Red Robin coming to Melbourne

Their commercials taunt us, with video footage of big, juicy burgers and that catchy droning jingle: "Red Robin … yummmmm."

Problem is, the closest Red Robin Gourmet Burger restaurant to us right now is on International Drive in Orlando.

That should change sometime this summer. The website for the burger joint, which is known for its huge burgers and endless servings of steak fries, already lists a location at 1900 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, as "Opening Soon."

And a letter to the St. John's River Water Management District from the Vero Beach office of design consulting firm Kimley Horn requests the modification of a stormwater permit letter so the restaurant can be built.

"The requested Letter Modification is for the construction authorization for the proposed approximately 4,540 square feet Red Robin Gourmet Burgers," the Kimley Horn letter reads. "The proposed restaurant development will be a leased portion on existing pavement within the parking lot of the Melbourne Square Mall in Melbourne, Florida."

The letter is dated Feb. 4.

Red Robin opened its first restaurant in 1969 in Seattle, according to the company's website, redrobin.com. There are now more than 470 restaurants across the United States and Canada.

I have contacted the company to get more details, including when the restaurant is expected to open. I'll let you know when I learn more.

About this blog: The only thing I love more than good food is good company. Combine the two, and you have a pleasant repast. In this blog, I will share meals and conversations. Feel free to suggest a restaurant I should visit, or a dining companion. Contact Suzy Fleming Leonard at sleonard@floridatoday.com, on Twitter @SuzyLeonard, on Facebook at /SuzyFlemingLeonard