SYRACUSE – After pouring nearly $15,000 into a new outdoor area for his restaurant, owner Jeff Larson has seen the investment pay off at Sleepy Owl Supper Club.
Larson has owned the restaurant for four years and last fall decided to create an outdoor seating area with a fire pit where patrons could sit and enjoy their dinner.
It was partially opened last fall and was opened in full swing this spring.
When in use, it’s increased Sleepy Owl’s capacity. The inside can hold up to 150 people while the patio can hold 40 more.
Along with a fire pit, the outside also features a waterfall.
“Customers love it,” said Larson. “We have people come in from bigger cities like Chicago and they say this is the only place they know of where they can sit around a fire pit and eat.”
Larson said he plans on keeping it open until after Halloween if weather permits.
The patio, along with the rest of the restaurant, is available for parties and functions.
Sleepy Owl also does catering.
Such an investment in a rough economy can prove risky but in the Sleepy Owl’s case it was worth it.
Larson’s investment has paid off as standing-room only crowds waited to get a table on its most recent Friday night.
The investment has also paid off for others, since increased business prompted Larson to take on more staff.
Sleepy Owl is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
