Knights Ferry restaurant gets big makeover, becomes River’s Edge

Sometimes, this job calls for a lot of drudgery. This week found me on the road to Knights Ferry, the beautiful and historic community just outside Oakdale. As assignments go, this one was not unattractive.

I went to Knights Ferry to get a look at The River’s Edge, which until recently was known as the Knights Ferry Resort. Hugo Zuniga, who took over as manager for the new owners, showed me around the restaurant, which has been completely updated inside while still retaining historical aspects.

The bar has been moved into what used to be a stage. The lawn leading down to the Stanislaus River has been spruced up and boasts the perfect spot for a wedding, or maybe a band. And the back porch – oh, gosh, it’s gorgeous. I hadn’t been there before, but Zuniga told me it used to be an informal area, covered with tents.

Those have been replaced with ceiling fans, Tiki torches and a cozy corner with chairs and fire pits that Zuniga said has been the most popular spot for customers to sit.

The menu is a work in progress but focuses on steakhouse fare, pasta and sandwiches. Chef Luis Flores said the burgers have been popular. “We’ve gone through 280 pounds of ground beef.”

Pretty impressive, particularly considering the restaurant had a soft opening just before Easter Sunday.

So far, Zuniga said, the reception has been “awesome. We’ve gotten a lot of good feedback.”

The only negative thing he has heard is the service has been slow while the servers get used to the new system. “We’ve made a few mistakes, but they’re getting a lot better,” he said.

Coming attractions include a biweekly wine night and a room in the back, equipped with full-length mirror and attached full bath. Zuniga said the restaurant hosts numerous weddings, and he wanted a place where brides can get dressed and primped for their big day in privacy and luxury. What about the grooms who need to get ready?

“That’s what the car is for,” Zuniga said.

Find The River’s Edge at 17525 Sonora Road. Call 209-881-3466.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

Save Mart Supermarkets is running a fundraiser for Valley Children’s Hospital. Through April 17, customers can tear off coupons for $2, $3 or $5 at checkout and that amount will be added to their bill. The money will go toward the Madera hospital, which serves children from throughout much of Northern California.

During the same drive last year, shoppers and employees raised $43,000 for the hospital, according to a news release.

And finally, for the first time since 2013, Waterford is offering its Small Business Assistance Program, City Manager Tim Ogden said in an email this week.

The program, open to existing and new businesses in Waterford, “provides affordable, nonconventional financing to eligible businesses and development projects who will in turn be required to produce a sufficient number of net new jobs, or in the case of business retention, retain existing jobs,” according to a news release.

The city has $25,000, available in grants of up to $5,000 each, Ogden said. Money can go toward operating expenses, remodeling, any variety of approved endeavors. For more information, call City Hall at 209-874-2328.

This story was originally published April 2, 2016 at 3:24 PM with the headline "Knights Ferry restaurant gets big makeover, becomes River’s Edge."