Finn Rock Grill

There’s new life at the Finn Rock Grill these days, thanks to Jason Powell, who has reopened the doors to the highly visible riverside restaurant. Many people know him from his years at the helm of Ike’s Pizza but his new venue is offering a lot more.

“It’s not just pizza,” Powell says of the choices diners find when opening a menu. We’ve got some really good salmon steak sandwiches and an Asian catfish fish & chips that melts in your mouth.” Other choices include a wide range of sandwiches, homemade soups, chili and gourmet salads. There’s also nine craft beers on tap, along with some “really good wines.”

Finn Rock is now open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 to 9 on Friday and Saturday. Starting this weekend, breakfast hours will be added as well - with doors open at 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

For many area residents, the building itself is an icon. Years ago it housed the Finn Rock Post Office, a gas station and a general store. “I remember coming her as a kid getting bait and tackle with my Dad,” Powell said. “It was a shame to see it closed for so long.”

It all changed when he put up his “Open” sign last month. “The community has rallied around everything we’ve done,” according to Powell. “There’s been a lot of familiar faces plus a whole new group of people stopping in.”

That popularity is really apparent mid-week, when the parking lot is often jam packed, thanks to live acoustic music by Dave Bock. Other entertainment is beamed in via satellite with full TV coverage of all the top sports venues. Video lottery is on the way too - expected to arrive in a week or two.

Powell said he hopes the success of his business will have an impact on others as well. Rather than just traveling through the area, travelers can plan ahead to take a break. “We’re giving them a reason to stop,” he feels, “and that can be good for everyone.”

Photo By Lillian Howard