The Lutgert Companies has announced that four casual dining restaurants – AZN, Piola, The Pub and Stage Deli – will establish their first Southwest Florida locations at The Mercato in Naples.

Construction is underway on each of locations, with the new restaurants anticipated to open in early 2009.

AZN is a new Asian steak and seafood restaurant prototype that is being introduced by the Atlanta-based owners of Silk Restaurant in multiple cities throughout the Southeast. AZN will provide patrons contemporary, upscale Pan-Asian dining and fresh sushi with seating for more than 200 with both patio and inside dining.

Established in Italy in 1986, Piola currently operates four pizzerias in the United States as well as at locations throughout Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico. The restaurant’s cuisine is Italian, specializing in thin-crust brick-oven pizzas.

The Pub is a British pub concept with locations in Ohio, Kentucky and, most recently, Fort Lauderdale. The Naples location will seat 250 patrons with a wide range of draught beer offerings, outdoor dining and live music. Conceived by Cincinnati-based restaurateur Nick Sanders, The Pub is modeled after the classic corner pubs of London with modern style furniture and accessories from Britain.

Founded in 1962, Stage Deli is an upscale Jewish deli-style restaurant in Detroit offering a wide range of food, including soups, sandwiches and salads made fresh daily. The Naples location will encompass about 3,000 square feet with seating for up to 130 patrons. This will be first location outside Detroit for the family-owned delicatessen.

Located on 53 acres at the intersection of U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road, The Mercato is a joint venture of The Lutgert Companies and the Barron Collier Companies of Naples.