Q: Should the City spend $11.5M to build a 3rd riverfront restaurant?

A restaurant on the riverfront – sounds like a great idea.
But as the City Council votes whether to build one with public money at Beale Street Landing (BSL), here are a few facts to consider:

1) Joe’s Crab Shack is closed and being demolished.
2) The Pier closed a couple of months ago.
3) The 2 city-owned restaurants on Mud Island that the RDC runs, River Terrace and Harbor Landing, are closed except for private rentals.

The estimated construction cost is $12.5M for the 60-seat restaurant, small ticket/gift shop section, and parking lot that will take up the northern 20% of what is now Tom Lee Park. No plans for operation and maintenance have been presented.

The RDC will ask the City Council for the construction money Tues. (5/25).

What about a less expensive and easier to maintain option? A suggestion for street food on the riverfront. Click HERE.