INDEPENDENCE - A bit of Miami is coming back with an Independence resident this summer.

Businessman Barry Schmuecker is opening a new restaurant and bar in town called Devon's on the Dam that will feature a bit of Florida scenery. It's the latest venture started by Schmuecker, who also owns Geoffrey's Tea Room and East Union Antiques across the street.

Schmuecker said the idea for the Miami theme came from his many trips to the city, where he vacations in the winter. He said he hopes the bar and restaurant, with its unique decor, good food and plans for live entertainment menu, will help make Independence an entertainment destination.

"We're going to put Independence on the map," he said. "Independence is gong to be a happening town."

Inside the building, brightly colored glasses and mixing containers line the walls. The entrance is flanked by two realistic-looking palm trees. Another tree sits by the bar.

In the back of the bar is an elevated stage, where Schmuecker said he hopes to have live jazz bands play. The second level of the building will also be converted. Pool tables, a bar and a banquet hall are intended to go in there. There are also plans to convert some of the space into a bed and breakfast, he said.

The restaurant and bar will feature a limited menu of "really good bar food," including barbecue beef, tenderloins and the Devon's dam burger, a special half-pound burger. Schmuecker said it'll have special spices included in the burger that be a flagship item.

Another major item are what he said are the area's best crab cakes, brought up from Miami.

The bar will also be smoke-free, he said.

The restaurant was named after Schmuecker's youngest son, Devon. He said he had to name this place after one of his sons because his other restaurant, Geoffrey's Tea Room, was named after his oldest son.

The other part of the name comes from its location in Independence, east of the Wapsipinicon River on First Street near the dam. That also plays into the theme, Schmuecker said.

A 2,200-square-foot two-level deck will be installed on the back of the building overlooking the river. Large windows upstairs also provide a view of the falling water.

"It's a million dollar view," Schmuecker said.

The restaurant is expected to be open the weekend of June 22nd, he said. Part of the push is to make sure it is open by the time the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa rolls into town on July 26th for an overnight stay.

Devon's one of the latest business ventures Schmuecker has gotten himself involved in. He re-opened Geoffrey's Tea Room in December. He also owns three other buildings on First Street.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.