Longtime St. Joseph sandwich shop Bo Diddley's adds outdoor patio, completes remodel
Sarah KocherST. JOSEPH − A St. Joseph sandwich joint is up and running with an updated look and new outdoor patio.
The patio is likely the most notable change for customers, owner Lee Weisbrich said, but the location also has remodeled bathrooms and updated interior décor and fixtures. Weisbrich said since the business' beginning in 1981, it hadn't undergone a major update.
"I figured if we got 40 years out of what we had, it was time to freshen things up a little bit," he said.
Bo Diddley's has seen even more takeout than was typical before the pandemic, so the renovation will hopefully make more space for those customers. Seating will also be more spaced out. A little indoor seating was lost, Weisbrich said, but with the addition of outside space, it's an overall gain in places for customers to sit during nice weather.
Weisbrich said he's watched St. Joseph grow and become a "neat little community" with many attractions for visitors.
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"(I) figured (the patio) would be a good use of the space − just kind of creating another little outdoor dining space for people that want to come out to St. Joe," he said.
Bo Diddley's held soft openings at its St. Joseph location on Sunday and Monday and is now open its regular hours.
Renovations began May 16, and Weisbrich said he hopes the electrical, plumbing, floor, ceiling and wall work will last the business another 40 years. Weisbrich thanked customers for their patience during the update.
Bo Diddley's Pub and Deli started in St. Joseph in 1981. Weisbrich purchased the business from its original owner, John Forsythe, four years ago.
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Sarah Kocher is the business reporter for the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-255-8799 or skocher@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahAKocher.
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