By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
After a series of delays, a local restaurateur has unveiled a firmed up timeline for his newest eatery. Whitewater officials are backing his plan.
A year ago, Tyler Salisbery came before the Whitewater Common Council with plans of opening his second operation, Casual Joe’s 2, on a parcel of land at 319 W. James St. Salisbery currently operates The Black Sheep restaurant in downtown Whitewater.
A series of delays — including such logistical issues as roofing, electrical work and plumbing — have pushed the project back, Salisbery said, but plans to open the facility remain on track, he revealed at a Common Council meeting Oct. 21.
“I’m still very committed to Casual Joe’s and this community,” Salisbery said.
With pieces of the puzzle coming together, Salisbery said the goal is to open Casual Joe’s 2 in early May, with the anticipation of a spike in business during the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s graduation ceremony.
The council has held a keen interest in Salisbery’s operations plan, primarily because he has been granted a beer and liquor license. It essentially is being held for him during the interior construction of his business.
The council voted, 6-0, in favor of Salisbery’s latest operations plan. Council member Lynn Binnie was unable to attend last week’s meeting.
“It’s clear this is a coherent plan, and it’s a plan that benefits a lot of local businesses,” council member Jim Winship said. “I think all of us would have liked this done sooner, but I think it’s good we have a firm date.”
Salisbery is positioning Casual Joe’s 2 as a compliment to The Black Sheep. While the latter is one of the city’s more upscale restaurants, Salisbery said Casual Joe’s 2 is designed to provide a more relaxed atmosphere with a variety of sandwiches, salads and lighter fare.
Salisbery already operates a restaurant known as Casual Joe’s in Wausau.
