SHELBURNE FALLS — The former site of the organic restaurant Hearty Eats at 24 Bridge St. is being transformed into Hotfire Bar and Grill, serving burgers, an eclectic array of sandwiches and comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders.

Chad Flasinski, who previously worked as the executive chef at Zeke’s Bar & Grill in Bernardston, organizing large events, dinner services and to-go lunch boxes, purchased the Hearty Eats location after it closed on March 4, to start his own restaurant and “hammer out [his] vision.”

With plans to open Memorial Day weekend, Flasinski said he envisions Hotfire Bar and Grill to be a “fast casual” environment in which customers can order their meals either at the counter or through a mobile app, have a seat and grab their orders either for takeout or dining in.

“Shelburne is such a beautiful area [and] there are so many places to be that I expect people to trickle in and circle out,” he said. “It’ll also be the type of place where couples that are looking to have a little day trip and come up and grab a bite to eat and sit down, and maybe to check the score of a game or have a cocktail, they’ll be able to do that here and then go on their day.”

Flasinski described the restaurant’s atmosphere as having a clean, modern “soft Panera” feel, decorated with a full subway tile wall behind the bar along with canvas art and a photo wall of the Bridge of Flowers. The menu, Flasinski said, will feature homemade crinkle-cut fries and chips, alongside Reuben, Cubano, and French dip sandwiches. Hotfire Bar and Grill will also serve a smashburger and, for vegetarians, a bean burger.

“There’ll be a little bit of something for everybody,” Flasinski said. “I’ll have things that are gluten free and I’ll have things that are vegetarian, but realistically, my focus is going to be more of a carnivore place.”

As a Shelburne Falls resident, Flasinski said he looks forward to making his mark on the community, creating a space where residents can get together over a meal and some conversation.

“I love food just about as much as the next chef, and I could talk food and sports for hours. I have a wonderful family, I live here in town. I’m just excited to be a part of this community in particular. I think Shelburne Falls, as a community, supports their businesses probably better than anybody else,” Flasinski said. “I really can’t say enough about this town. I just hope to be a part of it and get a chance to show Shelburne how much I enjoy being here.”

The business’ Facebook page, which now includes a menu, can be viewed at tinyurl.com/HotfireBarandGrill. It will be open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.