Schmidt’s snubbed by German Village Commission

Legendary Columbus eatery Schmidt’s Sausage Haus has a problem that many restaurants wish was an issue–they just have too many customers. Peak wait times stretch as long as two hours, while the average dinner service lasts from about 45 minutes to an hour.

The restaurant sought to remedy the issue with a rooftop “beer garden” patio, allowing for an extra 1,600 square feet to wait for a table and be merry, but the German Village Commission had none of it.

The Commission shot down the proposed patio in a unanimous 7-0 vote, after hearing testimony from over a dozen residents who were concerned with noise levels, parking and the potential for patrons to see into second-story houses.

“It’s a rooftop bar smack in the middle of a residential area,” said one German Village resident.

But, this might not be the end for the proposal. Schmidt’s owner Geoff Schmidt said he would be taking the plans directly to the Columbus City Council.

5/3/16: Neighbors miffed by planned Schmidt’s expansion

Schmidt’s is one of the busiest restaurants in German Village, and according to the restaurant, they need to expand to accommodate the crowds that wait outside during peak hours, which can grow to as many as 50 people.

But the restaurant’s proposed rooftop patio expansion is raising concerns among neighbors, who say an extra 80 seats at the restaurant would only add to the congestion of German Village.

Today at a German Village Commission meeting, Schmidt’s will make its case and will petition for a parking variance so they won’t have to add as many parking spots.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. at the German Village Meeting Haus, 588 S. 3rd St., and is sure to be filled with residents voicing their concerns.

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