RIVER FALLS – It looks like the property at 106 N. Main St. will house a burrito restaurant and game room instead of a nightclub.

The River Falls City Council April 11 approved a combination Class B liquor and Class B beer license for Castro Corporation, doing business as BurritoX.com in the former home of Bold Burge – but not without reservations.

At the Feb. 28 city council meeting, the council voted unanimously to deny a combination Class B liquor and beer license for a new bar/night club called Misfits. Joshua Boiteau, who was managing Bold Burger for River Falls Management LLC, intended to rebrand the business as Misfits and discontinue food service.

Alderperson Scott Morrissette made the motion to deny the license based on two reasons: Adverse impact on peace, quiet and cleanliness of the neighborhood and proximity to other licensed establishments. Police Chief Gordon Young also spoke about the number of calls his officers had responded to at Bold and how it affected staffing.

Alejandro Castro, the owner and manager of BurritoX.com, had previously operated Burrito Express at this location. He promised to work with the city to address repairs in the building and communication issues with city staff.

Morrissette pointed out that not long ago, Boiteau wanted to take over as agent and city staff have had a hard time communicating with Castro or receiving calls back.

“Are you prepared to give the staff your cell phone number tonight, so that when they call you, you will answer and they can contact you?” Morrissette asked.

Castro assured him that he would. He also gave his word that repairs would not be done without required building permits, which had occurred at Bold.

“That’s in the past, it’s been rectified, but that’s not a positive thing for tonight,” Morrissette acquiesced.

Castro said the restaurant will be open five days a week and he plans to be onsite managing four days. Besides the dining room, the space will include an arcade and game room with darts and pool tables.

“This is a new concept that we are thinking about franchising it,” Castro said. “I’m going to be here monitoring everything to make sure the new concept is ready to go to the big cities.”

Morrissette continued to express reservations, thanks to past turbulence with the old manager and the sudden change from a night club to a new restaurant/arcade concept.

“I’m good at making burritos, not dance clubs or night clubs, no,” Castro said. “I’m here to open a restaurant.”

“I want you to be successful, but I’m struggling with the history up to this point,” Morrissette answered.

Castro maintained that he’s trying to bring life to a new idea: The Fast Castro concept. People can order their food, sit wherever they want to eat and play games.

The council ultimately decided to grant the license and give Castro a chance.

“I’m looking forward to having more good food in town,” Alderperson Jeff Bjork said.

University/Cascade complaints

Oak Knoll Avenue resident Michael Kranz appeared before the council during public comment with a lengthy list of demands he’d like to see the council take action on. He lives one block from the UW-River Falls campus. Like many residents, he spoke about traffic issues on Cascade Avenue and Oak Knoll and Hillcrest streets. He’d like those streets to be “no parking.”

“I’ve had cars go into the driveway and almost hit us. I’ve had my bike and my bike trailer has been stolen,” Kranz said.

He also complained of people smoking cigarettes when walking past his residence when he’s outside with his daughter, playing loud stereos and trucks speeding back and forth on Cascade.

“What I suggest is closing that whole street (Cascade),” Kranz said. “I’m serious, it’s that bad. I think you should put a roundabout, redirect traffic down Wasson into Cemetery, have the University build their own parking, and close off Cascade Avenue from Wasson all the way down, only to local traffic or something.”

He said college students should not be parking on residents’ streets. He also dislikes the noise from UWRF sporting events.

“The sound goes straight into my windows,” Kranz said. “Whoever’s commentating on those speakers, it’s going right into my house and I’m in there with my daughter eating dinner and there’s this voice, you know, it’s like there’s a voice from outside.”

He said he spoke to someone at the university, suggesting bleacher speakers or having spectators wear ear buds so no PA system is used. He would like his idea put to a city referendum vote. But his biggest concern is the noise and pollution from those who go past his residence.

“My daughter’s inside, and there’s all this noise and smoke. You know, cars drive by, there’s marijuana smoke, cigarette smoke, perfume and all this stuff. I mean, do I move? I don’t know what to do,” Kranz said.

He wants to build an 8-foot fence in front of his house, but city ordinance only allows 3 feet. He would like to make it so he doesn’t see the university at all. He also asked the council to address the “falling apart houses around town with piles of beer cans.”