Sports bar and grill proposed for former Auburn Sizzler location

Many have wondered what's in store for the former Sizzler location at 13570 Lincoln Way. The North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) received a presentation of a proposed use for the 6,500-square-foot restaurant space during its meeting Tuesday. Ken McGuire, project representative and owner of The Tin Lantern Bar & Grill in Meadow Vista, said he was looking for an opportunity to expand, having had his eye on the Sizzler building for some time, and plans to turn it into a sports bar and grill. According to the MAC agenda, McGuires Sports Bar and Grill would include site improvements such as new signage and the addition of an outdoor patio on the east side of the building. Hours of operation are proposed as 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday. McGuire added the restaurant is also proposing live entertainment inside on Fridays and Saturdays, four pool tables, four dart board stations, a bar and TV screens for sports. "Very excited about it because I'm very passionate about sports," McGuire said. "... It's very important to me, this project, in that we maintain a standard that we've set at the Tin Lantern, for those of you who've been there before. It's not going to be ordinary - it will be ordinary bar food but it'll be an elevated level and it'll be affordable." McGuire said he is in escrow for a Type 48 alcohol license, which authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits in bars and nightclubs as defined by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control. McGuire confirmed he will convert the license to a Type 47, which authorizes the sale of alcohol at eating places, as he wants it to be a family-oriented establishment. McGuire also advised he hopes to feature a couple of taps from local breweries among the 16 taps proposed for the sports bar and grill. Bennett Smithhart, associate planner for Placer County, confirmed the project will require the approval of a minor use permit. McGuire said the goal is to be open by Super Bowl 2024. The MAC took no action, as it was an informational item only.