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That’s when Jefferson’s Riverside Center will have its grand opening with a Halloween bash and music by One Ton Gunn.
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Gordon Hoffmann, 67, of Rochester, stains oak Wednesday around the top of a bar he is building in the Riverside Center at Jefferson Pub & Grill. The approximately 4,000 square-foot space, co-owned by members of the Hoffmann family, including son, Chase Hoffmann of Winona, is being renovated and is scheduled to open Saturday with One Ton Gunn performing.
(Photo by Melissa Carlo/Winona Daily News)
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Its owners hope the new venue will attract more people downtown for music. The 4,000 square foot center could also host wedding receptions and parties for as many as 400 people.
“Part of the idea is to bring people downtown on the riverfront,” said Chase Hoffmann, who co-owns Jefferson’s with his wife, Wendy, and is on the Downtown Revitalization Committee. “That’s the vision. This is one way not to just talk about it but do it.”
The Riverside Center, adjacent to Jefferson’s, had formerly been a warehouse and distribution center for Brian’s Toys. The Hoffmanns began leasing the building Oct. 1 after eyeing it for possible expansion.
The Hoffmanns, along with several family members, bought Jefferson’s two years ago. They changed the second floor game room into a banquet room that can seat about 60, but they often got calls from people looking for more room, so expanding into the next room seemed like a good solution, they said.
Renovations started a week and a half ago and won’t be entirely complete by Saturday. They’re still planning new bathrooms.
The Hoffmanns are also part owners of the Draught Haus, which opened in the former Rascals location almost a year ago. The Draught Haus doesn’t have cover charges to see bands, but the Riverside Center may, depending on the band. Saturday’s show is free and will include a costume contest.
The Hoffmanns would like to lure higher-drawing bands, similar to those who play at Steamboat Days. Wendy wants to book comedians. They’re also considering shows just for adults.
Jeremy Presson, 31, was busy Wednesday working on the doorway that will
connect the restaurant’s dining room with the new Riverside Center. He’s especially motivated to see it finished since his band is playing Saturday. He describes the sound as biker music with lots of covers from groups like AC/DC, ZZ Top, Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots. Presson would like to see national acts eventually play at the Riverside Center.
It’s been hard work with Presson working 14-hour days on the renovation, eating a quick bite and then going to band practice.
“It’s not so bad if you’re passionate about it,” Presson said. “I enjoy it. It goes with the territory.”
If you go
WHAT: Grand opening on Jefferson’s and The Riverside Center with music by One Ton Gunn
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: 58 Center St.
COST: Free
Käri Knutson may be reached at kknutson@winonadailynews.com or (507) 453-3523.
