Latitude 44 hopes to open in downtown Rochester late October

Jeff Kiger, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
·2 min read

Sep. 19—ROCHESTER — A new restaurant — Latitude 44 — is mapping out plans to start cooking soon in The Castle adding it to the growing list of downtown restaurant openings in 2023.

Castle owner David Arnett says preparations to open Latitude 44 in the lower level of the complex at 121 N. Broadway Ave. are in the home stretch.

"The restaurant will tentatively be open for public enjoyment towards the end of October. Official opening dates will be released in the upcoming weeks," wrote Arnett recently in response to questions about the restaurant.

He described Latitude 44 as "a modern American restaurant, featuring thoughtful food and beverage offerings within an energetic, casual chic ambiance."

Arnett purchased The Castle,

which was formerly the Rochester armory as well as the Rochester Senior Center, for $2.3 million in March 2023.

Latitude 44 occupies the space where

Cameo at the Castle

was based. Cameo, opened by Chef Zach and Danika Ohly in 2018, closed 2022 amid headwinds from the pandemic and a contentious lawsuit with the former owners of The Castle.

Arnett is excited about the local team who are driving Latitude 44.

The kitchen will be led by Rochester native Reide Martin, who goes by "Chef Spiccoli." He was the winner of the recent "Chopped Local" cooking competition.

"The beverage program is the brainchild of mixologist Marlon Hanson. With an extensive knowledge of both spirits and cocktails, the result is an array of offerings from playful to sophisticated," wrote Arnett. "General Manager Luke Johnson has been a staple in the local hospitality industry for over 15 years. Luke brings a service driven mentality with his leadership approach, ensuring a memorable experience for each guest."

Latitude 44's opening will follow the launch of several other downtown eateries this year including

Marrow,

Our Paladar,

507 (Pub)lic House

and

The Well.