Weekend evenings are a bit livelier in downtown Clarkston these days, but the addition of valet parking had residents and business owners wondering whether the newly renovated Clarkston Caf? had special privileges.
The valet service blocks two Main Street parking spaces in front of the Caf?.
‘It’s a question throughout the community,? said resident Tom Stone at a March 13 city council meeting. ‘I’ve heard several people comment about it.?
The owner of a business located a few doors north of the iconic restaurant spoke at the same meeting, asking whether the Caf? obtained a permit to use two parking spaces to operate the service.
‘Many of (the bake shop) customers are elderly, so it’s hard for them to find parking and walk across the street,? said Stefanie Vo, owner of the Clarkston Village Bake Shop. ‘Most people don’t know we have parking across the street, anyway.?
The Caf? reopened in January, after its paper-draped front windows remained covered for six months of renovations.
Vo was informed by council members, including Mayor Sharron Catallo, who’s son Curt Catallo owns the Caf?, that the valet service is paid for by the restaurant, and can be used free of charge by patrons of any downtown business.
Curt Catallo later confirmed the parking is available to customers of Rudy’s Market, The Village Bake Shop, or any other downtown business open while the valet service is operating’after 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
‘Absolutely, by all means,? said Catallo, noting that renovations included repaving of the alley behind the bakery at businesses at no charge to Vo. ‘If they want to use the valet parking, it is complimentary. The guys who do it are nice, and customers appreciate the service.?
Catallo said he is in full support of downtown Clarkston and would discontinue the service if asked.
However, he said the valet parking was initiated to help enhance the city and prevent traffic problems on Main Street.
‘I thought offering complimentary valet parking on weekend nights would add vitality to downtown Clarkston,? said Catallo, adding that using two spots for valet service actually increases available street parking. ‘It keeps more of our customers? cars off Main Street by moving them to our parking lot out back.?
The Clarkston Caf?, said Catallo, seats 150 people during its busiest hours’a capacity large enough to make the street impassable while patrons search for parking.
‘We haven’t had any customer complaints, actually the opposite,? said Robert Esshaki, owner of Rudy’s Market, located across Main Street from the Caf?. ‘The restaurant patrons don’t take up as many of our parking spots because the valets are parking those cars in the lot behind the Caf?. We’re ecstatic about it.?
Esshaki said Catallo told him Rudy’s and other downtown business customers were welcome to use the service free of charge.
‘We like what Curt’s done with the Caf?,? he said. ‘We’re in full support.?
Meanwhile, said Catallo, the first months proceeding the grand opening have gone well.
‘So far so good, we’re starting to hit our stride, and that’s exciting,? he said, adding the Caf? is working on a fresh spring menu. ‘It’s great to start building that guest base.?