Mitzel’s return expected by June

Published 8:00 am Saturday, February 3, 2007

POULSBO — The long road to the return of Mitzel’s at its Poulsbo Village location just became a little shorter.

On Jan. 24, Planning Director Barry Berezowsky approved the site plan review, setting the stage for construction to begin some time this month.

Elmer’s Restaurants vice president of administration and operations Jerry Scott said even with the permit’s approval, some minor details need to be resolved before work can get underway.

“We hope to begin construction this month and reopen in June,” Scott said.

That is the normal amount of time it takes for a new facility to be completed, and Scott said he is confident the popular eatery will make a summer return.

All of the managers who worked at the Poulsbo Village location before it was destroyed in the May 30, 2006 blaze will return to the restaurant when it reopens, he said.

“All of them have been working at temporary assignments at our other locations,” he said.

The restaurant destroyed in the fire was built in the 1980s, so its replacement will have a more modern feel, Scott said.

“It will have all of the latest architectural details and all our new menu items as well,” he said.

Throughout the process toward rebuilding in Poulsbo, city officials and staff have been extremely cooperative and helped along the way, Scott said.

The return of Mitzel’s will be a welcomed addition to the city no matter when it finally happens, said Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce executive director Stuart Leidner.

“It was important to the community on so many levels,” Leidner said.

The eatery was not only a mainstay for Poulsbo Village, but provided a dining alternative for both residents and visitors as well, he said.

Poulsbo Village property manager Bev Lyon declined to comment on the recently issued permit other than to say she expects construction to begin by the end of the month.