Stepping into the rich interior of Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar was like entering an exclusive gentleman’s club where snooker, cigars, and single malt were the order of the day. The black leather tufted chairs and booths, crisp white tablecloths, and forged iron light fixtures felt grounded and masculine. But deco-inspired details of sculpted gold leaves and low sable-hued velvet couches with leopard throw pillows uncovered the secret to the curved elegance behind the restaurant. The owner of Prime is not some saddle-worn, slow-cadenced Texas cattleman but rather a petite, rapid-talking brunette named Jan who loves two things most of all: design and high-end steakhouses.
The owner of Prime is not some saddle-worn, slow-cadenced Texas cattleman but rather a petite, rapid-talking brunette named Jan.
As Jan Copeland spoke, her kohl-rimmed eyes surveyed the landscape of her Ventura restaurant. We met before five o’clock in the evening, but customers were already arriving and being seated early. She more hovered over her seat like a hummingbird than sat, and got up several times during our interview to attend to nuances.
Prime has been open for about a year and already has a regular crowd. “At first I was worried about not being Downtown, but customers are happy we’re here,” said Copeland. “They walk down from the hill, or from their homes in Midtown. They are relieved not to have to drive.”
Jan Copeland worked with a designer friend to create a “comfort dining” atmosphere.
The building on the corner of Thompson and Anacapa (formerly Tony’s Steak & Seafood) was not the first location Copeland pursued. Over the span of seven years she had been in negotiation for at least three other venues, but every other deal fell through. “It wasn’t meant to be,” Copeland told herself when they tanked. “When it was right, I knew it would happen.” She now feels that each failure was a “blessing in disguise” that ultimately prepared her for this opportunity.
Copeland’s dream of owning a steakhouse was conceived in Kansas City, Missouri when, at the age of fifteen, she began waiting tables. She fell in love with the industry, and with the fervor of a young bride dreaming about her wedding, started to visualize the steakhouse she would one day own.
Along the way, her career path took many twists and turns (including selling electronics and other equipment out of the trunk of her car, which incidentally evolved into a successful company), but still she clung to her dream. “I always loved being in high-end steakhouses, the likes of Maestros or House of Prime Rib in San Francisco,” she said. “I love Old World charm, where men are men and ladies are ladies.” She wanted to create a supper-club vibe, with live music and dancing after dinner.
Copeland worked with a designer friend from Chicago to fashion an atmosphere she describes as “upscale without attitude. … It’s comfort food, comfort dining—that’s what Ventura’s about.”
The main room’s black leather chairs and forged iron light fixtures have the distinctly masculine feel of a classic steakhouse.
Though the dinner menu is monolithic, its selections are concise. “We kept it simple so we could specialize,” she explained. They serve mussels and tuna tartar, and an impressive double-boned pork chop. But the house specialty, as stated in the restaurant’s name, is prime rib.
Prime features slow-cooked Midwestern beef. The twist that makes their approach unique comes when they sear the prime rib on the grill before serving. “It changes the texture a little bit,” said Copeland. “It’s not for everyone, but about ninety percent love it.” She also stretched the menu with some creative and less costly prime rib options such as prime rib tacos, nachos, and sandwiches.
The restaurant’s motto is, “There’s always something going on at Prime.” Copeland has a long call list of clients she keeps apprised of the ever-evolving schedule: Tequila Tuesdays, Monday night football specials, debate dinners, and Thirsty Thursdays that showcase a jazz band and small plates menu with nothing priced over seven dollars.
Copeland’s formula seems to appeal to local diners, as Prime was voted “Best New Restaurant” this fall in the Ventura County Reporter. The determination that kept her fighting until she finally got to open the restaurant of her dreams is the same moxie that keeps her hustling for new customers. “You’re foolish if you think that when you open your doors people will come rushing in; you have to stay on top of it,” she said as she walked off to greet more customers. 
12-01-2008
