News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Mango’s Tequila Bar, seen here on Thursday, will open soon in the former Owl Cafe restaurant in Alpena. The Owl has moved to a smaller location a little ways down the road, and John A. Lau Saloon will also have a new owner and menu. Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry said the more food and drink options people have downtown, the more likely they are to return.

ALPENA –There has been a flurry of activity downtown which has seen one local restaurant changing locations and another moving into its former building. Another popular restaurant/tavern has changed ownership and is being totally revamped.

When all of the renovations are complete, people visiting the downtown will have a plethora of choices on where to dine or have a cocktail.

Owl Cafe owner Dr. Craig Pilichowski downsized his business and moved it to the site of the former Burgie’s at 628 W. Chisholm St. Now called the Owl’s Nest, it features a slightly smaller dining area, but with a pleasant atmosphere and popular menu items.

Popular Mexican restaurant Mango’s in is opening a second location. The original store is in Thunder Bay Shopping Center on U.S.-23 and a second restaurant, Mango’s Tequila Bar, is opening in the old Owl location. A new sign is hung over the building at 121 W. Chisholm St. and renovations are ongoing and it should be open soon.

Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Directer Anne Gentry said recent developments downtown are positive because it offers people a larger selection of places to eat, drink and enjoy a time out.

“If you have five, six or more places, people may go to one, but see another and come back to go to them,” she said. “There is a lot happening right now, and it is very exciting.”

Gentry said that, in the coming months, there will also be a new brewery opening where the former Hallmark store was. It is going to be called Inspirations Brewery and renovations and construction are ongoing.

“I would think they would like to be open as soon as possible,” she said. “With the popularity of craft beer, I expect it will draw people from out of town and other businesses will benefit from it. We could actually use a few breweries.”

Another transaction is also in the works, but not yet finalized. John Benson, owner of JJ’s Bar and Grill, is in the process of purchasing the John A Lau Saloon and, after some improvements to the building are complete and a new menu if created, he intends to open it.

Benson said this week he is keeping the name and he is confident the legendary spirits said to call the 127-year-old business home will remain in the building.

“It is haunted,” Benson said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpeanews.com.