- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
'Twisted Sisters' downtown pub plan gets Lakeport Planning Commission approval
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Planning Commission has given unanimous approval to a plan to convert an existing retail space in the city's downtown to a new pub and grill slated to open later this summer.
Carrie Caron and Carma Jordan of Twisted Sisters Eatery and Events LLC went before the commission last Wednesday to ask for approval of their project, located at 350 N. Main St.
The commission considered a minor architectural and design review, and zoning permit for outdoor dining and live entertainment at the rear of the property.
The building, which the sisters have purchased, has housed retail shops. The conversion they're planning – turning it into the Twisted Sisters Pub and Grill – includes remodeling of the exterior and interior, a new entry, new signage and the outdoor dining area.
Associate Planner Dan Chance presented the report to the commission, explaining that the restaurant would include a bar, banquet room, new kitchen and bathrooms, plus the outdoor dining area and deck at the building's rear.
The remodel will include removing some interior walls, and a glass sculpture of a tree will grace the new entry way, with a metal awning along 46 feet of the front of the property and galvanized metal lettering, according to Chance.
Chance said the exterior colors will be gray and black. “We did look at the colors. They were kind of a surprise to us.”
Originally barn wood siding had been suggested, however Chance said city planning staff had concerns it would impact the historical integrity of the building.
With regard to the colors, Chance said staff visited downtowns around the region – St. Helena, Napa and Petaluma – and found buildings with colors similar to those Caron and Jordan are proposing to use.
Staff offered support of the project, with Chance noting that they felt it would improve the building and clean up the back of the property.
As for live entertainment, Chance said the city has developed criteria for implementing rules for that activity, and added that it would have to cease by 10 p.m.
Questions from commissioners included whether there would be enough parking. Community Development Director Kevin Ingram said he didn't necessarily agree that there is a parking problem in downtown Lakeport, although he acknowledged that a lack of parking is perceived to be an issue. He added that, at some point, he would like to do a full audit of the city's downtown parking.
Caron and Jordan were on hand to give additional details on their project and to answer questions from commissioners.
Caron said they are excited to come to Lakeport and are having fun. “We purchased the building so we are definitely here. We want to be here, we're not renting.”
Jordan added that they want to make their new venture the best they possibly can for Lake County.
They explained that the building occupancy will be about 100 customers, with room for overflow in the banquet room. The bar itself will have 20 seats.
Caron said their venue is a beautiful building. Now in the remodeling stage, she said they've removed layers of linoleum and tile and are now down to the original wood floors, which they're restoring.
Commissioner Tom Gayner asked about the theme and what bands they would host. Jordan said they would offer a variety of performers, and that they plan to stage them in the banquet room so people can either sit there and listen to the music or can sit elsewhere in the restaurant without music.
The women also explained that they are running a family business that is meant to be comfortable and inviting to a wide range of customers, and won't be stuffy or high priced.
They are working with a chef from Napa who is acting as their advisor as they create a menu that will use local produce to create what Caron called “comfort food with a twist” and flavor.
Commissioner Suzanne Russell said she didn't like the color scheme of dark gray and black, finding it too jarring. Caron and Jordan maintained that the coloring was part of their theme.
This is their first restaurant. They said they are incorporating into their plan ideas they've gathered during extensive travels.
“This is a good project,” and Lakeport needs it, said Commission Chair Ken Wicks Jr. “This is a step in the right direction.”
He said he hoped to see more such projects coming to the city, and called it an exciting adventure. “I'm very pleased that it showed up.”
The commission unanimously passed three separate motions – giving a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act, and approving the architectural and design review and zoning permit.
Caron and Jordan they are hoping to open at the start of August.
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