By Megan Alley
Sun Reporter
The former site of The Landing Restaurant & Marina in New Richmond has sold to a new owner, who plans to open Sunset Beach Bar and Grill at the location this May.
New Richmond resident Scot Kenkel purchased the building, located at 401 Front St. last month.
Kenkel said he plans to open Sunset Beach Bar and Grill – named after a popular bar and grill in St. Maarten – which he describes will be an “adult playground that’s pet friendly.”
“I want to take advantage of the fact that we’re on the river,” he said, noting that outdoor seating will be plentiful, in addition to an indoor seating option.
Kenkel said he hopes to open the bar and grill in mid-May.
Weekday lunch and dinner menus are planned, and brunch offerings will be added to the weekend menu.
The bar and grill, which is situated within New Richmond’s designated outdoor refreshment area, will be outfitted with a full bar.
The DORA is an area where the statutory open container restrictions do not apply at particular hours –
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily as proposed, and adults are permitted to possess and consume alcohol in an
identified area with certain restrictions – designated cups.
Kenkel said his friend Keith Sprunk helped persuade him to buy the building and open the restaurant.
“He’s in the marketing business and works in the restaurant field. He has a good sense for trends, and he shared his vision for this place, and the timing seemed right,” Kenkel said.
Kenkel went on to sing the praises of the local government leaders who have helped make the process of starting the business accessible.