What’s In Store: Dre’s Bar and Grill opens in Cotati

When the Cotati Yacht Club closed, it marked the end of an era, but it also opened the door for a fresh addition to the Cotati Crawl.

Gone are the swordfish and other ocean themed bric-a-brac, replaced by the modern, casual decor of Dre’s Bar and Grill, which seems to match the mood of owner Diondre Jones.

Dre’s represents the realization of a personal dream to Jones, 41, of Rohnert Park.

“I’ve really wanted a bar for about 10 or 15 years,” he said. “I was finally able to get to a point where I was ready and started looking at locations. I found this place.”

Dre’s Bar and Grill had a soft opening in mid-March and an official grand opening on May 9.

The restaurant, bar and lounge serves brunch, lunch and dinner and provides the local community with a night spot infused with soul, Latin fusion and old school hip-hop.

While this is Jones’ first foray into business ownership, he hopes decades of retail experience will translate well.

The husband and father of three grew up in Rohnert Park and attended Rancho Cotate High School and the Santa Rosa Junior College. After 22 years with Costco, where his wife still works, he was ready for the transition.

Among the county locations he scouted, Jones was most intrigued by the Yacht Club space.

“It’s right across from the park, and while it’s downtown, it is a little separated from the other night spots,” he said. “Originally I just wanted a bar, but the space here is great, with three different rooms, a patio and a kitchen, which allows a lot of options.”

Jones said he also was pleased by the support he received from the City Council and former patrons of the Yacht Club, many of whom are now his customers.

Jones installed a DJ booth near the bar and envisions adding live music. Chef Ryan Townsend, also a Rancho Cotate grad, mixes standard fare with creations such as his pork belly and jalapeño jelly slider.

After a few months in the job, Jones said, “I love it. I love the people and I love the possibilities.”

Dre’s Bar and Grill is located at 8099 La Plaza, Cotati, 665-5617, DresinCotati.com.

Contact Rohnert Park Towns Correspondent Nick Walden at rparktowns@gmail.com.