Planning Commission approves on‑sale liquor for Toastique at Block 5; outdoor patio tied to pedestrian easement resolution

The Rapid City Planning Commission voted May 8 to approve a major amendment to a planned development overlay to allow on‑sale liquor in conjunction with Toastique, a restaurant and juice bar proposed for Suite 1 at 525 Saint Joseph Street in the Block 5 development.

Kip Harrington of Long Range Planning told the commission the Toastique space will be the first commercial tenant in the Block 5 project and that the restaurant plans to operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, serving a brunch-style menu with mimosas and fresh-squeezed juices. The property is zoned Central Business District. Harrington said the application includes signage and interior layout showing a kitchen, bar and seating area; the hotel and apartments in Block 5 are already under construction or open.

Commissioners discussed a proposed sidewalk cafe/outdoor patio. Harrington said a 13-foot strip west of the suite had been vacated in 2012 for a prior project and then, in 2023, the developer (Lloyd Companies) rededicated that 13 feet as a pedestrian easement whose language currently forbids obstructions such as furniture, barriers or planters. Because of that easement, the applicant cannot install outdoor seating unless the easement language is altered or the easement is vacated; staff said they are working with the applicant and Lloyd Companies to identify options. The staff report notes the on‑sale liquor permit could accommodate outdoor expansion “if and when” the pedestrian easement issue is resolved.

Commissioner Vince moved to approve the amendment in accordance with staff stipulations; Commissioner Karen seconded. The commission voted in favor; the motion carried. The approval allows Toastique to serve on‑sale liquor inside the suite subject to the conditions in the staff report. Any outdoor seating will require a separate resolution of the pedestrian easement or other change to the easement language before tables, chairs or barriers may be placed in that 13‑foot area.

Harrington also noted that the property sits along principal arterial streets and that the proposed outdoor area would need to maintain a pedestrian clear space; staff showed a proposed layout and examples of outdoor furniture and barricades to be used if the easement is resolved. The on‑sale liquor approval is separate from an on‑sale liquor approval for a hotel/restaurant elsewhere in Block 5, which Harrington said is a different application.