Freshen Up Your Patio for Al Fresco Dining This Summer

3 Min Read By MRM Staff

In an effort to offer guests “the best sports bar patio” in Altoona, IA, Michael Garner, owner of Sam’s Sports Bar & Grill, decided to invest in an expansion project this year.

“Altoona is growing quickly,” Garner told Modern Restaurant Management magazine. “There are several new hotels under construction, many new homes being built and an upscale outlet mall is starting construction this spring. We felt now was the time to carve an additional niche for ourselves.”

Originally budgeted at $50,000, the cost for the overhaul currently stands at $73,000, but Garner believes it’s worth the investment because it will enable them to capture an audience from anticipated competition. Also, a new fire pit installation powered by natural gas will have seating completely around it. The original seating capacity of the patio was approximately 20. Garner anticipates adding new tables plus the seating around the fire pit, they can potentially accommodate 50 guests.

“With our…