Finally -- a name easy to pronounce. Tavern Grill will open in the former Aperitif in Woodbury. A June opening is planned. The owner is Hemisphere Restaurant Partners, which also runs Tavern Grills in Edina and Blaine as well as Flame in Roseville and Mission American Kitchen and Atlas, both in downtown Minneapolis.

Specializing in build-your-own-burgers, Tavern also turns out the de rigueur menu of pizza, pasta, steaks and seafood. Like the other locations, this one will be family-friendly and affordable.

Aperitif, at Interstate 494 and Tamarack Road in Woodbury, closed in February 2011, a casualty of bankruptcy by prominent St. Paul developer Jerry Trooien.

With its long bar, large open kitchen and outdoor patio, the space fits well with the Tavern concept, Ansari says. "No cost was spared," he says. "There are even terrazzo floors in the coolers. All we'll have to do is Tavernize it a bit."