Neighborhood report
Hyde Park North: Restaurant proprietor negotiates on new site
Dolce is working to win approval from potential neighbors to move into the site of what's now Yogani Studios.
By DENISE WATSON BATTS, Times Staff Writer
Published April 23, 2004
A restaurant wants to open on Platt Street but needs the nod from the City Council, and residents, on whether it can serve sake with its sushi.
The council decided last week to continue a public hearing on Dolce restaurant's request to serve alcohol, based on concerns about parking and traffic from neighbors. The restaurant, planned for 1617 W Platt St., would replace Yogani Studios, which is opening in a new location in June.
Several neighbors who live behind the building said at the council meeting the restaurant could create additional traffic congestion. Sonia Lawson, an attorney representing a nearby church, said the neighborhood doesn't need another sushi bar. Several exist within a few miles.
Mariano Cibran, one of the restaurant's owners who owns hair salons in St. Petersburg, said the council delayed the hearing to give him time to contact residents and try to address their concerns.
As of Monday, he had spoken with Lawson and was considering asking the council this week for more time to reach a compromise. He hopes his promises to offer valet parking would appease residents.
Cibran expects to open in late summer or early fall. Plans call for sushi and Mediterranean-type fare in a Miami Beach-like atmosphere with trendy sofas and lounges to distinguish it from other local sushi places, he said.
To be successful, the restaurant needs to sell alcohol until about 3 a.m. on weekends, Cibran said.
"There's a lot of competition that stays open pretty late," he said. "It's critical that we stay open late as well."
Dolce would take over Yogani Studios' spot. Owner Annie Okerlin said the studio will reopen within a mile of the current location but declined to give specifics. She did say the space will be almost double the size of its current place and will include room for more retail and massage areas.
- Staff writer Kevin Graham contributed to this report. Denise Watson Batts can be reached at 226-3401 or dbatts@sptimes.com
[Last modified April 22, 2004, 12:45:18]
City Times headlines
Places Among Us: Red-hot ranches line low-profile neighborhood
RSVP
Amy Scherzer's diaryStars bloom in fundraiser
Everybody's businessNew Crabby Bill's now at Radisson
Neighborhood notebookDelays keep West Shore traffic on detours
Neighborhood reportDowntown: Buildings to breathe life into district
Oscawana: Babysitting co-op celebrates good idea
Davis Islands: Hospital donation to enhance crosswalk
Hyde Park North: Restaurant proprietor negotiates on new site
Lowry Park: Gallery's success inspires more art
PeopleCulture sculptor
School newsCarver City/Lincoln Gardens: At school, students take it to the bank
What's BrewingBuilders see order in court
What's in a name?Bravery defined military man
 |
