The Lakeside eatery is set to return to St. Paul's Como Park this spring with a remodeled pavilion restaurant and music venue in early May.
According to owner Jon Oulman, the restaurant, carrying the new name Como Dockside, will aim to bring back a natural aesthetic and sense of community to the space on Como Lake, which has been a popular gathering spot for over a century.
St. Paul city officials sought a new vendor for the Como Lakeside Pavilion after a messy lease dispute with the site's former operator, which ended when the city paid an $800,000 settlement last summer.
Oulman owns the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul and the 331 Club in Minneapolis and has run art galleries and a beauty shop. He said he and his son were looking for something new to do at a St. Paul park when the city started its search.
His son and business partner, Jarret Oulman, said they hope their project can create a community hub.
"I think St. Paul in general is thirsty for these cultural institutions to sort of be there to house and develop communities [and] artists," he said. "And I just love playing a role in that."
When the pavilion reopens the first week of May, it may whet appetites with a New Orleans picnic menu.
With residential areas to the south and east and boasting a golf course, conservatory and zoo, Como Park draws about 4.5 million people each year, according to a Metropolitan Council ranking of regional parks.
