Luke Poulos, whose family has owned and operated Chris’s Steakhouse in Fayetteville since 1963, has signed a lease for the property at 1001 N. Fourth St.

Terry Espy of MoMentum Companies Inc. represented both the owner and the tenant in the transaction of the space that previously housed Canapé.

Poulos and his wife, Lisa, along with daughter Kelcey Dudley, plan to open The District this fall. Owners describe the concept as a mid-priced Americana theme, serving lunch and dinner and offering classics such as burgers and chops along with craft beer, wine and cocktails.

“When Mr. Poulos approached me about looking for a restaurant space in Wilmington last year, he was very interested in being a part of the cohesive effort that the Brooklyn Arts neighborhood is putting forth to promote dining, arts and entertainment,” Espy said. “And with the arrival of breweries and bottle shops such as Palate along Fourth Street, people need a place to eat.”

Poulos, who has enjoyed a beach residence in the area for many years, says that now that his children are grown, he can relocate here permanently and pursue a new venture. Poulos recently sold his share of Chris’s Steakhouse after 35 years with the family business.

The District will be a family operation, with Luke and Lisa Poulos managing the kitchen and the front of the house, and Dudley managing bar operations.

“The goal is to create the perfect neighborhood spot,” Espy said.

An October opening is anticipated.

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