Skip to main content

Mistler plans retractable windows for patio of new restaurant and bar, 'City Slickers'

By Howard B. Owens

A plan for Ken Mistler to remodel the patio of the former South Beach Restaurant on Main Street received glowing reviews and eventual approval from members of the city's Design Review Committee on Tuesday.

The board opened its meeting with a field trip to South Beach were Mistler explained the concept.

Mistler intends to enclose the patio, but use retractable glass panels (something like a garage door made of glass panes) so that he can operate the patio as a bar, dining room and music venue 12 months out of the year.

"We'll close the windows for weather or when it's windy," Mistler said.

The concept has already received a positive recommendation from the Genesee County Planning Board and once the Design Review Committee approves his final plans in 30 days, Mistler will be able to proceed with construction.

Mistler is planning a Southwestern/Western theme with urban flair for the new restaurant and bar. It will be called City Slickers.

While the restaurant continues to cater parties in the basement bar and dining area, Mistler is completely remodeling the inside of the bar and dining area (the new custom-built wooden bars are stunning).

He expects to open City Slickers around the third week of April.

Photo below: Mistler holds a picture of the former Kiwanis Park that was west of South Beach from before Mistler remodeled it to the present patio.

Kyle Couchman

Thats all a matter of opinion Ted and opinions can be like rear ends everyone has one and they usually stink when heard. That being said maybe the city can now concentrate on the greenspace next to Yne Godess shop.

Mar 21, 2012, 10:17am Permalink
Phil Ricci

Yes Ted, I particularly like the cracked sidewalk. It fits with the rest of the neighborhoods...I am excited to see what the new desgin will look like, Ken!

Mar 21, 2012, 11:39am Permalink
Kelly Hansen

Ken, I wish you much success with your new endeavor! We need more positive-minded and energetic business owners who are willing to invest in our community.

Mar 21, 2012, 12:21pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

My father told me all my life, "Energy Breeds More Energy"

Ken, Thank you you for bringing more energy to the community, can't wait for my first City Slicker's Meal!

Mar 21, 2012, 12:31pm Permalink
Ted Wenzka

Yes!
I guess I am showing my age but I do not think your outside area does anything to add beauty to the downtown area. It is just a concrete barrier. There is nothing appealing to it. Larry's patio across the street has much more appeal.

Mar 21, 2012, 1:33pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

I don't know Ted, maybe we should wait to see the finished product before we get too nostalgic. Right now we have a bare patio, but the article pointed to the final plan.

I am willing to bet it is going to be a pretty awesome looking place once complete.

The important thing is someone is doing something to revitalize downtown business, that is the energy we need.

Mar 21, 2012, 1:51pm Permalink
John Roach

Hey, at least somebody is putting money into downtown and it may bring even more people into the area. It can't hurt and will probably help.

Mar 21, 2012, 2:55pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

The before picture shows a place where people took a quick shortcut, the current picture shows a place where people gather in downtown Batavia and spend money. Keep going Ken.

Mar 21, 2012, 3:49pm Permalink
Cory Hawley

Didn't the city put some effort into making things greener not too long ago? Obviously it's not done, but some small trees/greenery would make it a little more inviting

Mar 21, 2012, 8:28pm Permalink
Kelly Hansen

I suppose we all see Main Street differently. Perhaps many have forgotten what Main Street looked like prior to the addition of all of the trees, shrubs, and perennials. Small trees and greenery? They're there by the hundreds, if not thousands. Look again, Cory.

A bunch of overgrown weeds and shrubs five years overdue for a trimming between two buildings may have looked good to some, but if you thought it looked good, you obviously didn't actually walk through the area. It served as a filter for trash and was downright dark and creepy.

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would complain about a business man striving to make improvements to his business and draw people downtown.

Mar 22, 2012, 7:49am Permalink
Ted Wenzka

Kelly- I am not complaining about a business man striving to make improvements. I just wish the improvements looked better. I am just stating an opinion (and that's all it is) that something other than what is now there would look better. In my opinion, overgrown weeds and shrubs looked better than a slab of concrete between 2 buildings with a 3-sided low concrete wall occupying half of the area.

Mar 22, 2012, 1:33pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Gee Ted do we often judge things when they arent finished.I mean what your doing is like looking at a pregnant woman and saying the kid is trouble, or a lump of clay and saying that lamp is ugly. You can even compare it to looking at an auto chassis with just the wheels on and saying its gonna be the worst car ever.

Your attitude is the reason for the saying never assume cause u make an ass out of u and me. This isnt meant to be vicious or hurtful man but really dont you think you ought to give it a chance to get near completion before making statements like that.

Mar 22, 2012, 9:14pm Permalink

Authentically Local