by Dennis Dalman
The River Boat Depot bar/restaurant in Sartell plans to add outdoor, river’s-edge dining starting next spring.
The Sartell City Council approved an interim-use permit for that purpose at its last meeting. The request to the council was submitted by Brian Johnstone, co-owner of the business at 2 Riverside Drive.
The Sartell Planning Commission earlier voted to recommend approval by the council.
According to the interim-use permit application, Johnstone plans to lay a slab of concrete behind the River Boat Depot as early as this fall. The patio will be able to accommodate seven tables, two to four chair per table, and up to 20 diners.
River Boat Depot, which opened nearly 30 years ago, is located just south of Veterans Park on a bluff above the Mississippi River. From the patio area, there will be views of the old city bridge, the former paper-mill site across the river and the hydroelectric dam.
Business hours for the patio will be from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. It will be closed in the winter months.
