A Mr. Gatti's restaurant seating 485 is coming to the Wilkinson Boulevard riverfront, perhaps by December as part of a $2.5 million complex, its developer says.
The project will include a fitness center and office, says Frankfort businessman Richard Hayes. The local planning commission approved the deal Thursday night 7-3.
The project will be built in two phases on 5.6 acres at 770 Wilkinson Boulevard, site of the old sand and gravel quarry on the Kentucky River's south side.
Hayes says the restaurant will have five party rooms and a 5,300 square-foot arcade with 55 games and numerous prizes. "I'm looking at having bumper cars in there," he said.
"There will be a sports room with a 10-foot TV and a 92-inch TV in the kids room. Wireless computers can be used in a quiet room."
He says he hopes the restaurant will be open by December.
"I was hoping it would have been open a year-and-a-half ago," he said.
The Frankfort/Franklin County Planning Commission approved Hayes' development plan Thursday with conditions, including adding windows and more brick or stone to the 25,000 square-foot metal building to improve the exterior's appearance.
Commissioner Joe Sanderson recommended the brick or stone. He said it would be the first redevelopment project along the river coming to the downtown area, "and if we're going to set a precedent we need to make it more attractive."
Sanderson also criticized the restaurant plan for lacking rear windows, because "we have a beautiful river back there."
Attorney Brian Hix, representing Hayes, said the absence of windows was primarily for security and customers would not benefit because trees block the river view.
Sanderson said some of the trees "probably could be selectively removed."
The planning commission also questioned the building's color. Hix said the building wouldn't be hunter orange or pink. He said neutral colors would be used, like earth.
Hix said Hayes has made a serious financial commitment to improve a blighted area and adding windows and brick will increase his costs and delay the project.
To help Hayes with costs, Sanderson said he would be willing to allow the lower parking lot, with 60 spaces, to be gravel instead of blacktop. The parking lot for the first phase, with 129 spaces, will be paved.
Seven voted to approve the development plan with conditions. Two, Brent Sweger and Charlie Booe, voted "no." Keith Lee abstained.
Hayes plans to dedicate an easement across the 5.6 acres, on which he holds an option, for the city's proposed bicycle-pedestrian path, which will run from River View Park to Cove Spring Park.
After the meeting, Hayes said the building will be attractive.
"I've never done anything in my life that wasn't attractive," he said. "I'd be cutting my own throat if it wasn't."
Hayes said the additional windows and brick could increase costs up to $10,000. And the gravel parking lot that was approved "will have to be paved in the end, anyway," he said.
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Poor location, it does not matter what this place will offer it is still just pizza. Will the locals walk over and pay for a $4 beer, not in this area. Will the Country club people drive to this area to enjoy pizza...NOT, The middle income people will stay with their Chili's, Applebeas and O'Charley's. I would like to have more faith in this business but Frankfort has proven that even the best can fail!!!!!
Posted by thebuzz May 14, 2008
A total lack of vision. Frankfort on the waterfront has such great potential for something very unique and special. Mr. Gatti's is the best anyone could come up with???? Is there anyone in this government with any creative vision at all? Frankfort could take a few pointers from Midway or Bardstown. Even Paris has better food and shops these days. This is our state's capital for goodness sake. We should be the shining star of cities in this state. Embarrassing!
Posted by stubbornasamule May 13, 2008
Aside, too -- George Washington"
I have a question that you may be able to authenticate. I was told on a visit to your home, Mt. Vernon, that there was a reason your back yard that extends down to the Potomac River was terraced for a particular reason. Do you happen to remember what that was? Pardon for being off topic but wanted to take advantage of your posting.
Posted by emtmeyer May 13, 2008
I moved here from Pittsburgh and we had the same issue with our rivers. Water front property could be the best asset this town has. They should take a cue from dying cities like Pittsburgh and use their rivers to the fullest. There have been mutiple waterfront "park" establishments that have increased the attraction to Pittsburgh in the past few years. I think it would be beneficial to this ghost town to bring in some big names, build a waterfront complex with shopping, real stores, real restaurants, not fast food and Walmart type quality, that people will want to go to and spend an evening walking around. As far as a Mr. Gatti's, if it is the same people as Gatti town then half the rides/games will not work and you will spend you time trying to find someone for a refund. We have been to one a few times and every time it is the same story. We have asked for refunds on many occasions. I have to agree that a Dave and Busters would be far better. It is like the ultimate chuck e cheese for kids and adults and the food is great. It would also give the people at the dragon or cooter brown's some where else to hang out.
Posted by Tamed-Shrew May 12, 2008
(Aside -- George Washington -- have you seen the vehicle driving about Frankfort with the portrait of you on top? It looks like an old GT, covered with voting bumper stickers, with a big placard on the roof displaying a GW portrait with the caption "Father of Our Country." I saw it last Friday on the west side of town.)
Posted by trying May 12, 2008
George, since I didn't see Rick's username (the one he used to post under the article about him) I figured he used another name here and somebody figured it out, just like they figured out the Chuckster's various names. I didn't indicate that you would use other names unless of course you, too, are one of Chucky's, LOL.
Anyhow, it's no wonder Rick Paul would be against it. Probably any downtown restaurant will be worried about the business this place might take away from them. Rick Paul should be even more worried. His place lookes like a dump. I finally figured out, where it is. And that place had me puzzled for years how it stays in business and how the health department can let it stay in business. The outside looks so very much run down.
Posted by George Washington May 12, 2008
Trying, first I am not hiding behind any user name...I am George Wasington, aka The Olde Fox, aka The Father of the Country. If you don't believe me, perhaps we can meet at thy Waffle House and you can see.
Second, he didn't post in this discussion, but I do know his opposition to be fact.
Posted by pinpointers May 12, 2008
any river town in KY has a bustling river life..except for Frankfort. Can't do anything downtown cause clarry leveland will be hanging on the phone as soon as the noize level raises above 5 decibel. Look at what they did with the levy in newport, look at louisville, owensboro, paducah, heck there is more going on in midway then here in frankfort. a FOURHUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE SEAT MR GATTI's..??? That'll compliment that "Capn'D's with a view" down the street. They should put a restaurant in jim's seafood too while they are at it instead of the hospital athmosphere cafeteria that now occupies it. Then again, you are catering to people that rather have a cheap fattening pizza then or a piece of cod floating in butter and some tasteless heated up frozen veggies than real food.
Posted by trying May 12, 2008
"Rick Paul is against it, which means it will be successful."
George, what gives you that idea? I didn't see a post by him. I thought the Chuckster was the only one hiding behind many usernames.
Posted by Creeker May 12, 2008
What a shame. After visiting similarly sized cities Owensboro and Paducah on the river, with their beautiful riverside arts centers and public areas, I had hoped Frankfort could have the vision to also develop the beautiful riverfront. We got a start with the small park and pavilion, but that's as far as it got. I will never understand why Frankfort continues to support the "big box" mentality. I wish Mr. Hayes well, but wish more for some vision and appreciation of our resources that we continue to overlook as a community.
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