EXCLUSIVE — Orlando based Darden Restaurants will open a new concept called Capital Grille Bistro in the former McCormick & Schmick’s space at Mall at Millenia in Orlando. The new restaurant is described as an offshoot of the Fortune 500 company’s high-end Capital Grille steakhouse. It will be smaller and a little less formal, according to someone close to the project, but will have the same look and feel of the full-size Capital Grille. “You’ll know you’re in a Capital Grille.” 

The person with knowledge of the project, who did not have official authority to speak about it, said that the company had not yet determined exactly the differences the Bistro will have from its big brother restaurant, but that given the mall location, the menu would probably feature more foods for people on the go. “It’s very exciting,” said the contact, “we think it’s going to be a great concept for us.”

McCormick & Schmick’s, a fine dining seafood restaurant, closed the Millenia location just after the first of the year, shortly after the chain was acquired by Landry’s. Landry’s owns and operates numerous restaurant brands, including Oceanaire Seafood Room, Landry’s Seafood, and Rainforest Cafe locally.

The restaurant space does not have direct access to the mall, something that might be seen as a plus or a minus. It is located near the shopping center’s entrance to the courtyard, along with Brio, Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Chang’s.

Capital Grille Bistro is expected to open in the first quarter of 2013.