With financing support from Lewis & Clark Regional Development Council, in partnership with BNC National Bank and the Bank of North Dakota, a familiar riverfront location west of Linton is getting a fresh start.
Lifelong Linton resident Connie Dockter will soon be reopening the former restaurant at 8049 Highway 1804, giving the building new life as The Dock Bar & Grill.
With her husband Jack by her side, they feel the need for a restaurant in the Beaver Bay area is vital.
The property, originally built in 1997, has gone through several owners over the years. With Connie and Jack’s vision and deep community ties, the revitalized business is set to become a destination for residents and visitors alike.
Community Investment in Local Ownership
Lewis & Clark RDC, which is part of Lewis & Clark Development Group, provided funding for the local community match required through the Bank of North Dakota’s Flex PACE Interest Rate Buydown Program. This support helped reduce interest costs associated with the loan used for the purchase and restoration of the property.
“Flex PACE gives us the opportunity to support business owners like Connie who are investing in their local community,” said Matt Burthold, Commercial Lending Director at Lewis & Clark Development Group.
“We’re proud to help bring The Dock Bar & Grill back to the Linton area.”
A Return to Her Roots
Docker’s business experience and strong local connections brought her to this moment and prompted her to start a new chapter.
Starting her hospitality journey early, she worked at a couple of local restaurants in Linton as a teenager. Even after transitioning into banking, she remained engaged in the restaurant industry by holding part-time jobs for several years.
“Linton has been and always will be home,” Docker said. “The support and excitement from the community are encouraging and overwhelming.”
Opening Set for December
The Dock Bar & Grill is scheduled to open in December and will operate as a family-style restaurant open Thursday through Sunday. The refreshed menu and riverfront atmosphere are designed to serve both the local community and tourists traveling through the scenic Missouri River corridor.
“Bringing this place back and creating something special here at the river has been a dream of ours for a long time,” notes Docker, who credits Matt Burthold, LCD Group, BNC National Bank, and the Bank of North Dakota for believing in the vision for the business.
“We feel that we are now at a place in our lives where we can make it happen, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
Learn More: LCD Group’s Small Business Programs
