Riverfront pub to open in downtown

Downtown Reno's river kayak park continues to attract places that attract people.

Sierra Tap House, a pub serving Sierra Nevada brand beers, plans to open its doors next month, says owner Michael Connolly.

The riverfront pub at 253 West 1st St.

takes 11,000 square feet of the space that formerly housed the White Lace and Promises Wedding Chapel.

Total pub capacity is 75 people.

The city allows outdoor sidewalk seating beneath the seven-foot awnings, part of the property.

"We've lived in Europe," says Connolly."We loved the outdoor cafe style."

Seven Seas Restaurant Group, Inc., comprised of Connolly and partners Zach Cage and Charlie Cage, leased the space from the building owners, Dr.

John Iliescu and Steve Biagiotti.

Seven Seas also took over operation of Legends Bar and Grill on South Virginia Street about six weeks ago, says Connolly.

The time was right, says Connolly.

"Because of all the new condos going in.

The river walk is booming.

The kayak park is packed down there.

It seems downtown is coming alive again."

The toughest part of colonizing the property was dealing with city bureaucracy, he says.

"As the only bar on the river,we're a whole new category," he says.

Parking was a hassle.A restaurant does not have to provide parking, he noted, but a bar does.

The solution was to designate the downtown parking garage and agree to validate customer parking.

Connolly adds that he got help in navigating the city's requirements from Lisa Newberg, management assistant with the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency.