Ducks’ star turned restaurateur Selanne opens a side shop selling meats and candies

The sauces and steaks diners have come to enjoy at Selanne Steak Tavern can now be purchased to-go.

Owners of the two-year-old restaurant along South Coast Highway decided about a year ago to turn a 250-square-foot former art studio space into a store that will sell an array of prime meats, seafood, condiments, cookies and chocolates.

Former Ducks’ star Teemu Selanne and co-owner Kevin Pratt, along with Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce representatives and Councilwoman Toni Iseman welcomed TS Gourmet Shoppe to the neighborhood with a ribbon cutting Tuesday.

Selanne, dressed in a polo shirt and slacks, said he’s excited for Laguna Beach to have a butcher specializing in top-quality meats.

“It’s exciting to open a new store so people can take some of the Selanne Steak Tavern experience home,” Selanne announced to the handful of people gathered. “It’s hard to believe there is no butcher place in Laguna.”

Executive Chef Josh Severson and his team will portion meats to order, including Angus and wagyu varieties.

“I love steaks like a Lord Stanley Tomahawk, you can’t beat it,” Selanne said about the 32-ounce wagyu cut as guests nibbled on truffle popcorn. “I’m a sweet guy too. I love candies and cookies.”

Soups such as tomato bisque and roasted poblano are made in-house while customers will be able to purchase T-shirts with No. 8, Selanne’s jersey number. Selanne, a six-time Olympian, played 21 seasons in the NHL and ranks 11th in goals scored with 684. He retired in 2014 and lives in Coto de Caza.

The shop will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at 1450 S. Coast Hwy. Selanne Steak Tavern is next door at 1464 S. Coast Hwy.

Laguna Beach Chamber President Elect Ken Fischbeck, like Selanne, appreciates a good steak and said the restaurant has been a hit in the community.

“Everyone who has come here has said it’s a great venue, and this addition will make it even better,” Fischbeck told the crowd. “It’s a great pleasure to have you in town.”