Otter Cafe Coming to Spring Lake Lagoon

Favorite summer waterpark will finally have something to eat

Annadel State Park supporters attend a benefit breakfast at the new Lakeside Grill by the Spring Lake Regional Park swimming lagoon in Santa Rosa, on Sunday, July 1, 2012. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)

Summer came to Spring Lake swimming lagoon weeks ago, as kids and parents flocked to the new play area to beat the unseasonal heat. But if you wanted a cool drink or a hot dog at the nearby concession stand, no luck.

Since restaurateur Nino Rabbaa closed his Spring Lake Grill last year, the walk-up cafe and patio has been tightly shuttered—which wasn’t a real problem until the water park reopened in late May. Folks have been asking Biteclub continuously if there would be a new restaurant in the space for 2017, and the answer, finally, is yes.

A Walnut Creek company, Sycamore Concessions Corporation, has been awarded the regional parks contract to operate the eatery. The business operates food concessions at a number of Northern California parks. Officials for Sonoma County Regional Parks say Sycamore’s was the only proposal submitted.

A sample menu shows a very kid-friendly and economical lineup of sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, simple salads, fries, fruit and veggie snacks (oh, we like the strawberry shortcake kabobs), ice cream, yogurt parfaits, and smoothies. Farm-to-table fare it is not, but at a water park do you really want $12 avocado toast and oysters with mignonette for the kiddos?

Opening dates are still in flux, waiting for health permits from the county, but should be soon.

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