Bob Sutherland's vision of "celebrating all things cherry" at his flagship downtown Traverse City store is about to become a reality.

Locals will get a first look next week when the expanded and totally renovated Cherry Republic on West Front Street reopens for business.

The front of the shop has been boarded up since the beginning of the year for a major overhaul that more than doubles the amount of retail space and adds a larger bar area, a soda fountain bar and a Grand Café. From the first step in the new doors along Front Street, giant pine beams and open spaces herald a big, northern Michigan cherry retail heaven.

“We’re really excited for another flagship store and to become one of the anchors of downtown Traverse City,” founder Sutherland tells The Ticker during a sneak peek tour of the new store.

Sutherland has long been looking for a permanent home to make a cherry destination in the Cherry Capital of the World. In 2011, he proposed a major redevelopment at the corner of Front and Cass, where The Franklin now stands. That project was to include a two-story retail center, as well as 14 residential units and underground parking. It also sought $2 million in brownfield funding, which the City Commission did not support; Sutherland later abandoned the project.

Instead, he decided to make full use of his space in the 100-year-old building next door, where Cherry Republic first opened in 2007.

Along with Corporate Chef Tony Finnestad (pictured with Sutherland), Sutherland says this is also a huge step for the company’s increased focus on food in Traverse City’s thriving food culture.

“The Café will showcase all of our food, year-round,” says Finnestad, who joined the company in April 2014.

In addition to ice cream, baked goods and grab & go items for downtown workers on lunch break or for those headed to the beach, the Grand Café will offer a menu showcasing the versatility of the cherry.

The center of the store features an area for lounging where children can occupy themselves with a massive cherry pit bin and a cherry tree (made for climbing!), being sculpted by Michigan artist Dewey Blocksma.

“We really want to make it comfortable for families,” Sutherland notes, adding there will also be outdoor seating on Front Street.

With the expansion, the store will employ approximately 70 during the peak summer season, up from about two dozen employees last summer. The company is still accepting applications for positions at the store.

The new and improved Cherry Republic is planning a soft opening on April 9, with the café area opening a month later. The company will host a grand opening celebration later in the spring.

Bouma Corporation in Traverse City served as the general contractor on the project.