While business owner Dia Zaraga still awaits official word on the status of his liquor license, it shouldn’t be long before the Sagebrush Cantina reopens for business.
As evidence, there is a large sign in front of the Broadway Street eatery, welcoming job seekers to submit applications for employment.
If that isn’t enough to suggest that a reopening is near, observe the urgency on the faces of workers and staff hustling and bustling around the building, seemingly in anticipation of something big happening.
Zaraga, his family and staff aren’t the only ones anxious to see a resumption of activity at the downtown business. There are countless diners who say they’ve been salivating for some of the Cantina’s fine Mexican cuisine.
Other downtown business owners are pleased that the restaurant will soon open its doors to the public. Most of them expect to see an increase in residual business once the restaurant reopens.
‘We’ve been counting the days,? said Shelley Peek, co-owner of Elements, which is located directly across the street from the Sagebrush. ‘It’s gonna? be great. I think a lot of people who haven’t been downtown in a long time will be coming back. The Sagebrush is great for the downtown area.?
Char Westman said the decision to open Tesori Gifts on Broadway Street, was based partially on the eventual reopening of the restaurant.’It’s one of the reasons we came to Lake Orion,? said Westman who, along with her husband owns another gift shop in Lapeer. ‘We used to eat there a lot and it’s a great place to go. I think my sales could double once the Sagebrush reopens. We’ll benefit from all the extra foot traffic.?
Even the competition is excited about the prospect of the Sagebrush Cantina opening for business.
Carl Slomzcenski, owner of CJ’s Village Cafe on Flint Street, just around the corner from the Cantina, said the competition is good.
‘The greater the variety of restaurants down here, the more people we’ll have coming downtown,? said Slomzcenski. ‘It’s going to be exciting. We’re going to have a lot of different eating options for people. That will be good for everybody.?
Slomzcenski said variety will not only benefit the restaurant trade, but be a boost to other downtown businesses.
‘I welcome it,? he said. ‘The opening is going to bring in a whole lot of new people. I hope all the businesses put on a shiny face. We want people to come back and support the whole downtown area.?
With such anticipation among business owners, it’s no wonder rumors have been running rampant about when the restaurant will open its doors.
Owner Dia Zaraga said yesterday (Tues., Nov. 21) that the only holdup now is his liquor license which is going to Lansing for approval on Monday.
‘Once that comes we’re ready to open the doors,? said Zaraga. ‘It could be as early as next Thursday (Nov. 30).
‘If all goes well, we have a big night planned for December 2nd, after the Christmas parade,? he said. ‘We’ve got 103.1 radio coming out and the Killer Flamingos are going to perform.
‘I’m also glad to hear the other businesses are as excited as we are about opening up for business.?