Donetelli’s Steakhouse Opens at Historic Brick Hotel in Newtown

Donetelli’s opened its doors last weekend, introducing a 200-seat Italian steakhouse to the main floor of the historic Brick Hotel. The new venue occupies the space at State Street and Washington Avenue that previously housed Rocco’s, which closed abruptly last fall after a dispute with the landlord.

The restaurant features a glass-enclosed porch that offers panoramic views of the downtown area. Habib Troudi, the owner, spent several months renovating the space from floor to ceiling before the launch. The work included installing a new kitchen, updating the restrooms, and elevating the dining rooms. Troudi noted that the building required extensive repairs to reach its current condition.

Troudi brings over 25 years of industry experience to Newtown. Originally from Tunisia, he began his career in a French restaurant before moving to the United States at age 20. He honed his skills in Miami and the Philadelphia region before establishing his own businesses. He opened Ristorante Castello in Blue Bell 23 years ago and Panache Wood Fire Grill 12 years ago.

The new steakhouse positions itself as a high-end establishment that remains family-friendly. The menu includes prime steaks, chops, poultry, veal, and fresh seafood. It also offers house-made pasta, soups, salads, burgers with fresh-cut fries, and raw bar items. The restaurant sources its steaks from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, selecting cuts from the top three percent of premium USDA Prime and dry-aged beef.

Troudi stated that the concept was designed to stand above franchise names. “The steak speaks for itself,” he said. “When you put your name on the line, you have to do it right. I’ve been doing this my whole life. We chose a high-end steakhouse that’s above any franchise name.” The menu also features legendary Petroassian caviar and seasonal favorites intended for sharing.

Executive chef Taras Zhemelko works alongside Troudi at the new location. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner menus. The bar operates every day without requiring reservations, while dining rooms accept bookings through OpenTable or the restaurant’s website.

Troudi said he was searching for a location in the Newtown area when the Brick Hotel space became available. He expressed excitement about the team’s arrival in the community. The establishment aims to combine modern Italian dining with the comfort of a local neighborhood restaurant.

The opening marks a new phase for the historic building, which now hosts a dedicated steakhouse on its ground level. The restaurant’s website describes the dining experience as one where every detail is designed to bring people together around food. The presence of Donetelli’s adds a new option for residents and visitors seeking Italian fare in the heart of Newtown.