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Pictured is a drawing of The Brickyard Pub & B.B.Q.'s proposed addition at 432 Center St. (Image courtesy of Fittante Architecture P.C.)
Pictured is a drawing of The Brickyard Pub & B.B.Q.'s proposed addition at 432 Center St. (Image courtesy of Fittante Architecture P.C.)
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Expansion on the menu for Lewiston restaurants

by jmaloni
Sat, Feb 18th 2012 07:00 am

Brickyard and Brio look to add second-floor patios; new wine bar in the mix

by Joshua Maloni

The owners of two popular Lewiston eateries are thinking growth, while two new investors are planning to open a wine bar in the village.

Three proposals - one each for second-story additions at The Brickyard Pub & B.B.Q. and Brio Pizzeria & Restaurant, and one to turn 700 Center St., into a wine bar - are on the agenda for Tuesday's Village of Lewiston Board meeting (6 p.m., Red Brick Municipal Building).

The Village of Lewiston Planning Board approved all three proposals earlier this week.

At The Brickyard, proprietor Eric Matthews said he and business partner Ken Bryan are adding a second level to their restaurant's outdoor patio, because "(We) like to change it up a bit."

Matthews said the proposed 450-foot expansion "is something different and unique." He said the addition would provide additional shelter for patrons when it rains, while still maintaining space for them to sample barbecue while sitting outside in the sun.

Guests will walk up a staircase to find additional tables and chairs. No food will be served on the top level, but Matthews said diners are welcome to bring their drinks and/or takeout orders upstairs.

Despite The Brickyard's success - and sometimes-cramped quarters - Matthews said there is no plan right now to expand the business onto Ridge Street.

Next door at Brio, owner Mike Wylke plans to convert the building's fire-damaged top level into extra restaurant space.

"I'm thinking about putting a patio deck on the upstairs," he said when he re-opened in December.

Brio, like The Brickyard, would have a two-story outdoor patio.

Down the street, Jack Lyon and Kelly Wiepert, the new owners of 700 Center St. - also known as Amy K's Mystick Korner - plan to expand their building and use it for first-floor retail (three units) and second-floor apartments.

"We thought this was a great opportunity," he said.

The partners propose a corner wine bar, which they've dubbed "Taste!".

Lyon is aware of Emery Simon's recent wine bar proposal, and said both parties have an amicable understanding.

"There's definite growth in the Niagara Wine Trail," Lyon said. "I'd be surprised if we were the last wine bar to open."

As for the other retail units, Lyon said current occupant Katy Reese (middle unit) has expressed an interest to stay in her present location following the renovation.

A third space will be built on the east side of the building. At present, Lyon has no plans for that unit. He will have four apartments in total, including one where a garage now lies.

Lyon said he hopes to start construction on the new addition this spring. As for the current structure, "The building needs some TLC," he said, noting a fresh coat of paint, electrical repairs and restoration of original features are planned. Lyon expects that work to begin this summer.

•Brickyard photo courtesy and copyright of Fittante Architecture P.C.

•Brio photos courtesy and copyright of Giusiana Architects & Engineer.

 

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