Business: Openers-Good for the Gander
An outdoors-activities store aims to use local ingredients and barbecue-meets-bistro-inspired recipes to take retail dining to new heights.
By Christine LaFave, Associate Editor -- Restaurants and Institutions, 8/1/2008
Concept: Tall Tales Real FoodLocation: Inside the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., location of Gander Mountain, an outdoors-lifestyle retailer based in St. Paul, Minn.
Opened: May 15, 2008
Chef: Christine Politz
Cuisine: “American bistro,” including wood-fired pizzas, flatbreads and upscale takes on classic salads and sandwiches
Footprint: 6,000 square feet
Average Check: $20-25
Seating: 208 inside, 96 outside
Staff: 55
Key Equipment: Wood-fired pizza oven, rotisserie
Key Design Elements: Designed to be a modern interpretation of a traditional lodge, the restaurant highlights all things strong and sturdy, with natural logs and timbers, stacked stone and leather-upholstered chairs. Lighting the scene in the first-floor space are large windows looking out onto an outdoor seating area. A mural that spans the length of the wall behind the bar blends images of outsized fish and game (playing upon the concept’s “tall tales” element) with an excerpt of a hunting license and a stylized vintage map.
MOUNTAIN DO: As one of a few outdoors-lifestyle stores aiming to be an all-in-one destination for everyone from hunters to hikers to scuba divers, Gander Mountain sought a way to differentiate itself from the competition and increase the length of shoppers’ visits.
THE GOAL: A restaurant whose atmosphere stylishly celebrates the great outdoors and whose menu reflects flavorful combinations of fresh ingredients—something beyond burgers and hot dogs made with various types of game.
THE RESULT: Tall Tales Real Food, a concept designed to appeal to female and male shoppers alike via not-too-large portions, an extensive wine and beer selection and ample private event space geared to outdoors enthusiasts.
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