Is Downtown Faribault About To Get A New Bar/Restaurant?

It's been a few months since one of Faribault's oldest, and most memorable bars closed in downtown Faribault. But there seems to be something going on at the former Grandpa Al's building, so what's going into the former bar? It appears that Faribault is about to welcome in another bar/restaurant and it's going to have a pretty unique but very fitting name.

According to a social media page, that claims the address of the former Grandpa Al's the building is being turned into a bar/restaurant that will go by the name 'Sawmill'. There isn't a whole lot of information in regards to the new bar/restaurant, tax records don't indicate that the building was ever sold to anyone, but that just means whoever is moving in would pay rent.

The Facebook page for the Sawmill Bar and Grill replied to a question from a follower as to when the place will open up. The answer is pretty direct and has generated some excitement from some locals.

"all licensing is applied for and we are in the finishing stages of the remodel! Updating the look and the space to create a local bar and restaurant that the community will love! The anticipated opening date is Dec 31st! Hope to see you at The Sawmill!"

As for the name, Sawmill, it harkens to the area and Faribault's history, as during the early years of Faribault there were many flour mills, and sawmills that dotted along the confluences of the Straight and Cannon Rivers, this industry along with other agricultural-based jobs fueled the area's growth.

It will interesting to see how it looks inside and what offerings there will be for food and drink. While the inside may change, I'm sure many will still be able to pick out some familiar memories of times spent at Grandpa Al's, and hopefully will make new memories at The Sawmill when it opens up at the end of the month.