It has a popular restaurant upstairs, gift shop, and stunning views of the river. The floors are original and so is the vast majority of the tin. The mill was put back together and as much of it preserved as possible. The water came halfway up the doors, said Duggins. Those doors were recently tested when the river rose. The foundation was raised four feet and flood doors were installed to help prevent future floods. In 2018, the five-story mill was moved off its foundation. And so, a visioning process was involving the community and seeing what people in Ozark wanted to see because we are deeply rooted in the community here.вЂќ вЂњSo getting to be a part of the visioning process with my dad is really special to think about beyond the original concept of the restaurant and the mill, what else we can offer here. вЂњIt has always had an emotional connection for our family,вЂќ she said. Stack attended Ozark North Elementary as a child and has fond memories surrounding Ozark. His daughter, Megan Stack, came on board and expanded that vision. He envisioned a riverside restaurant and historic preservation project. Johnny Morris bought the property in 1993. Located on the Finley River, the historic mill was the last commercially operating watermill in Missouri. Once the restaurant debuts, it will almost complete renovations of The Ozark Mill, which began in 2018. Step into the bathroom and a recorded interview plays overhead.ДЄlthough the restaurant doesnвЂ™t open until July 1, media were invited to a sneak peek on June 1. вЂњWeвЂ™ve done our best to pay tribute to Howard Garrison and Riverside Inn, but also preserve as much of the mill as possible,вЂќ said Dayle Duggins, marketing manager. There are other treasures from the famed restaurant including its fireplace and a large ornate mirror. Other pieces of his artwork adorn the wall, including a sketch of the future Riverside Inn, which was located on the Finley River.

One of his paintings entitled: вЂњA view from my prison cell in AvaвЂќ is at the entrance of the restaurant. Garrison was a restaurateur, talented artist - and an outlaw.Дuring prohibition, he was arrested for illegally serving alcohol and served time in prison.

He started the Riverside Inn and it became a destination restaurant for generations before closing permanently in 2009, due (in part) to repeated flooding. Howard Garrison (1901-1974) is a legendary figure in Ozark. The chandeliers frame a stunning bar from the 1880s, which was salvaged from Pennsylvania. Two striking chandeliers made from clear liquor bottles immediately catch your eye and reinforce the bootleg theme. There are strong nods to the speakeasy tradition including the unconventional molasses tanker tunnel entrance and a somewhat secret exit door. But when it opens on July 1, it will be a fine dining establishment that pays homage to the iconic Ozark restaurant, Riverside Inn, and its founder Howard Garrison - hence the name. The Garrison was originally envisioned as a speakeasy. Molasses was used to sweeten grains at the mill, which dates back to 1833. When the first diners enter The Garrison - the long-awaited restaurant tucked away on the ground floor of The Ozark Mill - they will walk through a dimly-lit molasses tanker, original to the plant. Reservations are required and are open for month-long slots. Want to go? Reservations for The Garrison open 10 a.m.

Garrison seafood express