Restaurateur Josh Wolkon, who owns Vesta Dipping Grill, Steuben’s, and Ace, is opening a second Steuben’s at the edge of Arvada’s Olde Town.

Wolkon said he expects the new restaurant — tentatively dubbed Steuben’s 2.0 — to open in the first half of 2016 at the site of an empty Gunther Toody’s at 7355 Ralston Road. He said Arvada’s Olde Town area was a draw to open a new Steuben’s because of the area’s history and character — and the site itself can house a larger kitchen.

“I really believe Arvada is an eclectic, developing area with a lot of growth happening,” Wolkon said. “In the past, we’ve always liked to be a part of neighborhoods on the rise, and we see that happening here.”

The new iteration of Steuben’s won’t be a carbon copy of the original at 523 E. 17th Ave. in Denver but will balance the tried-and-true with experimentation.

“There’s a history of Eastern European descent in Arvada, and there’s some great comfort American foods that go along with that that we want to play with,” Wolkon said. “We don’t know for sure, but we’ve had conversations about schnitzel and pierogie, for example.”

Long-time Steuben’s executive chef Brandon Biederman will be taking the helm at the new restaurant.

Arvada Economic Development Association director Ryan Stachelski said his organization worked closely in helping the restaurant get a foothold in Arvada, and he mentioned the 2016 arrival of the Gold Line commuter rail and a development boom as draws for new businesses.

“AEDA and the City of Arvada are thrilled that Josh chose Arvada for his next project,” Stachelski said. “We look forward to working with the Steuben’s staff on next steps and cannot wait to attend the opening and celebrate Steuben’s 2.0.”

Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, tabriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs