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A new restaurant chain could open in Fresno by the third quarter of this year.

Barbara Caruso, a spokeswoman for Huntington Beach-based Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, said work is underway to convert the former Elephant Bar and Restaurant at the Villaggio Shopping Center, but between potential permitting and weather delays and other issues that could affect the work, the company isn’t offering a specific opening date yet.

The Elephant Bar closed unexpectedly in August of last year, but it didn’t take long to find a new tenant for the space in the popular shopping district.

Despite what you may think from its name, Lazy Dogs aren’t a series of hot dog restaurants but rather stylish bars and restaurants specializing in hand-crafted American food and drinks with seasonally-inspired ingredients.

The restaurants all follow similar designs, and the Fresno location will be remodeled to reflect that, Caruso said.

“Family owned, Lazy Dog is designed to feel like an upscale Rocky Mountain escape, complete with lodge-inspired furnishings such as cozy fireplaces, ledge stone, chandeliers crafted from Aspen logs and cowboy artwork,” a press release from the company states.

And Lazy Dog tries to live up to its name by allowing guests to enjoy the dining experience with their dogs.

“All locations will showcase a more than 8,000 square-feet interior plus a dog-friendly patio with a special menu for dogs featuring grilled meats and brown rice,” the press release continues.

Lazy Dog has 26 locations in California, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. Besides plans to open the Fresno restaurant, two more are scheduled to open later this year in the Bay Area city of Newark and in Arlington, Texas.