Finally, an ‘exceptionally certain’ opening for the new Sheet’s Creek bar, restaurant

A year after announcing plans for an east-side bar and restaurant , Mort’s owner Morrie Sheets is ready to open it.

“I just hope people like it,” he said. “I’m glad they’ve been patient.”

Sheet’s Creek, a play on the Schitt’s Creek TV show, is opening Oct. 7 in the Waterfront at 1720 N. Webb Road.

That’s where Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Alliance most recently was and Ciao Italian Kitchen and Piztro’s once were.

This follows previous announcements of openings early this year that didn’t wind up happening.

“We are exceptionally certain,” operating partner Emma Johnsen said of the opening date. “We are in the hiring (and) training process.”

A number of things have held up the opening, she said, including new plumbing and concrete.

“We are dealing with amazing people who want to make sure it’s done right.”

The plan is for “an elevated but approachable experience” with the bar and restaurant, she said. It won’t be the same experience Mort’s offers downtown.

“It’s a totally different vibe,” Johnsen said.

Mort’s has only a few appetizers. Sheet’s Creek will have a full kitchen.

“The food is incredible,” Johnsen said.

Roger Cox, a corporate chef who has done a lot of pop-up food offerings at Mort’s, is the executive chef for Sheet’s Creek.

“We’re lucky,” Johnsen said.

Kelly Pickering is the general manager.

Hours are 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

There will be indoor and outdoor seating with live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The music and some rezoning were two issues the business had to overcome.

Sheets himself has been on the planning commission, and he said he can see things from both sides.

“Honestly, I think they do a pretty good job. They do a thorough job.”

He said it’s easy to get impatient when you’re on the business side, but he understands that’s how it’s got to be.

“There’s rules in place to keep values where they should be and to keep neighbors happy.”

He said that’s his goal, too. Sheets said he invited neighbors over to visit and discuss the live music he plans.

“We pretty much made everybody feel at ease.”

Sheets acknowledged that a few people still may be upset, but he said he wants to be a good neighbor to them.

“I’m a lover, not a fighter.”