There's a new warm climate in Pequot
PEQUOT LAKES - In a mood for a warmer climate but can't afford the plane ticket? Try Pequot Lakes.
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The parrot perched near the entrance to the new Tiki Room Restaurant looks as if it could provide an audible opinion at any moment. And it's not the only allusion to sun-drenched exotic destinations.
Tropical flowers, a thatched grass border and a bamboo fountain help set the scene for the Tiki Room restaurant, which is opening soon in Pequot Lakes. The restaurant features seating in the dining room, on the patio and in the breezeway corridor inside the Jack Pine Center. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
Thatched grass, a waterfall that appears to flow from bamboo and colorful flowers are all part of the visual cues creating a tropical retreat here in the lakes area. The Tiki Room is opening in the Jack Pine Center off Main Street in Pequot Lakes on April 1.
"This is going to be one of the fun places to come to this summer," said Cathy Malecha, who worked to bring the restaurant to the Jack Pine Center.
For owner Cathy Hughes, the ambiance - along with quality food - is a big part of the draw in the restaurant business. Hughes owns the Tuscany Room restaurant in downtown Aitkin where murals and the interior design set an Italian scene.
The Tiki Room restaurant is opening April 1 inside the Jack Pine Center on Main Street in Pequot Lakes. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
"The experience is half the package," Hughes said. "It's casual. It's fun. It's whimsy. It's just different."
Pequot Lakes Mayor Nancy Adams was inspired to contact Hughes after spending time in the Tuscany Room. Adams took the idea to Malecha.
When Hughes looked at the space she knew she couldn't recreate the Tuscany Room there, but she saw potential for something else. Something Polynesian.
"I've always wanted an outdoor patio," Hughes said, adding it should be a main draw. The secluded patio is expected to open Memorial Day weekend with floral displays and wind chimes. The Tiki Room secured a beer and wine license. Hughes can see people relaxing on the patio after shopping and sampling a wine margarita or other beverage complete with paper umbrella.
The Tiki Room restaurant features an interior design aimed at creating the look of a tropical get-away, all without leaving the lakes area. The restaurant is located inside the Jack Pine Center. Doors on the far right lead to a secluded outdoor patio with additional seating. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
The Jack Pine Center is home to several businesses. An interior corridor leads past the Brambleberry Farm and Wildrose Farm stores and winds along the glass-sided Tiki Room. Thatched grass, bamboo sticks, a waterfall, tropical flowers and music combine to create the exotic atmosphere.
Reusable bamboo placemats line the tables along with decorations - created by entrepreneurial women in Southeast Asia - such as a jeweled mermaid, pink flamingo and blue star fish.
The restaurant seats about 40 with room for 30 on the patio. There are tables and chairs for about 20 in the breezeway-like corridor. A walk-up counter off the breezeway will allow quick access to smoothies and ice cream or root beer floats or sandwich orders without entering the restaurant itself.
A corner of the restaurant offers tall pub-style tables and free Internet access where patrons can get a specialty coffee while working on their laptops. Bakery items, some of which will be baked on site and others from the Tuscany Room, will include gluten-free choices. Options will include doughnuts, rolls, Danish. Thursdays are bread days.
Menu items include soups, salads, sandwich wraps and specialty sandwiches like - California chicken ciabatta. Hot Mamas include a number of hot grilled sandwiches. Side options include homemade Chex mix or Caribbean coleslaw, without mayonnaise and with a hint of fresh jalapeno. Other menu options include gourmet hot dogs, croissant sandwiches, a kids menu and mini pizzas. A Tiki Treat gives customers the option of creating their own ice cream sandwich using two cookies.
The kids menu includes a reusable monkey mug, which can be refilled for 50 cents. A tall Tiki mug may also be refilled at a reduced cost.
The restaurant will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. At night, the Tiki Room will have special events, karaoke, pre-concert in the park dinners or perhaps a dinner and a movie event or wine tasting or family reunion. At 3 p.m. on Fridays, Hughes is working with nearby Leslie's clothing store for a tea time with a walk-through fashion show.
The restaurant will have a Sunday brunch on Mother's Day and then continue Sunday brunches beginning Memorial Day. In keeping with the restaurant's theme, an Easter bunny will be on hand for the holiday handing out flower leis.
Hughes added a next-door boutique, the Tiki Room gift shop, which offers items seen in the restaurant such as pineapple plates, the jeweled centerpieces and salt and pepper shakers. Additional items continue the tropical theme with wind chimes, Tiki necklaces and bracelets, tote bags, a bath and body corner, and a section of items for children, along with Minnesota apparel.
Hughes, who has several area businesses, said she wasn't seeking another challenge, but the building's owners made the pitch and provided an attractive offer.
"I didn't come looking for this, but it was a great opportunity," Hughes said.
Another store is opening inside the Jack Pine Center soon, meaning all but one of the nine units will be filled. Malecha offered to help the center's owners, Dale and Bonnie Lindquist of Willmar, fill the space.
"I knew this building in its heyday," she said, recalling the days when people were lined up to get into Beverly's restaurant and said she hated to see the building fall short of its potential. "I want to see this up and going again."
Renting space means more than putting up a for lease sign, Malecha said. These days, she said, finding a tenant means looking at what the community needs and then going out and knocking on doors and working with businesses to help them be successful.
"It's going to be a fun summer," Malecha said. "I'm just waiting for people to come here and see the reaction. It's going to be quite an adventure."
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.