Colt Grill — the popular restaurant in Old Town Cottonwood known for its smoked meats — is looking to open a second location, this time in the Village of Oak Creek. But first thing’s first. Brenda Clouston, owner of Colt Grill, went before the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council last month to discuss her proposal to move into the now-vacant Blue Moon Café location on State Route 179, south of Ace Hardware, and in the same building as Absolute Bikes and Sedona Digs Furniture.

While many of those council members who spoke did so in favor of Colt Grill’s proposal — not to mention their food — they expressed some concern. Most of that concern centered around parking in that business plaza as well as a proposed zone change from C-1 to C-2, which would enable Colt Grill to sell alcohol. Clouston discussed the plans and those concerns with Larson Newspapers.

Q: Have you been looking to open a second restaurant for a while? 
“Yes, since the fall of 2018.”

Q: Why the VOC and that location? 
“We live in the Village, too, and we looked at other buildings and this one made the most sense.”

Q: Was the former Blue Moon Café the only building you considered in the VOC? 
“No, other sites either didn’t pencil out, or weren’t quite right for my business model.”

Q: You heard the concerns at the BPRRC meeting, specifically about parking. Considering you want to double the number of seats, how will you address parking without upsetting your neighbors? And how many spaces would you be allotted? 
“There are 52 spaces available. Our operational hours would work well with the hours of our neighbors. For example, our breakfast hours are prior to their opening, and our dinner hours would be after they close. This would really help with any potential parking strain. Also, a nice perk to our neighboring businesses is, Colt would bring more exposure to them and they’ll see a likely uptick in their business, as Colt guests are reminded of their products and services. Also, with all the hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals, we anticipate a lot of our customers will walk to the restaurant.”

Q: Based on what you heard from the BPRCC, how did you feel following the meeting?
“I was pleasantly surprised that most were supportive and some were downright excited that we’re considering coming to VOC. They were much more supportive than I thought.”

Q: Why the need for a zone change? 
“On the parcel we are seeking, the zoning doesn’t allow the sale of alcohol or outside seating. Colt Grill — without a patio or the ability to order a cold alcoholic drink with the food — just isn’t the way I see Colt being presented, and it would not be sustainable. Also, I believe there is some misunderstanding how the process works. And this is important. The zone change is for our business to be allowed to sell alcohol and have an outside patio. It isn’t a blanket zone change that opens the door to future development. Any new business coming in after me would have to go through a major planned area development amend¬ment and zone change for their particular business.”

Q: The Village of Oakcreek Association representative suggested you seek a conditional use permit as opposed to a zoning change. You said you wouldn’t proceed if that were the only option. Why is that?
“Because it’s an enormous amount of work and investment to build a successful restaurant. A CUP can be revoked. It’s unlikely, but possible, and it wouldn’t be prudent for me to take that gamble. I’m planning on a long-term partnership with my community, and I am seeking a community that desires the same.

Q: Do you have a date yet in terms of appearing before Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission? 
“I’m not sure of the date, as of yet.”

Q: Please explain your business model in terms of staffing and ordering and why you feel that’s been successful. Would that be the same plan in the VOC?
“Colt Grill operates as an inexpensive ‘walk-up’ grill, allowing both the menu pricing and labor costs to stay as low as possible. This ensures the restaurant is sustainable. The breakfast menu is low cost too, but comes with table service. The VOC location would operate the same way.” 

Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795 ext 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com