After nearly a year moving and preparing the “Yellow House” to be leased or sold, 4B Community Development Corporation has found a tenant.

Local restaurant owners, Todd Anderson and Glen Mitchell have begun leasing the “Yellow House.”

Anderson currently owns Sawmill Grill located on Nichols Sawmill and said he was looking to partner with Mitchell in the leasing of the restaurant in the “Yellow House” at the 4B Community Development Corporation held on June 9.

Anderson said he thinks the location on the house is “perfect.” He added that he hopes the restaurant becomes a place for social gathering along the Stroll.

“We want to get involved with the chamber, Stroll Committee and the City of Magnolia,” he added. “We want to help promote our city and the Stroll.”

City Administrator Paul Mendes said that the city will provide staff parking in the south side of the building and guest parking on the north side as previously discussed in the project’s budget.

The city has already invested $175,000 into the home, according to 4B President Frank Parker.

Costs have accumulated from moving the home, which costs the city nearly $30,000 after power lines were adjusted. Additional costs have mounted from renovations, such as the large front porch, ramp entrance and brick to line the bottom of the house.

Anderson will add a privacy fence and landscaping to the property on the side facing Celeste Graves’ property. They will also install a gas fire pit on the lawn which they say would be a focal point of those walking along the Stroll. The partners plan to host live entertainment on the back deck as well to invite more interest.

Pat Zaiontz, 4B member, said that with the new tenants agreeing to accept some of the cost for renovations and upgrades, 4B will be within the budget that was set aside for the “Yellow House.”

Directors of 4B unanimously approved their lease proposal. The 4B Corporation is in the process of forming a 2-year lease agreement at $2,500 each month and the agreement would include an option to buy the house.

Once all renovations and upgrades have been made, the city will also pay to have it appraised for to attain a proper selling price.

The restaurant would be able to seat about 40 guests, according to the layout provided by Anderson. He will also include 32 seats on the front deck.

The upstairs portion of the house is being considered as a possible private party room or boutique, according to Anderson.

The “Yellow House” would be open 7 days a week and include a lunch and dinner menu.

Anderson will seek a liquor and mixed beverage license once the city becomes wet, he said.

Anderson and Mitchell said they have attempted to name the restaurant, but in an effort to get the community involved, they are leaving it up to residents. Residents are asked to email their suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Anderson will also create a Facebook page for the restaurant.

Each name submitted will be logged with a date and time, in case any duplicates are submitted. The naming contest will end on June 24 and the person who submitted the winning name will receive one free dinner per month for 6 months.

Anderson said the restaurant should be open by August 1.

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