Reversing Falls restaurant revived, RFP issued

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – A Saint John businessman has come the rescue of the Reversing Falls Restaurant.

While the building was originally slated for demolition, Max Kotlowski convinced city council to hold off on its demise by making a $1 million offer for the property.

According to the CBC, Kotlowski and the municipality agreed to a 60-year lease plus property taxes on the property in October. The rent for the building is still in negotiations.

The municipally owned building, home to the restaurant and tourist information centre, fell into a state of disrepair, prompting council’s decision to OK its demolition. The restaurant closed in late 2014.

Kotlowski will make an immediate $500,000 investment into renovation the property. The restaurant is expected to reopen by June 2016.

Meanwhile, council issued a Request for Proposal for another vacant restaurant nearby in December. The municipality will accept offers on the former Boaz restaurant until mid-February.

Coun. Bill Farren told the CBC he hopes to have a tenant in place for summer.