New Restaurant Going In
Posted January 8, 2014 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Construction begins on the 2nd floor – John Dustrude photo
Updated – Turns out it’s not going to be a restaurant after all, but the new owner’s residence. So the rest of this story is outdated now and not true anymore :-/
Have you seen all the activity lately on the roof of the old Jeri’s Mall building? That’s the new second floor going in. And all the trusses stacked up at the old Browne Lumber location on Spring Street – they’ll work their way up to the top within the next week.
Building owner Scott Boden decided that rather than simply replacing the old roof, he’d raise the new one up high enough to add a new floor and guess who’s moving in? John Sable, owner of the Rocky Bay Cafe is opening a new restaurant with Victor Keane as Co-Owner and Executive Chef. (don’t worry, the Rocky Bay isn’t going anywhere – this will be in addition to that).
Trusses being unloaded and temporarily stored at the old Brown Lumber location – John Dustrude photo
I spoke with John about his plans and it sounds very exciting. It will be a somewhat casual, but upscale, warm and inviting restaurant and bar. The restaurant will be toward the front of the building with an outdoor dining area looking over Spring Street. The bar will be toward the back and will also have a smaller deck looking over the back parking area. The bar will include a 20′ x 40′ “multi-use” area in the corner that might have a variety of things – pool tables, arcade games, maybe some modern DJ dancing, maybe a big screen for major sporting events – whatever the season calls for.
As for what’s on the menu, that too will be whatever the season calls for, and whatever the customers seem to prefer. It will definitely include fresh local ingredients and seasonal meats and seafoods, all with a local, friendly, customer-service oriented flavor.
If you want bragging rights, why not try to come up with a name? Both John and Scott mentioned a sort of “contest” to see who can come up with a name for the restaurant. They really want to have the community’s involvement and for everyone to feel at home when they go there. But you’d better hurry – they are planning to have the place open for business in time for Memorial Day Weekend (barring any unforeseen setbacks).
>> Note: Here are some additional bits brought to my attention from John: Vic is co-owner, partner in the restaurant, not just executive chef. The bar is not in the back, its up front. In fact it is the biggest part of the establishment. And I may have understated the service level by saying “local, casual” Its a bit more sophisticated than that. John says that being an international travel destination we need a place that can cater to the needs and wants of people that are used to 4 and 5 star service.
So there you have it…
You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.
Categories: Around Here
27 comments:
27 comments...
well we call it spring up
Upstairs Bar & Grill or Topsy-Turvy
How about “Top of the Mall?”
I was thinking “Topshelf Bar & Grill” or maybe “The Upshot”
Hello Tim
My name is Victor Keane, I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to meet you yet, I am currently on a working vacation, doing research and planning our fresh new and exciting menu for john and I’s new Bar and Grill. I Just wanted to touch base with you and give you a little update on our progress…
As part owner with John Sable and life-long chef, yes we are planning on pleasing the locals with our fresh local ingredients, northwest seafood, organic meats and lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Hand-made pizza “with a twist” In our custom oven. Mouthwatering steaks exclusive to the Island, chef ground burgers with house made ketchup, olive oil mayo and homemade buns. New and dynamic vegetarian dishes light and healthy, We will have an extensive salad menu with exotic fruits and fine cheeses All sauces and dressings will be made in house. With ever changing deserts and ports We plan on changing the menu daily to entice our customers and offer more options and value to our guest. We plan on bringing a little of the city to the island in order to make it the “Hot Spot” for your special night out. If you have any questions please feel free to call me anytime 3603176135
How about “The Upper Deck”
Spring Equinox Bar & Grill? Or Equinox Bar on Spring
The Spring Equinox brings us a balance of day and night because the Sun is sitting on the Earth’s equator. (“Equinox” means “equal night”.)
A fun name that has a lot of potential for decor etc.
Also – a great day to celebrate full on at the restaurant every year. Also – my birthday – haha –
Good Luck guys – Cynthia Burke
Well, i miss “The Riptide” but think the bar should be called “The Bilge Pump” 🙂
How about “Isle Inspirations” or “Island Inspirations” (Imbibe, Ingest at Isle Inspirations 🙂
Glad to read the use of local and organic, hopefully also using only sustainable seafoods and foods, and all non GMO ingrediants.
A name from the past “Topside Chowder House”
How about Top of the Rock?
I’d just call it “Scott & Victor’s,” a name that sounds both upscale and casual, and connects personally with customers.
The Double Decker Bar and Grill
Edibles
Friday Harbor Haul Out
Great to see everyone coming up with ideas already. Stay tuned for the official “Name the Bar” contest coming soon!
Fridays- Where every day and every meal are GREAT!
how about “The Upper Deck”?
“Juan de Fuca Loft”
or, just “the Loft”!
“The Lookout Bar and Grill”
Or just “The Lookout” 🙂
How ’bout Springview?
1. Spring Street Savories & Spirits
2. Spring Street Savories
3. Spring Street Diner
4. Rockin’ Spring Street (Playoff off the popular place across the street, Rocky Bay)
Good Luck Guys!!!
1. Savories & Spirits
2. Hoppin’ John’s Sliders & Spirits
(Afterall, John S. will be hoppin’ across Spring Street quite a bit. Perhaps a slice of Southern cuisine will be served on Spring Street – like Hoppin’ John and smoked meats. Funky fusion sliders would course pair well with sensational spirits!)
HOPPIN’ JOHNS
I thought this deal was off entirely.
By submitting a comment you grant the San Juan Update a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate, irrelevant and contentious comments may not be published at an admin's discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.