Almost a year ago, a Westfield Valencia Town Center official confirmed Saddle Ranch Chop House signed a lease and was coming to Santa Clarita’s mall.

Since then, those waiting to delve into one of the restaurant’s “family-style platters,” or perhaps a whirl on the mechanical bull, have had to wait.

A Westfield official confirmed Thursday afternoon the goal for opening the restaurant was late June, possibly early July, depending on when the remaining interior renovations, as well as final hiring and trainings, are completed.

Restaurant officials signed a lease on the 7,500 square foot space on Town Center Drive, which was previously occupied by TGI Fridays, catercorner to the recently add Cheesecake Factory.

Related story: Cheesecake Factory Set To Open Nov. 8

The initial announcement plan was for last fall, according to officials.

In fact, the chop house committed to the space in the third quarter of 2015, according to Westfield marketing director Stacie House, in a previous interview.

Related story: Saddle Ranch Chop House To Open This Fall At Westfield Valencia Town Center

However, city officials with knowledge of the situation speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Cheesecake ownership made it a goal to open first, and succeeded.

The reasons for the delay for Saddle Ranch have been unclear.

Several attempts to contact officials with Saddle Ranch Chop House corporate office were not returned Thursday.