First 'Great Bear' Restaurant Opens

The first ever Great Bear Mountain Pie restaurant opened this week in the food court at SouthPark Mall, offering a grilled pocket sandwich that's a new dining concept here, but may be familiar to campers.

Great Bear started turning out its special "mountain pies" on Monday.

"Business has been great so far," said co-owner Gary Medved, who created the concept and designed the grill he uses to make the sandwiches.

The idea is based on sandwiches campers make over an open fire, putting ingredients between two slices of bread and cooking it in a special press that crimps and seals the edges, toasting the bread while warming the filling.

You can try of of the specialty pies, or design your own, choosing from a variety of meats, cheeses and toppings. They come with your choice of dipping sauce.

There are also kids' pies -- mac and cheese or hot dog and cheese -- and dessert pies -- apple, cherry or blueberry cheesecake.

The sandwiches are served on specially designed artisan bread. 

Medved said he hopes to eventually open more Great Bear Mountain Pie restaurants.