Diners eager for al fresco experiences near Marshalls Creek are in for a treat as Alaska Pete’s Restaurant is expanding to include a brand new outdoor dining area. Construction is currently underway at the popular eatery, promising to add approximately 80 seats and a dedicated outdoor bar, significantly enhancing the restaurant’s capacity and ambiance.
Frank Riccobono, the owner of Alaska Pete’s Restaurant, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “There’ll be plenty of room outside,” he stated, highlighting the spaciousness of the new addition. He also noted the installation of “an ice-cold tap system for 12 different beers, including craft ones,” suggesting a focus on providing a diverse and appealing beverage selection for outdoor patrons.
Alaska Pete’s Restaurant boasts a unique history. Originally established by Riccobono in 1985 as Burgers and Company, a fast-food establishment, it underwent a transformation and reopened as Alaska Pete’s in 1999 after a two-year closure. This transformation has resulted in a distinctive dining environment. Riccobono playfully mentions, “When you sit at the bar in Alaska Pete’s, you’re sitting under the old drive-through,” emphasizing the restaurant’s quirky evolution and character. He also addresses a common misconception, adding, “Some people think it’s a franchise, but it’s really a very unique place now,” underscoring the restaurant’s independent and singular nature.
The interior décor of Alaska Pete’s Restaurant is a significant part of its charm. The walls are adorned with a vast collection of antiques, ranging from floor to ceiling. Riccobono points out the historical significance of some items, mentioning “pieces — like the old organ or the gold-mining bellows — date back to the 1800s.” This “rustic, eclectic vision in decorating,” as Riccobono describes it, will be seamlessly extended to the new outdoor pavilion, ensuring a cohesive and immersive dining experience throughout the entire venue.
Construction of the outdoor dining space began in March, with Riccobono aiming for a grand opening by July. The seasonal outdoor area is planned to operate from approximately May to Halloween, allowing guests to enjoy it during the warmer months. To extend its usability into the cooler evenings, it will also feature its own outdoor heating system.
The decision to expand with an outdoor pavilion has been a long-term consideration. Riccobono explained that the Marshalls Creek Bypass opening in 2012 significantly altered local traffic patterns. While business has improved since then, he felt it was the right moment to elevate Alaska Pete’s Restaurant into more of a destination. “We thought it was time to pull the trigger,” Riccobono stated, adding, “Things have settled in, and people recognize they’re not going to get caught up in that traffic now.” He remains optimistic about the future of the Marshalls Creek area, noting, “Although the last several years have been unkind to the Marshalls Creek area, I’m optimistic good things are going to happen here in the future.”
Alaska Pete’s Restaurant previously expanded in 2005 with an indoor addition. Currently, the indoor seating accommodates around 180 guests. The new outdoor area will be conveniently connected, allowing diners to easily move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
For those with a taste for barbeque, Alaska Pete’s Restaurant has been increasingly focusing on smoked specialties. Riccobono mentions, “We’ve recently gotten very big into the barbeque business,” and assures patrons that “Pulled pork, brisket, smoke sausage — there’ll be plenty of that outside, and, of course, they can always come into our beautiful restaurant also.” This indicates that the outdoor dining experience at Alaska Pete’s Restaurant will not only offer a pleasant ambiance but also feature the restaurant’s popular barbeque offerings, alongside their full menu available indoors.
