During the build-out, said Frederiksen, a big challenge was doing the necessary construction – such as installing an ADA-compliant restroom and moving walls to create an open kitchen/dining room atmosphere – while keeping to a strict, guaranteed budget. Also, again driven by budget, RSV worked to integrate much of the existing equipment from the current location with a new hood system and the landlord’s existing heating and cooling system.
“There was a lot more communication and coordination than usual,” said Frederiksen, because such integration is more difficult than simply building everything from the ground up.
Dulin’s has been a part of the uptown community for 20 years, and loyal patrons are keeping a close eye on the proceedings. Frederiksen said that according to Hawkins, at least three people a day walk in and query “Hey – are they open yet?”
“[The community] is really excited about what’s coming,” said Frederiksen.
Dulin himself is also optimistic about the new location, and is considering expanding his hours to include early evenings. He envisions serving small plates, priced around $5.95 or $6.95. Possible “petite entrees” – designed to be shared between two people – include grilled salmon and pecan-crusted pork loin with roasted raspberry chipotle sauce.
Meanwhile, the current location will be converted to “The Uptown Apartments” – a six-story, mixed-use Acorn Investments LLC development that Dulin said “should be great for business.”
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