Johnny Orr’s Sports Grille is history.

The sign in front of the former Iowa State men’s basketball coach’s sports bar has been blacked out, and a new restaurant, or rather ristorante, is filling the void.

Tuscany’s Ristorante, which will open May 24, will be the latest establishment to team up with the Ramada Inn.

An Italian steak house, Tuscany’s will feature almost completely remodeled facilities, including a new, state-of-the-art kitchen, a different layout and a makeover on the bar.

“[The overall appearance will be] more Italian style,” dining room manager Lori Spencer said.

The new look will be managed by Kent Fowler, a master chef from Medford, Ore., who is renowned for opening restaurants.

Fowler’s resume includes 15 hotels, the Crater Lake Lodge and Four Diamond hotels. He is also in the “Guinness Book of World Records” as an ice sculptor.

The man responsible for the Italian cuisine will be executive chef George Weir, who hails from a four-star Las Vegas establishment named Dumes.

Weir has been in the food and beverage business for 30 years and has received training from master and world class chefs all over Europe.

“I hope to achieve a four-star rating,” Weir said.

He describes Tuscany’s as a place for casual dining of steak and fine Italian food, without the high cost.

“I don’t want it to only be affordable for special occasions,” Weir said. “I want it to be affordable to everyone.”

Weir will bring to Ames the Tuscany style of dining, which is named after a region in Italy. He describes this variation as rustic but hearty food.

Tuscany foods include red sauce, fresh herbs, garlic and oils served on a variety of pasta.

“People should definitely come out to taste and see the different cuisine available,” Weir added.

Tuscany’s Ristorante will offer competitive prices: $6 for its express lunch and $9 to $18 for its dinner platters.

The express lunch will be Weir’s attempt to serve patrons quality food within 15 to 20 minutes.

“I want to avoid the 45-minute wait,” he said.

The express lunch will include cooked meats, such as roast beef and pastrami, served with freshly cooked bread, condiments, pasta and sauce.

Along with the new look will come a new line of drinks. American and Italian wines will be available and there will be an Italian beer on tap. Traditional beers and cocktail drinks will also be served.

Jazz will radiate from the speakers at Tuscany’s, but Weir has a special treat planned for Sundays.

It will be called the Champagne Jazz Brunch and will feature Iowa State Assistant Professor of Music James Bovinette and three other musicians. The ensemble will play jazz music while the patrons enjoy their Sunday brunch.

Spencer said other promotions will be offered coinciding with the time of year, such as Valentine’s Day or the Super Bowl. Tuscany’s will also coordinate specials with Ramada Inn.

On the television, Tuscany’s will tune into sports programming. Karoke will take center stage on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Tuscany’s Ristorante is located at 1206 South Duff Ave.