In 2010 Sherwood Park will get a double dose of a Sawmill Prime Rib & Steak House. Located in the centre of Sherwood Park, Franklin’s Inn will undergo a tremendous renovation beginning in October 2009 to transform the hotel’s banquet room into a 192-seat Sawmill Sports and Gaming Lounge tentatively scheduled to open in April 2010. Upon completion the current restaurant and lounge area will be converted into a 200-seat Sawmill Prime Rib and Steak House dining room anticipated to open later in June of 2010. Both areas will cover 13,000 square feet, with renovations costing $2.5 million to $3 million, said Franklin’s Inn president Richard Gauthier. The bar will include a 50-seat patio, VLTs and off track horse betting, as well as a 12-foot-by-9-foot big-screen high definition television. “It’s going to be bigger than life,” Gauthier said of the TV, as he envisions watching the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers on the big-screen.
“We just really felt it would help take this hotel property to the next level,” he said of the Sawmill Prime Rib & Steak House which he described as an upscale setting that keeps a “comfortable family atmosphere.” The restaurant will also take reservations. “It’s convenient that you can call or book on-line for a table of nine guests and when you arrive your table is ready Gauthier said. When the renovations are complete Gauthier expects another 50 people will be employed to maintain staffing levels in both the dining and lounge areas.
The Sawmill Prime Rib & Steak House continues a series of renovations at Franklin’s Inn that includes the current liquor store and hotel room renovations. In the future, Gauthier has plans to add another three floors of hotel atop the current 40-room tower (adding another 80 to 100 rooms), as well as a swimming pool. Gauthier said the goal when his family first purchased Franklin’s Inn in 2002 was to improve on the property and implement renovations to a building that has been in existence since 1975.
Richard Gauthier and his brother Rob grew up in the hotel business, watching parents John and Terry manage the Frantz Motor Inn in Steinbach Manitoba. In 1992 the family purchased the Kindersley Inn in Saskatchewan followed by the Franklin’s Inn in 2002 at which time Richard Gauthier moved to Sherwood Park. Two years ago, the family sold the Kindersley Inn and brothers Richard and Rob purchased their parents shares within the company. In 2008 the Gauthier’s purchased the Prince Albert Inn in Saskatchewan, which is currently being remodeled.
Currently Richard, Rob as well as their wives, Vickie and Renee are partners in the company.
