BRIDGEPORT — Economy schmonomy, people got to eat.

At least that's what the owners of a new Jamaican restaurant and a French bistro are betting on. With more than 40 years in the business, Joseph Kustra, owner of the Bridgeport gastronomic landmark Joseph's Steakhouse, thinks going upscale with the State Street Bistro will be another winner for him and the city.

"This town needs a few decent places," Kustra said. While the new bistro is just starting, Kustra said his steakhouse is doing quite well in this economy.

"It's perfect," he said. "All these corporate people are coming in."

He said his establishments are geared toward those who are less affected by a downturn in the economy.

The Bistro boasts French cuisine created by Chef Roldao Carvalho. It will serve its first dinner tonight after being open for lunch just two days. It will be open Monday to Friday from noon to 3 p.m. and then from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday's hours will be from 5 to 10:30 p.m. It is not open Sunday, for now, Kustra said.

"So far, so good," Carvalho said Wednesday during lunch.

This is his first kitchen as head chef, but the graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York is well traveled and experienced, having worked in France and Spain. State Street will serve traditional French bistro cuisine, he said.

Of the menu, he said, "We're going to have fun."

For lunch, customers can choose from a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, including an almond crusted salmon

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roulade for $18 and French onion soup for $8 .

It is a little pricier than what Avery and Mark Stephenson are offering at Avery's Bar & Grill, just two blocks from the bistro.

Avery's features Jamaican fare and a lunch buffet for $8.99.

The vibe is friendly and easygoing.

Sheryl Stephenson, a relative working at the restaurant, said it's going OK, even though the owners are still waiting for their liquor permit.

She said the restaurant, at 121 Wall St., has been open for about two weeks. It's concentrating on building a lunch and evening crowd and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Downtown needs more places to eat and enjoy the evening, she said, and the Stephensons are hoping Avery's will be one of those places.

Rob Varnon, who covers business, can be reached at 330-6216.