News release:
Sontes Restaurant to close on January 1, 2015
New craft brewery to take its place in downtown Rochester
November 26, 2014 (Rochester, MN) -- After eight years, Sontes restaurant will close its doors on January, 1, 2015. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and opportunity the community has given Sontes over the past eight years, but it’s time to make way for a new business," says owner Tessa Leung.
Sontes will remain in business as a catering company and will continue as one of three caterers serving the Rochester Art Center as well as offering catering in private homes and at other venues in the area.
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Tessa's Office Wine and Spirits Boutique, a wine shop co-located with Sontes will remain open and will expand into additional square footage that will become available in the building. Sommelier Barbara Claire Pitcher will remain as the shop’s manager and resident wine expert.
A new micro brewery and pub, Grand Rounds Brewing Company, will be opening in the spring of 2015 at 4 Third Street SW.
Grand Rounds Brew Pub (GRBP) will feature hand-crafted beer brewed on site by Master Brewer Steve Finnie and food by Executive Chef Alex Sjoberg. GRBP was born out of a love of good food, good beer and good company and its ultimate goal is to offer an authentic pub with a neighborhood feel in the heart of the city. Sjoberg plans a menu that unites traditional pub fare with local favorites and unique flavors. GRPB will source food locally and engage local artists and musicians.
The transformation of the restaurant space is headed up by architect Adam Ferrari of 9.SQUARE | Community Design. He will be highlighting many of the space’s historic elements while incorporating a functional brewhouse into the century-old building. The goal is an "industrial-chic fusion that acknowledges the historic architecture in a way that feels both timeless and cosmopolitan," Ferrari says. The renovation work will be done by Kraus-Anderson Construction Company of Rochester.
Updates about GRBC’s progress towards opening can be found on its Fac
