Eatery plans a fast face-lift

Source: Bay City Times
Old City Hall is getting a new look.

Co-owner Dave Dittenber expects the 13-year-old restaurant on Saginaw Street to close for at least two weeks next month for renovations.

"We're trying to make it as short as we can, because we're on a roll, and we don't want to jinx it," said Manager Rose Grappin.

"But there are things that have to be done that we can't do if we remain open."

Remodeling plans include enlarging and refurbishing the kitchen, recarpeting the dining room, re-flooring the bar and the kitchen, renovating the bathrooms and adding lighting at 814 Saginaw St.

For example, another stove, oven and fryer will be added to the kitchen. A large fish tank will be moved more into the dining room in order to expand the kitchen.

As many as six employees work in the 600-square-foot kitchen at once.

"Basically, we're trying to improve the flow. ... With what we have back there right now, they're magicians," Dittenber said.

The well-known restaurant will do away with its alcove street entrance in favor of a flat-wall entrance.

"Whatever we lose in square footage in the dining room, we're gaining by moving out the front of the building," he said.

"I think the front of the building needs a face-lift. I mean, with all the cool stuff that's happening in Bay City, we want to be on the cutting edge."

The dining room will be re-carpeted, and the wine rack may be moved to the dining room. Dining booths will also be added.

"We're just trying to make it more cozy, more romantic. ... We have only one dining room, and if it's busy and full, it's wonderful, but when it isn't, it can feel "cold,' " Dittenber said.

The local watering hole and eatery, popular among doctors, lawyers and politicians, will keep its bistro-style menu and casual-dining atmosphere, he said.

The entire facility is about 6,000 square feet, with room for nearly 200 people. It has 31 employees who Dittenber hopes will continue to work for him after Old City Hall re-opens.

"I bought it over three years ago and wanted to renovate it then, but the timing wasn't right, because at the time, I was just getting on my feet," he said.

"Now we want to draw some of the people who come up from Detroit to go to their cottages. ... We want to make Bay City one of their stops, especially when we get the planned hotel-conference center going."

Dittenber will meet with an architect Tuesday to finalize the renovation plans for the 110-year-old building that formerly housed city hall. He'll also have a better idea of the project cost after the meeting.

"Before, when Old City Hall closed under a different owner, it didn't re-open. But I want the public to know we're going to be back, and it's going to be better than ever," Dittenber said.
Source: Bay City Times