The MK Ranch Bar and Grill is set to open in the Shoppes at Warrenton at the beginning of next year. The proposed restaurant has faced some delays and originally planned to open at a different location but owner Mike Ebersohl said things are now moving in the right direction. 

He is currently eyeing a tentative opening date of Jan. 1, 2025. 

“We were originally looking at maybe December 1st, now we’re probably looking more realistically at about the first of the year,” said Ebersohl. “We would have loved to hit an opening before Christmas, but it looks like it’s going to be tight to get that in there.”

The restaurant received a conditional use permit from the Warrenton Board of Aldermen at their Aug. 6 meeting to operate a bar at the Shoppes. 

They needed the permit since the Shoppes are zoned C-2 commercial and do not technically allow for a bar although exceptions have been made. 

Following that approval there are few clerical steps necessary before the restaurant opens, and renovations to the new location are currently underway. 

The restaurant will occupy the space formerly used by the Nike store at the outlet mall, located on the northeast corner of the Shoppes. 

The next steps for Ebersohl include applying for his liquor license through the state, if he receives it it will be one of the final steps in a long road to get the restaurant opened. 

Originally, he planned to open the restaurant at a different location south on Highway 47 across the road from the Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton. 

“We had originally considered that location. We did have issues with the landowner there and issues with the MoDOT entrance there, where it just wasn’t feasible,” said Ebersohl. “We just couldn’t come to an agreement with the landowners about the easement to the property coming in, so we decided to pivot to a new location.” 

The location on Highway 47 was supposed to feature sand volleyball courts, unfortunately the new location at the Shoppes does not have adequate space to allow them. Ebersohl said he instead plans to construct an outdoor patio, although he does not plan to move forward with that phase of the project until later next year. 

Ebersohl said he plans for the restaurant to have a “country atmosphere” that he felt would be well received by customers in the area. Currently the restaurant will have several pool tables, a large area for private parties with space for roughly 100 people and he plans to feature live music heavily as well. 

“It’s a live music venue. It’ll have good live music,” said Ebersohl. “We’re looking for good, top quality bands in St. Louis to come out here on Friday and Saturday.” 

He hopes to feature more local acts for sets on Sundays. 

Ebersohl has also been excited about the reception he has received for his plans from both citizens and boards in Warrenton like the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

“We’re just trying to do a good country atmosphere, something that fits the local market,” said Ebersohl. “Good food, good steaks, good burgers, good live music, just something this town needs.”