In the middle of a neighborhood full of bars and college students, one community member is determined to bring something a little different to Water Street. Liane Edixon is planning to open Splash Wine Bistro at 416 Water St., where Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese used to be.

Edixon’s fiancé, Andrew Olson, has always been in the restaurant business, and she said their love for a wine bar near their former home in Florida sparked an interest to create their own business. “It was something we always talked about doing,” Edixon said. “When we moved back to Eau Claire we just decided this would be a perfect little niche for downtown because there is not really a place that you can go and meet with friends,” she said.

Their whole menu is made to share amongst friends, and Edixon said everyone is welcome. She said she wants the bistro to be a place for both college students and businesspeople. Her goal is to serve some local food and wine as well as cuisine inspired by the Sunshine State of Florida.

Water Street was the only location that they looked at because of its popularity. “It’s where you want to be,” she said. “I don’t think we would have done it if we didn’t get such a great location.” She is hoping to have the business open by September or early October, just in time to say a little goodbye to summer with a glass of wine.