Former Cowboy Ciao chef Bernie Kantak and his business partners have finalized a deal to open not one, not two, but five new restaurants downtown, reports the Republic today. The concepts will be Southwestern, Southern, steakhouse, Latin, and wine bar, and will be located at 1st Street and Jackson, at the heart of the still-nonexistent Jackson Street Entertainment District.

Earlier today, the Republic also mentioned that Estate House chef Gio Osso would also be involved, but now his name is mysteriously gone from the story (whose cutline still mentions "two acclaimed Scottsdale chefs").

It's interesting, because Kantak was set to be the head chef at Mexican Standoff, one of five restaurants that restaurateur Peter Kasperski had in the works for the last few years. Only one of those, Digestif, opened at Southbridge, while Mexican Standoff has been postponed a number of times, and plans to open an expanded Sea Saw, Shell Shock, and Confection have fallen through.

Kantak's five restaurants will reportedly open by the end of this year. 

• Chow Bella