Council approves CUP for Lupfer restaurant

Whitefish City Council last week approved a conditional use permit for a new restaurant planned to operate out of a building on Lupfer Avenue and Second Street.

The restaurant, Cru, is expected to include a beer and wine license and be located in the new building that is under construction. The restaurant was required to obtain a CUP because while restaurants are a permitted use in the WB-3 zone where the building is located, those that contain a bar or lounge are required to obtain a permit under city zoning regulations.

Owner Emily Rindal has said the restaurant plans to serve beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, along with simple meals such as paninis and charcuterie boards.

The restaurant, set to be about 1,600 square feet in size along with an outdoor patio, is planned to include a small kitchen and operate between the hours of 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. It’s expected to employ two full-time and two part-time employees, according to the application.

Council also:

• Approved a request from Curtis and Christine Feeny for a conditional use permit to construct an accessory apartment above an existing garage at 1656 W, Lakeshore Drive.

• Approved creating a selection panel made up of Fire Chief Joe Page, City Manager Dana Smith and one Councilor to serve on the review and selection panel for selection of a firm to conduct and study and produce a master plan to guide the Whitefish Fire Department’s growth and future needs. The fire department in addition to providing fire and emergency medical services to the city, also provides emergency services to the Whitefish Fire Service Area and portions of the Flathead Fire Service Area, and ambulance service up into Olney.