An ambitious new restaurant and watering hole on Columbia Pike is now open for business.

William Jeffrey’s Tavern opened to the general public for the first time last night, co-owner Wilson Whitney told us. The restaurant, at 2301 Columbia Pike, offers seating for nearly 200 and a menu featuring American-style fare, 16 draft beers, and Prohibition-inspired cocktails.

Despite the high expectation of many Pike residents, Whitney warned that the restaurant is still in “soft opening” mode. With the kitchen still getting up to speed, early patrons should expect slower-than-usual service, he said.

Whitney and partners Adam Lubar and Chris Lefborn also own local restaurant staples Rhodeside Grill, Ragtime and Dogwood Tavern. Together, they’ve invested some $2 million in William Jeffrey’s Tavern.