Steamworks Brewing Co. will close April 4 for about a month so workers can finish remodeling the building.
The owners are creating a larger waiting area for guests and building a prep kitchen in the basement.
“Our two main goals are to allow for more customers waiting for tables to be inside, off the sidewalk, and improve the efficiency of the kitchen,” said Brian McEachron, Steamworks co-founder.
When the business reopens, patrons will notice the new hostess station farther back in the restaurant will be equipped for to-go and growler order payment, and eliminate the need for a to-go check to be paid at the bar.
The business also is removing the small stage in the bar because it doesn’t host live music any more. A new retail area will be set up and the windows will be replaced to improve energy efficiency.
The restaurant, at 801 E. Second. Ave, closed for a week in November at the beginning the construction project to replace lighting fixtures and ceiling fans and renovate the restrooms.
Co-founder Kris Oyler expects the business will be able to reopen at the end of April and the construction will be finished.
“We will re-open as quickly as possible,” said Oyler. “We were able to do the first two phases with minimal disruption of business, but phase three involves the kitchen and the entrance.”
Steamworks has invested $1.2 million in the remodel, ahead of its 20th anniversary.
More than 100 people work at Steamworks, and while it is closed, employees will be working, training or taking extended vacation time, Oyler said.
During the closure, its sister restaurant, El Moro, will offer a 15 percent discount on lunch items.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
