A new restaurant is opening in Kennewick on Thursday, but you will recognize the owners' faces.

Steve "Tiny" and Lisa Nolan, owners of Fat Olives restaurants, have given their Kennewick location a new name -- Kennewick City Grill -- and a new menu.

"We wanted to try new things and didn't feel comfortable having two different menus in two restaurants with the same name," said Tiny Nolan. "When people walk into a Fat Olives, they have certain expectations. We didn't want to confuse or disappoint anyone."

They kept the pizzas, pastas and sandwiches Fat Olives has become known for at the Richland location on Williams Boulevard.

At the Kennewick City Grill on the corner of Highway 395 and Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick, the Nolans offer an eclectic mix of beef and seafood, pastas and main dish salads, burgers and sandwiches.

A few of the sandwiches, salads and pastas are the same at both locations.

But the Kennewick restaurant menu also features some comfort foods -- mac and cheese, fish and chips, meatloaf and chicken fried steak.

"You know, the good stuff," Tiny said with a grin.

"When you add grill to a restaurant name, it opens a whole new culinary world. All the restaurants we've ever owned -- and this one is our fifth -- take on their own personality, their own identity. I think we've found the right menu for this place now," Lisa said.

They expanded the hours of operation at the Kennewick site and added 10 new employees.

"I like the fact we created new jobs," he said.

The Nolans also added a small, full service bar. With all the craft beers, wine and now distilled spirits being made in the Northwest, they wanted to be able to offer customers a wider selection of drinks, especially cocktails.

"Alcohol and food go hand in hand. Pairing cocktails and food takes things to a whole new level," Lisa said.

"But one thing you'll find at both restaurants is good food, good service and a warm atmosphere, always," she said.

-- Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com