MITCHELL S.D. (Mitchell Now) The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and its Connect Mitchell Committee will celebrate the return of one of the community’s most iconic restaurants with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Chef Louie’s location.

The ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the future restaurant site located at 1600 N. Commerce St. in Mitchell. Community members, local business leaders and supporters are invited to attend as construction officially begins on the long-anticipated return of the beloved steakhouse brand.

Chef Louie’s has long held a special place in Mitchell history. Originally established in 1945 by Louie Russell, the restaurant became known throughout South Dakota for its steaks, seafood, pasta dishes and upscale dining atmosphere. The original location served generations of families celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, proms and other milestone occasions before closing in January 2022.

Now, local developer Chuck Mauszycki Sr. and the Fredericksen family are partnering to revive the legendary restaurant in a newly constructed building along the Highway 37 bypass near West 15th Street. Plans for the approximately 13,000-square-foot steakhouse include a spacious main dining area, lounge, banquet hall, board room and casino space.

While the location is new, many familiar elements of the original restaurant will remain. The recognizable Chef Louie’s logo, featuring Chef Louie Russell in his signature chef hat, has been digitally recreated for the new restaurant, preserving a symbol that generations of Mitchell residents recognize instantly.

The new development is expected to bring renewed excitement to Mitchell’s dining scene while honoring the memories and traditions associated with the original restaurant. Community members have continued to share stories about special occasions celebrated at Chef Louie’s, reflecting the restaurant’s longstanding role as a gathering place in Mitchell for more than 75 years.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic steakhouse and an important milestone for economic growth and development in Mitchell.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Details

What: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Chef Louie’s
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Where: 1600 N. Commerce St., Mitchell, SD 57301

For additional information, contact the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce.