Updated 10/2

It looks like Teemu Selanne is spending the NHL lockout thinking about steak.

The Anaheim Ducks hockey player is opening a restaurant in Laguna Beach, according to the owners of French 75. The operators of the last remaining French 75 said they accepted a buyout from an investment firm with ties to Selanne. Selanne Steak Tavern (updated 10/2 to include new name) will be an upscale steakhouse, the French 75 website states.

“After 15 fantastic years, these partners have decided to accept an offer and sell their restaurant to a well-known investment group,” the website states. “The unique and wonderful property on Pacific Coast Highway that French 75 has called home will soon be home to newcomer in the Orange County restaurant scene, Teemu Tavern & Grill.”

Selanne and Kevin Pratt are the investors. Veteran restaurant operator Jim Shumate of the Chart House in Dana Point will be the general manager.

Peter French, the property owner, said French 75 closed Sunday night. The Teemu restaurant has been in the works for a while, he added.

“It’s been tough keeping our mouths shut for so long,” he told the Register on Tuesday afternoon.

French had few details to reveal about the new restaurant, only stating that Selanne will be heavily involved.

“It’s all about Teemu,” he said. “Nothing is happening without his stamp of approval.”

Selanne, who lives in Coto de Caza, told the Register it will be “tavern-style, great American food.”

The Laguna property has been in French’s family since the 1930s. Through the years, several restaurants have operated on the site. French 75 had been there for 15 years.

The closure of French 75 marks the end of the chain, launched by Newport Beach-based Culinary Adventures. John Martin and celebrity chef David Wilhelm founded Culinary Adventures in 1997. French 75 was once the flagship chain for the company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2008.

“They are the greatest guys,” French said of the French 75 operators.

Address: 1464 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

–Register staff writer Eric Stephens contributed to this report.

Related stories:

Contact the writer: Nluna@ocregister.com