack’s as much a cocktail destination as it is a dinner spot.

At its core, Lujack’s is about making people feel at home, just as Johnny Lujack once did. That kind of hospitality never goes out of style.