Construction is underway for a partial remodel of the Best Western Plus University Inn.
Renovations include changes to the Quiet Bar and The Broiler restaurant located inside the Inn. General Manager Bill Sayler is overseeing renovations, as the job is contracted by an outside construction company.
A transformation to the Quiet Bar will include an increase from 36 to 98 seats, and the bar counter will grow from six to about 15 seats.
“(The new bar) will be a bigger area for two bartenders, instead of one,” bartender Nellie McGlashen said. “(The old bar) was just big enough for one bartender at a time — it was all we needed for the space that we had.”
Sayler said the Inn has 173 rooms, and generally two people stay in one room.
“With 346 guests, and a bar that sat 36 (guests), not a lot of people could get in there,” Sayler said. “By tripling the size, now we’ll have more room for everybody.”
Sayler said the bar is planned to be complete by the end of March or the first week of April.
“I think initially people are going to be curious about the new bar, so I feel like business will increase,” McGlashen said.
The Broiler, on the other hand, should be finished in a couple weeks. Renovations include adding a salad bar and an entirely new menu as well as a new wine list.
Sayler said the wine is inexpensively priced and bottles can now be purchased to take home.
“(The wine prices are) just a little bit more than you find at your local supermarket or grocery store,” Sayler said.
The bar and restaurant are still open for business, although the bar is displaced to the Gold Room for the meantime.
Sayler said he plans to hire new hotel staff for bartender and server positions. For further information regarding the remodel, or to contact the Best Western Plus University Inn, call 208.882.0550.