IRONTON — When Micheal Kidd was contemplating the theme for his new restaurant, he knew it could only be one thing — Ironton and Ironton only.

And with items on the menu named for the adopted city he so loves, Kidd hopes diners and customers will share his passion.

The I-Town Grill, which threw open its doors with a soft opening on Monday, brings another dining option back to downtown Ironton. The restaurant takes over the dining and kitchen space vacated by the Ironton Elks Lodge #177 when they closed their member-operated restaurant in late 2008.

Kidd, whose first name is pronounced MIKE-AL, but with a spelling variation, said opening and owning his first restaurant fulfills a lifetime goal he has wanted to accomplish, working both the front and back ends of restaurants for more than 20 years.

“I’m really excited and happy about this opportunity,” the 38-year-old Kidd said. “It’s fulfilling to get a chance like this. I’ve always wanted to open a family-orientated place like this.”

Kidd leases the restaurant space from the Elks and said he knew he wanted the location when he and his wife saw a listing on a marquee in front of the lodge soon after the club closed the dining facility.

A native of Detroit who moved to Ironton in 1989, Kidd said what sets the I-Town Grill apart from many restaurants in the area is the local touch his team puts on service and the food.

“Many restaurants claim to be home cooking, but we truly are. The members of my team put their own home style touch on each niche that they have,” Kidd explained.

Open to the general public, Kidd said diners will be in for a treat when ordering from the I-Town Grill. From the large and expanded salad bar to its burgers and sandwiches, Kidd believes the hearty menu will satisfy the hunger of any diner.

The restaurant’s two signature sandwiches are the Fighting Tiger Burger, which comes with a half-pound of beef topped with lettuce, cheese and Kidd’s “special tiger sauce,” and the Flyer Fish Sandwich that is hand-breaded whitefish cod served with homemade tartar sauce.

The I-Town Grill will offer such special dishes as meatloaf, salmon and spaghetti with every Wednesday as “Build-a-Burger” night where diners create their own masterpiece with a variety of available toppings.

The I-Town Grill offers seating for up to 60 and has the ability to cater receptions, class reunions and parties held in the multiple club rooms at the Lodge. The restaurant offers a carry-out menu as well.

In addition, Kidd said another benefit the I-Town Grill can offer is free business delivery for orders throughout the city.

Hours for the I-Town Grill are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Legal beverages are served daily after 3:30 p.m.

The I-Town Grill is located at 416 Park Ave. in the front of the Elks Lodge #177. They will accept all major credit and debit cards starting next week. It also accepts cash and business checks.

For more information call (740) 533-1000.