The Wayzata City Council is weighing plans to renovate the interior of the Wayzata Bar & Grill—better known to locals as “The Muni”—in an effort to modernize the space and ensure its continued success as a city-owned enterprise.
At a workshop held April 1, council members reviewed draft design concepts and preliminary cost estimates prepared by Mohagen Hansen Architects. The proposed remodel is part of the City’s 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes operational excellence and diversification of revenue sources.
“Updating the Wayzata Bar and Grill’s decor will help keep the space relevant and modernized to help keep the business profitable long into the future,” said City Manager Jeffrey Dahl in a memo prepared for the discussion.
The design initiative follows a Muni Operations Assessment completed by Delaney Consulting, which recommended a comprehensive interior refresh to improve aesthetics, streamline operations, and boost profitability.
Preliminary plans include updated finishes, reconfigured dining and bar areas, and design improvements aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience. Council Member Molly MacDonald has been closely involved in the process, lending her interior design background to help shape the evolving vision.
The project has a proposed budget of $638,600 and is included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan. If approved, construction would likely begin in early 2026 following a formal bidding process.
Council members provided feedback during the workshop, and the City is expected to revisit the topic at an upcoming regular council meeting to determine next steps and consider potential refinements to the plan.
If ultimately approved, the renovation would mark the first major interior update to the Muni in years—ensuring that the beloved establishment remains a vibrant and profitable gathering place for the Wayzata community.
