The talent and business force behind the Eastside’s 0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar Owner’s Chef Dan Thiessen and Matt Bomberger have penned a deal to open a new restaurant concept in downtown Bellevue, Stir Martini & Raw Bar.

With the introduction of this new concept, the partners have formed a new restaurant management group called Chef Dan Restaurants. The launch of the corporation is timed with the expansion of Stir, the second venture under the group’s umbrella.

Stir is slated to open end of July 2009 to coincide with the completion of the new tower at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The restaurant and bar will be located in a former retail space on the first floor of Bellevue Place in the Wintergarden just off the main hotel lobby.

The 4,400 sq. ft. space, leased from Kemper Development and designed by Seattle’s Dynamik Space, will boast a modern interpretation of a Pacific Northwest lodge ambiance. The space will offer seating for 175 including an outdoor patio for dining al fresco. The all-day menu will feature raw preparations along with a variety of cooked dining options. The bar also will highlight customized, state-of-the-art cocktail mixology.

In addition to Stir, Chef Dan Restaurants will continue to develop future dining concepts. Thiessen and Bomberger hold the shared conviction that Bellevue and surrounding Eastside communities offer incredible opportunities for continued restaurant growth, even in uncertain economic times

“Guests can come to a Chef Dan restaurant and know they’ll receive a fantastic yet affordable food and beverage experience,” said Thiessen. “That was a significant factor in the inspiration behind not only Stir Martini & Raw Bar, but some of the other ideas we’re cooking up. Stay tuned.”