2 restaurants, kayak rentals add to the Racine riverfront as summer kicks off

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The river waterfront in Racine is seeing a transformation with more businesses popping up, with the hopes of channeling more people to the area. 

Dan Kaiser bought the property at the end of the river, right before it feeds into the lake, to revitalize the space. Last year, he opened the doors to Chartroom. This will be the first summer for the new, revamped restaurant, Chartroom.

Chartroom was a classic spot on the Root River during Kaiser's childhood growing up in northern Illinois. 

"Spent a lot of time at the Chartroom, a lot of time on the root river, north beach and all the waterways around here," said Kaiser. "So, we wanted to reinvigorate this area and bring back all of those fun times for everyone to enjoy." 

In a few weeks, he'll also open the doors to the Bridge Tender Tavern as well. The building sits just east of the Chartroom, and it's been many things over the years. 

"That's going to be more casual, kind of quick-eats counter service," said Kaiser. "What's kind of cool is the windows open, so you can sit outside at the bar or inside, the way we have it set up." 

Tom Landreman is the general manager of both spaces. And he brings years of restaurant experience with him. It was important for them to keep the boating nods original to the Chartroom space. You'll see it in the unique, one-of-a-kind fish pretzels and the decor, like the 1904 refurbished boat decorating the ceiling. 

Doors are open at 11 a.m. Monday for families to spend Memorial Day on the water. 

Within the next few weeks, they'll also be offering water sports through the Midwest Boaters Club.