The Restaurant
The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored 1850 Victorian home. The house itself is rich in history and offers a unique dining experience. It was originally built by the Vance family of Bristol, and lost during the Civil War. The house was later returned to the Vance family. Since then, it has been restored and housed two fine-dining restaurants.
J Frank’s predecessor was the another award-winning restaurant, Troutdale dining room, which closed its doors in the summer of 2015. Entrepreneur Jason Vanover saw the opportunity for a new fine dining outlet in Bristol, and opened the doors to J Frank’s on December 19, 2015. The restaurant’s menu features small plates and entrees, as well as a full-service bar and wine list.
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Nestled in the heart of Bristol, J Frank’s offers a unique, top quality dinning experience. Specializing in Craft Cocktails, Steak, and Seafood. Our creative and talented Chefs use the freshest, local ingredients, and our staff provides superior service.
Chef Jason Vanover
Jason Vanover of J Frank, grew up in restaurants. His mother ran the Old West Dinner Theater and when he got out of school he went there. Eventually they put him to work, and his love of the culinary world began. When he was 19, he applied for a job at The Troutdale. He didn’t initially get the job. By the time they called him two weeks later, he had another job.
Throughout his career, he’s cooked in France, South Carolina and Florida. He describes his food as Southern with French influence. “I feel like the core of most cuisines is French influenced. Presentation is a big deal. Obviously, you eat with your eyes first. But it’s really more making sure all flavors marry together. I tend to lean a little bit too much toward seafood, so I have to make sure I’ve included other options on the menu".
More than two decades after he applied for a job at the Troutdale, he bought the building and opened J. Frank, which is named after his grandfather. “I wanted it to be a welcoming place where everyone could come and have a good meal. I didn’t want a place that was so expensive, you only came on special occasions or a place where you felt like you had to whisper”.