Kings Island is getting a new restaurant AND a new reality TV star chef

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Kings Island is getting two new culinary additions for the 2018 season, which began on April 14.

A new restaurant is being added to the park's line-up: Coney Bar B Que. This new, fast casual restaurant will feature barbecue favorites including smoked St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, rotisserie chicken and Queen City Sausage along with a fresh selection of side dishes.

MORE: Mason’s first craft brewery — 16 Lots Brewing — makes it debut

The location is included in the Coney Mall area of the park, next to the Scrambler. The restaurant’s architecture and theming will pay tribute to the early days of Kings Island and Coney Mall.

Covered outdoor seating areas will feature views of Coney Mall and the Grand Carousel.

Also, taking the executive chef position at Kings Island is James Major, a two-time winner of the Food Network's "Chopped" reality TV cooking contest and contestant on Alton Brown's "Cutthroat Kitchen."

Major is a Culinary Institute of America Certified Pro Chef II, a U.S. Navy veteran and Ohio native. He previously served as executive chef at Great American Ball Park and Funky’s Catering.

MORE: This new restaurant spent nearly a year renovating a former Bob Evans, and it will open soon

“Kings Island has always been a place where family memories are made,” Major said. “It’s an honor for me and my team to have the chance to be creative and provide great food experiences that add to those memories and the fun guests have during their visit.”

About the Author