The owners of 1858 Caesar Bar are hoping to expand to Collingwood’s waterfront with a licensed patio at Millennium Park.
Steve and Vanessa Walker brought their request before Collingwood Council last night (April 19), asking for permission to get a liquor licence and set up a trailer and patio at the park this summer.
“I think everybody needs a caesar right now,” said Steve Walker. “We felt we can create a great place for the locals to come and be outdoors.”
The plan the Walkers presented to council is to use a trailer like the ones used at Tim Hortons cafes during renovations, as well as a fenced-in space about 85 feet by 85 feet as a patio to serve Caesar Bar menu items and drinks to people at the park during the summer.
Only the fenced area would be licensed, meaning people couldn’t take alcoholic drinks outside the fence.
“Should council approve this, we’ll do it right,” said Steve.
He said he’s already put in a tentative application with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for the liquor licence, but it requires a phyiscal address from the town for the application to be complete.
The Walkers have also looked at insurance and liabilities in preparation for their plan. They plan to invest $100,000 in the trailer for the venture.
While he didn’t explain all the details of what the trailer would look like, he said they don’t want to put up an eyesore, as it would be reflecting their brand.
There is an 1858 Caesar Bar in Collingwood and a new location opened in Sauble Beach adjacent to the waterfront.
Council has asked town staff for a report on the feasibility of the Walkers’ request, including details on parking and washroom facilities.
No approvals were granted at the April 19 meeting.
