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New Latin Bistro-Lounge for 106 Rivington Street

Posted on: September 4th, 2012 by

Mid-May 2011 was the proverbial day the music died at 106 Rivington Street. For twenty-two years under the radar, the sub-level storefront beside Economy Candy offered specialty services as a neighborhood recording studio and practice space. And a popular one at that. But like so many unique Lower East Side businesses these days, it shuttered in the face of gentrification.

Its replacement is most certainly nightlife-driven. Indeed, the guys behind local bodega chains Stop 1 Deli and E&S Wholesome Foods plan to gut the joint and establish a bilevel upscale bistro-slash-lounge.

Principals helming the as-yet-unnamed venture are slated to appear before Community Board 3 later this month to vie for a full liquor license. Privileges for a space located within a resolution area. Menu items reportedly consist of Latin-themed edibles like “Bodega Fish Tacos,” grilled sirloin steak, and pork chops.

Documents delivered to CB3 include some thirty pages of resident endorsements. Hundreds of local signatures in favor of additional nightlife here.

  • RivLocal

    Hundreds of local signatures in favor of additional nightlife here? I am a “local” and I would never sign a petition for another bar/ lounge masquerading as a restaurant! Don’t know any of my neighbors who would either? Yep all that was cool about this side of Delancey has been replaced by bars and lounges catering to a tacky transient crowd. The locals do not come out at night – we flee to other parts. Yep the shuttering of the music studio at 106 Rivington Street makes way for another lounge blasting bad top 40 djs, and filled with girls gone wild and frat boys fist pumping…This is community revitalization?

  • joseph walburg

    i would support a local business owner trying to expand in his own neighborhood creating jobs for the locals i hope i wouldve sign that petition lets give that guy a chance. hes a local just like us

  • rivlocal

    Why does a local business owner think the best business model and best thing for the community he lives in, is to open another bar / club / lounge in already saturated area that relies only on transient traffic from Wed night – Sat AM? I would support any other business but a bar/lounge/club by “a local business owner trying to expand in his own neighborhood”.

    • RivingtonNeighbor

      Yes, as a “local guy trying to better his community” he is certainly jumping through a lot of hoops to get around the “Resolution” regulation put in place to better the community.

      • D.Boyd

        A lot of hoops – even fired their original lawyer after CB3 questioned signatures on petition, asked how they were obtained (ie at their deli’s / place of business and what info was provided to the signers)…and how did they have the full support of the “Rivington Block Association and Neighbors” when 7 members in attendance had not ever heard of the this organization representing the “Block” and no one from the impacted community had been invited to meetings btw the Rivington Block Association and these particular merchants. The CB3 threw out their application in order for the impacted community (those in opposition) to address the issue of the Block Association and it’s full support of the merchants, as well as time for the impacted community to organize around their needs and issues ie create a Block / Tenant Association and circulate a petition in opposition to another bar / lounge / liquor license. The new lawyer was hired days after CB3 meeting (and was told applicants do not have the full support of the community (ie Block Association) and essentially have to start over and make their case Oct 15th @ next CB3 meeting. They got one of the best lawyers in dealing with SLA. Yep a lot of hoops – will it be another slam dunk in the face of the residents?

  • No more

    Awful, awful idea. In a neighborhood that has already declined by the completely insane density of bars, why another? its sad to see what was once a great neighborhood with locals and an adequate number of bars and restaurants be utterly ruined by the ridiculous density of bars open late into the night and catering NOT to locals, but crowds of people leaving their own quieter neighborhoods to come and ruin ours. its insane. whats the point of a liquor board if everyone and anyone can get a license? aren’t there rules and guidelines limiting number of licenses in residential neighborhoods? NO, NO, NO — no more liquor licenses on Rivington/LES.

  • Stop!

    I live and own a business in the area. This is the LAST thing the neighborhood needs. There are way too many loud bars resulting in drunk people, peeing and vomiting in the streets. The neighborhood streets are disgusting on any given weekend, because of the large number of people drawn into such bars — they are not locals so they have no respect of concern for how they act and how they treat the area. Leaving the apartment in the evenings is not enjoyable due to these kinds of places permeating the area…and sleeping is impossible. Allowing another place like this will surely diminish the any last bit of character and charm that is still left in our neighborhood.

  • http://www.facebook.com/amy.richards.9862 Amy Richards

    As a long time resident to the Lower East Side (and as a parent of young children), I think this community needs to be investing in local family-friendly and resident businesses, not more that attract transient populations that have no care and respect for the neighborhood they are in and don’t even often know that it is a residential neighborhood

  • margret schwartz

    i would like to comment i know those guys from the neighborhood an they run a good business you guys should respect the fact that there opening a” restaurant” for us. I spoke with 1 of the owners an hes been straight forward with me about the project that its gonna be a full restaurant not another bar. There even gonna deliver now which bar you know delivers? i think that answers those question of it being a bar/club/lounge!!!!!

  • Harold Stevens

    I never post comments on articles that I read, however I felt compelled to write this one. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for over 35 years. I remember what it was like when it was crack and heroine infested. I much rather today’s realities then the ones back then. I don’t like so many bars in the neighborhood and I’m very careful to make sure that I don’t sign any petitions for establishments that want to get a liquor license. However, I signed the petition for their liquor license. The reason why I signed their petition is because I know these guys from the neighborhood. They were born and raised in this neighborhood. They are good guys and they come from respectable families. I asked them what type of establishment they were opening and they told me it will be a restaurant. Now, it may be true that other owners have come and told us that they were opening a restaurant and it later turned out to be a bar. Nonetheless, when it comes to these guys I know their word is bond.
    So, I hope that our neighbors and residents will be considerate of these owners’ history in the neighborhood. As for the kind of guys they are, I sincerely vouch for them.

  • Family Man

    I don’t care if these guys are Saints… Unless their business plan is to open a church, I AM AGAINST ANY NEW DEVELOPMENTS in the area THAT PLAN TO OFFER ALCOHOL. Our neighborhood is already way too infested with noise, garbage and drunks that we simply don’t need another “amenity” in the form of a bar, restaurant, club, sports bar or anything of the sort. Some of us have been raising kids/families here for years and have noticed a stark decline in quality of life due to the influx of venues that are open late… As it is we’re having a tough enough time getting uninterrupted sleep and are too familiar with walking out our front doors in the mornings to a leftover stench of barf, urine and trash from the previous night’s partiers. Please no new liquor licenses!

  • A. Steiner

    It’s quite sad seeing what the neighborhood has devolved to. The noise, the crowds, the filth the club goers leave after their bar/club stomping is disgusting. Local residents are disrespected with people urinating and vomiting on their stoops. It’s as if it has been completely disregarded that families live here. The area is overly saturated with these establishments and the idea of another one being allowed to open up with a liquor license is indeed tragic.

  • My lovely LES

    Im also from the neighborhood and actually live of the same block. I signed the petition for the liquor license because this new project is a family oriented restaurant. The only reason why they need a full liquor license is for those who want to have a drink while eating a nice meal after a long day at work. This is what I was told from one of the owners. Im the first one to be against any type of bar/lounge businesses around the neighborhood, trust me we don’t need more of those. But this project sounds promising and very convenient with the deliveries and with the good latin food, which unfortunately there aren’t many good ones in the area. I also know these guys from other businesses that they own and their locations are beautifully designed, very clean, the employees are very friendly and their sandwiches and wraps are very good quality and taste very good. Good luck to them and looking forward to some good food finally.

  • D.Boyd

    I have never posted anything in my life, so this is a first for me. I attended the recent CB3 meeting and the “family owned restaurant” you insist they are opening will include tv’s for sporting events, up to 200 occupancy lounge in basement level, dj booths, 4am closing time Tues – Sat, open to the street french windows (closing at 12am), and 2 bouncers at the door. Oh and John Delucie the Chef from Waverly Inn and Billy’s isn’t going to be the “Chef” now – at the CB3 meeting the owners said he was never the chef just a “consultant”. Your “family owned restaurant” sounds awfully like a bar /lounge to me? You don’t have to take my word for it. This info is public knowledge as minutes were taken at the CB3 meeting and the owners application is on file, including their addendum as well as complaints filed by local residents about the incomplete and unprofessional demolition resulting in a rat
    and horsefly infestation that effected the health and well-being of
    those who lived and worked in direct proximity, including a dog that contracted Leptospirosis as a result of ingesting excessive rat urine. I encourage you to contact CB3 and request this info. I didn’t know trading junkies in for loud transient drunk people pissing and throwing up at my front of my door and bad music blaring at all hours of the night is an improvement? It is not about one or the other. Why do we have to have either? NO MORE BARS!!!!

  • RivingtonNeighbor

    I am a local resident and have worked on this particular block for 6 years. The block in question is Rivington Street between Essex and Ludlow… This is a RESOLUTION area!!! This means that it has already been deemed OVER-SATURATED with bars by the same or similar board that is now considering giving out yet another liquor license??? What is the point of having standards and regulations if they are not to be enforced? These regulations were put in place to protect our rights as community members. It feels like a slap in the face by the community board that it would even be up for consideration. This block can handle NO MORE BARS!!! I also witnessed the RAT INFESTATION previously mentioned- it was no joke and D.Boyd does not exaggerate- they were running into the surrounding bars at night…These bar owners will not stand up and say that it has affected their business but I can! I’ve seen them with my own eyes crawling pass the doorman at Verlaine, and into the front door of the Hotel in Rivington!!! Go around yourself and just ask. Since, this is a small, close-knit neighborhood, these affected establishments will not come forward, and many are showing support for it purely based on the fact that they shop at their deli’s! I love to shop at their deli’s too, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are planning to destroy the last remaining stoop for blocks, fully-gut out the historic building, and add more trash, booze, and noise pollution to our block! Remember- there are regulations in place to protect our quality of life- they just need to be enforced!!!

  • D Ban

    As a resident of this neighborhood, I oppose this type of development on Rivington Street. The area is already overflowing with low-end bars and nightclubs that do not benefit the community in any way. What was once a unique and charming local neighborhood is now becoming seedy and commercial. What attracted residents and tourists in the first place is fading into the past in favor of drunken bar-hoppers littering and pissing into the streets at night, leaving their mess for those of us who live here to clean up in the morning. Let’s put an end to this now!

    • StedyRuckus

      unique and charming? attracted residents and tourists? how long have you been living in LES? What was once a desolate and dangerous immigrant ghetto full of tenement housing has now seen a economic boom. Very convenient that those same people who fought so hard to transform the neighborhood seem to be the most expendable once the money moves in.

      • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

        You have got to be kidding! An economic boom?For Whom?Certainly not the residents.And a dangerous immigrant ghetto?That sounds a bit racist to me.I recall a multi ethnic neighborhood where residents actually spoke to and helped each other.We didn’t have this snotty hedonistic Hipster and Yuppy culture taking over our neighborhood.There seems to be more reports of muggings and murders now.

  • MDR

    I have to say, that in a neighborhood riddled with bars, the residents deserve at least some reprieve from the constant noise and annoyances that come with a hectic nightlife. I am completely unopposed to restaurants, but come on, what “bistro” needs a DJ booth, bouncers and a 4am liquor license? Keep that stuff in the Meatpacking…. Start thinking about what’s best for neighborhood children and not half bombed, stumbling hipsters.

  • sylvie m

    The primary goal of this establishment is not to be a restaurant/bistro, but as the article states, to be a night-life driven operation. Do we really need another night-life driven establishment on a block in the Lower East Side that is already over-saturated with these kinds of places? The floor plan for this proposed bistro-lounge seems quite large scale, and will only add to the already circus-like atmosphere that occurs on the Lower East Side at night.

  • Enough Bars

    The last thing this neighborhood needs is another bar, or a lounge/bar, or whatever this is supposed to be. If the owners are trying to get a full liquor license and stay open until 4 am, I’m pretty sure it’s not just a family restaurant.

  • Lowereastsider

    hey there just butting in on this place, guess you guys are from the neighborhood just like me but i went to the owners to get real information of there plans for this location. An this is what they told me they have chef john delucie from the lion , the crown ,an the waverly inn designing there menu an training there staff that gives me an idea that this place is not another bar these other locations that i mentioned are full restaurants these guys are doing something positive for this neighborhood. Im all for them. best of luck!!!

    • Jackie Alperson

      You do realize it is completely obvious that it is you, the same person posting these “supportive” posts, right? The diction, the structure, the wording… it is very clear. The DJ booths, the tv’s, etc etc. are really making it hard to believe their case. The fact that they’re from the neighborhood means nothing. They’re trying to cash in.

      • StedyRuckus

        1) Your attempts at linguistic forensics falls horribly short of any real informed conclusion.
        2) “Cash in”? You mean profit from a solid business in the neighborhood they grew up in and personally helped to turn it around form the junkie cess pool it used to be? Being from the neighborhood should mean something. They have a very personal and long running stake in the area.
        3) a DJ booth can co-exist in a restaurant. It simply means that the music will be curated and not some jerky ipod on shuffle.
        4) believe it or not – there are such things as restaurants with TVs. People most definitely like to watch sports outside of their homes, and have a nice meal while doing so. Going to some crappy sports bar shouldn’t be the only option to enjoy a game.

    • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

      Owners lie all the time and tell people what they want to hear.

  • JC

    I live and work in this neighborhood. I also care deeply about the
    welfare of this neighborhood. I attended the community board meeting
    where the applicant, “local business owner,” had the nerve to stand in
    front of the board and refer to this block (Rivington btwn Ludlow and
    Essex) as “desolate.”When it became clear that (duh) we are all residents and he was caught in a bold-faced lie, he back-tracked and said it was “unlike St. Marks.” Unfortunately, that is not the case- this block especially, is coming closer to resembling something like St. Marks everyday. The sidewalks are crowded and filthy, the transient people have no respect for the local lifestyles, and the noise and lights are on all through the night. But even now, we are comparing a large city street that spans multiple avenues(!!!), to a tiny one-block radius in the lower east side. So what’s the goal? Because it’s unlike St. marks, we should add a multiple-level nightclub with french doors opening to the street and two more bouncers on the street till 4am, more barf and piss and trash for the friendly locals to clean up in the morning? I just found the situation and this “local business owner” to be rude. We are the ones that clean up the messes in the morning!!! The city doesn’t come and clean the barf off of the sidewalks and our front doors, WE DO. As someone who has had to get their hands dirty with god-knows-what on many occasions, I took offense to that and I think he should have shown a little more respect to the people, like me, who care enough to keep this place clean when no one else will! More bars = more barf. I am AGAINST this plan to add another bar to Rivington Street!

    • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

      I am with you JC!

  • D.Boyd

    I asked the owner and his consultant, very directly, is this going to be a restaurant with a bar or bar / lounge / club with some food? They told me without hesitation a restaurant and that John Delucie was going to be THE CHEF. They neglected to mention dj booths, tv screens, 200 occupancy lounge on the basement floor, full liquor license, open french windows on to the street, 4am closing time Tues – Sat. The floor plans above and the addendum at the CB3 meeting as well application for all the above mentioned and the admission that John Delucie will not be the chef but only a “consultant” leads me to believe this is just another night-life driven establishment. I am hard pressed to believe any serious restauranteur and chef would want to open a restaurant on the block known as Bourbon Street – it would a be business suicide. Look the the Rivington Hotel – restaurants have not been able to survive there. Co Op is not good…The hotel has to rely on restaurants turning into bars/ lounges into the wee hours with bad top 40 djs. Why don’t the owners have John Delucie running PR for them if he is involved? I encourage anyone to go to the CB3 website or contact them directly and ask for the minutes from the CB3 meeting and a copy of their application. This is public record. I will gladly support a restaurant centered around good affordable food, community enhancement and especially a restaurant that celebrates the ethnic culture and diversity of the LES (as long as it doesn’t cannibalize mom and pop places like El Castillo de Jagua).

  • Artie

    I was at the meeting and the owner never said it was desolate. The attorney mispoke. What I heard was restaurant. By the way after speaking with the owners that evening to get a glimpse into what they are doing; they did explain that it was a restaurant and that the main floor bar is only 9feet and the bar above is 16feet. He also mentioned that this was not going to be a club, bar or sports bar. Also, I’ve heard from friends of mine who know these guys that they are serious guys and own some businesses in the area. I also heard they were born and raised in this neighborhood. I would reccommend their application be approved.

    • JC

      That’s the point, though. They’re obviously “mentioning” to lots of people that it’s not going to be a club, bar or sports bar- and at the same time are applying for a full liquor license, 4am closing time, and have plans to employ Dj booths and multiple big screen televisions. That’s what they are not mentioning. And I don’t like that, that’s what I’m saying. If they do want to have a Dj booth and serve liquor until 4am, with bouncers at the door, why not just call it a club? Could it be because they are aware of the restrictions preventing another bar to open due to it being in an already overly-saturated area? And because they understand that their chances of approval would be slim if they straight up called it another bar/club? Sure, I get it- they have to do what they have to do to try to make it work, but we don’t necessarily have to take it. Ultimately, it’s not about what you want to call it, so much as the disruption to the already diminished quality of life on the block. Children live on that block and I feel for them and the parents. Don’t get me wrong, I want all businesses to thrive, I just don’t think it is the responsible action on the part of the community to petition for another bar on the block.

      • StedyRuckus

        You are obviously not knowledgeable whatsoever about the nightlife industry, the restaurant industry or the actual realities that face any hospitality businesses in the area.
        Have you ever been uptown before? There are a plethora of restaurants that have TVs, a DJ bouncers at the door and stay open till 4 am. They are not even remotely mistaken for clubs. Bouncers at a door are a security measure that does not equate a foretelling of rowdy customers – rather they are there to prevent any troublesome clientele – and in a neighborhood so full of so many drunken watering holes, some sort of screening at the door is a good idea.
        Why should the local latino population have to go Washington Heights to enjoy an upscale experience? These are experienced local businessman and obviously understand that there is a desire and an available niche for this type of restaurant.

        • JC

          Why are you asking me if I’ve ever been uptown?

          • StedyRuckus

            *smh* … keep reading after that sentence…
            but I’ll go ahead and help you too – the inference is that establishments like the ones the applicants want to open exist primarily in Washington Heights. In your failure to comprehend that a restaurant may have certain amenities or hours that are outside your narrow definition of what a restaurant is or should be, I am offering a general example of where such mythical establishments already exist. In case you missed that – If a Loisaida says uptown, they mean the Heights.

  • Rita W.

    Maybe the problem with the neighborhood is not the bars and lounges around the area to me is more us the people that dont know how to drink or act after a few drinks. Has nothing to do with a place serving alcohol. I’ve been to many restaurants to eat and never seen someone come out drunk, vomiting or urinating in the streets. Have you seen that at beauty and essex? Or at stanton social? Thats what i thought! Give these guys a break and if the problem is the french doors im sure they could change the design. There are other things that concern me more in the neightborhood than a restaurant opening up! Let’s work together to be a better community.

    • MarkD

      “…people that don’t know how to drink or act after a few drinks. Has nothing to do with a place serving alcohol.”

      Really Rita, nothing? You can’t see anything to correlate the two?

      I’m also interested in what your other neighborhood concerns are? And what you’ve done recently to help work together to better the community?

      • Mind your business!

        You obviously have nothing to do with your life than to come to these blogs and write negativeness just for fun! Suggest you get a dog or something to entertain yourself! Loser!!! I also suggest that if you are not happy with the neighborhood just move! Very simple!!!

  • Real Loisaida

    The real question should be is where we’re these highly opinionated yuppys 20 years ago when L.E.S was the wild Wild West? You couldn’t even walk these streets without the possibility of being shot. I support the real Loisaidas not these racist yuppys who came after it got cleaned up from junkies. These new comers have the nerve to oppose the business of someone who was born and raised in The neighborhood and it gets me sick to my stomach to even have to witness this BS. I’m a real Loisaida and I support 106 Rivington and if you don’t like it than go back to where you came from because your not from the LES anyway!

    • Sylvie M

      It’s places like these that drive people who aren’t from this neighborhood here! These owners are not catering to the local Hispanic community!?! They are catering to the same yuppy transients you so oppose! Many of us were here over twenty years ago, so watch what you’re assuming.

    • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

      I am a real Loisaida as well and am not a “yuppy”and also against 106 Rivington.I am also part Cuban.

  • Fed up with racism

    I sincerely don’t see what all the fuzz is about? Seems to me like the over zealous CB3 is doing exactly what I would expect them to do to local spanish people who want to progress in THEIR community. One word ‘Racism’!!! yes its 2012 and it sadly still exist!!!!!!!!! I support local home grown people. L.E.S. is my home forever and I will never get pushed out even if I know these white people have more money than me!

    • MarkD

      “…even if I know these white people have more money than me!”

      And you’re accusing others, whom you don’t know, of being racist? You just lost any shred of credibility that you may have had.

  • Mark Williams

    I’ve lived in this neighborhood longer than any one blogging about it. I can’t believe all the negativity towards this new establishment. I’m wondering if some of you bloggers are just a little racist… Their was never an issue about a ten thousand square ft “restaurant/club” that opened around the corner, and less than a hundred feet away from a school. But, a Hispanic guy, from the neighborhood, who has lived here all his life… Is trying to do something positive for the community, and it’s met with such harsh reactions. If you take a look at the design for the restaurant… It’s clear that it is set up as a Restaurant.. Not bar/lounge/club… Their isn’t a dance floor anywhere. As for the Bowery Boogie, perhaps you shouldn’t be as biased as to where you place your comments.

    • MarkD

      You want to let us know how many years you’re talking about, instead of assuming you’ve been here longer? Might help your credibility….sounds made up to me.

      • MarkDisadick

        Mark D has no life and is your typical dumbass

      • Lovelyles

        @e92c8c92e83ee385278c75a18591b642:disqus Who are you to give credit American express? You sound made up, you probably don’t live in the neighborhood your the type that dosent have anything to do at home an goes to every cb3 meeting an make every apllicants life a living hell just for fun,Dont let the door smack you in the behind on this 1,or better yet go adopt a cat or a dog that way youll be more entertained at home instead of attending those meetings!!!Lmao!!!

    • Matt

      The opposition is NOT due to race, it’s due to the owners lying to and/or misleading the community, the community board and endangering the health of their neighbors.

      • Lovelyles

        hey matt guess you havent been to any meetings an your blogging nonsense about lies.here something to think before you put your foot in your mouth again there are stipulation that you sign with the sla comity before you get a license an those stips are sent to your local prencint an the comissioners office!!! 1 more thing i didnt know a restaurant could endanger the health of a neighbor what kind of place do you go to?

    • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

      I have lived here since 1979,am part Cuban and am against the restaurant,so before you start hurling the word racist around think about what you are saying.So he is Hispanic and lived here his whole life,so what! We don’t need another club parading as a resturant!

  • LES Supporter

    I am extremely disappointed to read these horrible comments. I honestly believe its a wonderful idea to open up an upscale Latin Restaurant in the Lower East Side. and especially want to highlight one of many great points made in a comment “…if you support the restaurant and live in the neighborhood, I suggest that you shouldn’t just support it here on the blog. Send your positive comments to that Liquor Board e-mail address as well.”

    I understand why people raise concerns when there is a significant change on the horizon. But I think there is some definite over-reacting and “knee-jerk” reacting happening here with this new opposition. I have friends who own businesses around the area and have nothing but good things to say about this great idea.

    There is no reason to assume the restaurant owners will be anything like the rest of the businesses around the area. It’s demeaning to the business owners to assume anything about their plans for the restaurant, as though they haven’t thought about what kind of atmosphere a business here would need to have in order to fit in and thrive. It’s in THEIR best interests for their neighbors to support them and no reason to oppose their wanting to open a business that serves alcohol, has a lounge, etc. because there might, maybe, somehow, someday be some jerk who drinks too much and drops an empty cigarette pack on the sidewalk, or urinates in somebody’s yard.

    I just can’t believe the fear that drives some people. It must be paralyzing, and make them very sad and tense individuals. Yes, there are plenty of bars around the area but one upscale restaurant might make a difference. Is the atmosphere for everyone? No. Are some of the customers in the neighborhood annoying sometimes? Sure! We all survived and will survive at the end of the day. Most of us with lots of laughs and good times. Don’t let the bad apples spoil the bunch of the Lowe east side.

    Every establishment that serves alcohol is not the same as every bar on the lower eastside. As hard as it may be to believe it, 1000s of establishments operate throughout NYC everyday selling beer, wine, and spirits without incident.

    The owners of the restaurant are clearly not idiots. They have more than one successful businesses. We need more creative business people. Not less.

    A smart business person strives to open a business that meets the needs of the neighborhood. A creative business person doesn’t necessarily just want to roll out the same concept again and again. What they doing here is opening an upscale latin restaurant. In which he LES needs.

    Good luck, guys. We’ll do what we can to help I also live a few blocks away. I support this place 100%.

    • RivingtonNeighbor

      The issue, as it seems to me, is not about discrimination. The location is clearly in what they call an “over-saturated” area. It seems to me that the city has regulations for the amount of liquor licenses given to any particular block. For good reason, in my mind. What is happening now is that the business owners are petitioning to GET AROUND that already established regulation. If they were really interested in bettering the neighborhood, I would think they would want to choose a location that has not been legally deemed “over-saturated?” This is an issue of capitalizing on what the block is starting to become known for: bridge- and-tunnel clientele, bar-hopping, clubbing and getting wasted. They are looking to cash in and don’t care whether they have the support of the neighbors- because we are not their clientele! They are banking on the bridge-and-tunnel crowd flocking to this particular block. It’s so obvious.

  • Benny

    Here we go. Here is a young man that has made it, despite the negative drug dealing area we grew up in . Through hard work and determination he has come back to invest and better the community. Now you want to reject him due to quality of living. Well you have the right person for quality of living. He wants to make it better. If you don’t know in the 90′s he was commited to fighting crime in and around the area. He was a super star. He is in part the reason why you can even mention that you live in les. Ask yourself would he crush everything he did for profit. Clearly its no. Give him a chance. He won’t let you down.

    • RivingtonNeighbor

      How does he risk “crushing” everything he did? There is no risk for the business owner- opening a bar on this block is a no-brainer! I assume that’s why so much money is being spent on lawyers to push his deal through at the expense of the immediate neighbors’ remaining quality of life.

      • Lovelyles

        @e92c8c92e83ee385278c75a18591b642:disqus How does he risk crushing everything he did? Lets start by saying his reputation,family name, thats been respected an loved by this community an still serving his community which he lives in “MORON”,Also would like to say why didn’t you get this location and spent all this money like you claim genious? Or is it that your probably mad they got it?Show some respect!!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

      Who cares if he is a “superstar”Many of us who grew up in this neighborhood worked hard but continued to live here.We have a right to a good nights’ sleep,and to a decent quality of life.This club is asking for a full liquor license and the right to stay open till 4am.That translates into bad news for many of us.

  • Jane S

    After reading some of the comments opposing a new restaurant in my neighborhood I felt compelled to put in my 2 cents. First let me start off by saying that I have been an avid customer in E & S store on Essex st. I have nothing but praise for the owners of that deli. They have always been professional how they have handled their business. Why not give them a shot? Fair is fair.

  • Mark D luvs himself

    I have a great Idea. Why don’t we re name this website The Mark D blog instead of the Bowery boogie?

  • jx

    the main issue seems to be the fact that rivington between essex and ludlow is really a third of a block, and i count 7 establishments that serve liquor. it seems to be that over saturation is what everyone should be concerned ’bout. another business open till 4am w/ dj booths, and a capacity of over 200 people. is that what we really want? the ordinance doesn’t provide for another business like this. the community board even admitted to the over saturation. c’mon the police close down most of the streets around rivington street at night. if you’re a resident in the neighborhood, the police are in riot gear to stop expected violence. does giving another establishment a liquor license help or worsen this situation. i know this here say, but i have heard the owners outside their intended business introducing it to friends, saying things like, “have you seen this neighborhood at night. its sick! can’t wait to make money off these people”. does that sound like someone who is community minded or someone trying to exploit a situation?

  • kl

    I understand why residents would not be enthusiastic about another bar on this block. I don’t even live here- i work here- and I have had my fair share of first hand unpleasant experiences that are a direct result of the density of the already existing bars in the area. I am opposed to another liquor license/late night establishment because there are already enough mornings that begin with cleaning up throw up off of the gates and grounds of my place of work. This is a designated resolution area – so I am honestly baffled as to why this is even up for discussion!!?

    • StedyRuckus

      I think everyone on here agrees with your sentiment about another bar on the block. However, the fact of the matter is, this discussion is about a restaurant application which has every right to open in the neighborhood. The discussion is being shaded by conspiracy theorists who have some convoluted idea of what a proper restaurant is, what sort of amenities it should offer its patrons and what what security measures it should plan to have in place.

      • RivingtonNeighbor

        It is a business requesting a liquor license. Whether they’re serving food or playing music, or none of those things- the issue is the LIQUOR LICENSE. There’s your distinction. Conspiracy Theorists? No, just people who understand this simple idea. It becomes an issue when a business wants the 8th liquor license on the 2nd most saturated block in the nation that only spans approx. 100 ft long! It’s not even the size of a full block! There is no fair comparison of this block to ANY other block, be it around the corner, a couple blocks away, or Times Square- No other block in the city has 7 liquor licenses on a 100 foot length of narrow road. So, you’re argument is?…Just give it to them anyway, because they have all the support from their own friends and family? HA.

        • StedyRuckus

          I’m sorry – did you really make the claim that this is the 2nd most saturated block in the country? Have you ever been… anywhere?
          Regardless – some considerations:

          For a restaurant of any quality to be competitive it needs a full liquor license. Cocktails, apperitifs & digestifs are an imperative part of any dining experience. That alone really says it all. So while many people claim they are all for a restaurant, but only if they follow x, y & z, they are essentially signing a death certificate for the new business before it even opens. Then – you are once again left with a an empty shell of a building and the rats will be back. The restaurant business is competitive enough, and the failure rate too high to hand cuff the applicants before they even serve their first customer.

          I think the issue here is that in following the letter of the “law” – or in this case resolution – you are overlooking the spirit of the “law”. I think we can all agree that another bar or club on that block would be a horrible idea. And that’s what this resolution is designed to prevent. But the presence of a full liquor license does not equal the presence of a bar/club. In this instance it simply means, “Yes, I would love to have a mojito before appetizers” and “Yes, that meal was delicious and a glass of 16 year old Brugal Siglo de Oro rum would be perfect now.”

          Seriously – if you just want them to be able to serve only beer & wine, you might as well demand they install fluorescent lighting and serve the food on paper plates as well.

          • RivngtonNeighbor

            I wouldn’t dare to deny that you love fancy after dinner drinks or that you have not painted the picture of an absolute perfect end to a perfect meal or evening. Take it to another block in the area. No one wants to deny your drinks or wants a business owner to be “handcuffed” and made to feel oppressed. I don’t think that’s whats happening. The concerns of the immediate residents have every right to be heard and supported just as well.

          • Jackie Alperson

            Correct. Not to mention the “DJ booth” says enough.

  • D.Boyd

    This is NOT about RACE. This is NOT PERSONAL. The messages opposing NEVER called into question the owner’s character, their contribution to the LES community or whether or not they are from here. This is about a “restaurant” which plans to open Tues – Sat from 2pm – 4am, equipped with tv screens, multiple dj booths, french windows opening to the street, and a 200 occupancy basement level lounge, applying for a full liquor license in a designated resolution zone. The fact is applicants CAN NOT apply as a lounge or bar in an over-saturated area where the 500 Ft Rule is in place. They must apply as a restaurant in hopes of getting around the rule. The Designated Resolution Zone Area was a result of community concerns and complaints about all the bars/lounges and clubs that popped up North of Delancey clustering around the Rivington Hotel, many applying as restaurants and misleading the community. Also, the length of a bar doesn’t distinguish a restaurant from a bar or lounge, and delivering food isn’t an indication that this will be more of a restaurant and less of a night-life driven destination. It doesn’t serve the public discourse to make this personal about those in opposition, and make assumptions about them ie race, economic background, where they are from, how long they have lived on the LES, or tell them they should just move out if they don’t like it. I suspect from the posts those opposing another night-life driven establishment care deeply about the community and don’t want a community that once was colorful, full of distinction and character, ethnically diverse, historical and sometimes irreverent disappear. I don’t think anyone is asking for the needle exchange days back but turning the LES into Bourbon Street catering to a transient crowd does not serve anyone but bar owners.

    • StedyRuckus

      Has it ever occurred to you that the restaurant may actually be catering to a local population, but with enough appeal and class as to also attract clientele as a destination restaurant? Washington Heights is a long ways away and the desire for an upscale latin dining experience is something that would be welcome in the area, supported by both local latinos, latinos from neighborhoods closer in proximity to LES than the Heights, not to mention all those who appreciate the food and music of latino culture.

    • Vic

      It is unfair to witness how many are against supporting this particular restaurant and its goals to continue to encourage positivity and financial growth within our fellow hispanic community in the Lower Eastside. After reading some of these comments I’ve realized how the stereotypical ideals of Latin people continue to haunt us! Though I can understand the concerns of some who feel this will encouraage more partygoers to the neighborhood, I must attest to the fact that the Lower Eastside has come a long way from its drugs infestted strreets where my parents worried about whether I would make it home safely from school or from my many bodega runs. This is turn shows that the issue at hand is far deeper than a group of local born and raised business men fighting hard to obtain a liquor license; wwhat we are fighting for now is for the respect and camaraderie of our peers to help us establish a great restaurant that is more often thhan not easily attainable for the non minorities that have invaded the Lower Eastsiide.

    • Lovelyles

      You should talk to these guys about your concerns, have you thought about that?instead of blogging about it remember they live here too!!!

  • JK

    I have lived on the Lower East Side for ten years and have lived on Rivington Street in two different apartments over time. I have personally seen the neighborhood dramatically change.

    The proposed “restaurant” is not what they say it’s going to be. The last thing the Lower East Side needs is another bar with another liquor license. What we need is less traffic and less “disasters” on Sunday and Saturday mornings where people have left trash, vomit and broken debris.

    This new “restaurant” isn’t helping the Lower East Side residents, it’s only hurting the existing community.

    • StedyRuckus

      Your condemnation of this application as being less than forthcoming about their alleged true plans carries no weight without any evidence much less lucid musings as to why you believe this.

  • rivlocal

    Flyers wallpapering the LES…

  • Luis

    I grow up in this neighborhood and I love the idea of having another choice of food for diner. I can wait for the new restaurant at 106 rivington. The new Latin bistro lounge can’t wait.

  • Mark D Boyd

    BREAKING NEWS: As a result of this blog D.Boyd & Mark D are getting married…Lmao!!! Wedding is Oct 13th at CB3 Meeting ;)

  • Denise Pineda

    Honestly, it bothers me to see the race cards being played. This is not about white, black, yellow, blue or Hispanic. This is about Humanity! These local business owners should be given the opportunity; with the support of their community board, to open a business that will add value to the community and make it’s culture richer.

  • Emily Rubenstein

    This is something our neighborhood could use. New options are always welcomed :)

  • Pancho

    As a resident of Rivington Street on the block in question, I am strongly opposed to this new business. Of course I understand that there are always going to be different viewpoints when it comes to new businesses opening in the neighborhood. But to suggest that racism is somehow involved is just ridiculous. This has nothing to do with the race/background/history of the owners, nor are the residents of the community who oppose this concept in any way white “yuppies”. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. They are long time residents of all ethnicities who are simply tired of living in the middle of a weekend nightlife war zone.

    Is this really what this block really needs? Another restaurant?!? It doesn’t even matter if it’s simply a restaurant or a full on bar/lounge/nightlife destination (and we all know what it’s going to be, ie T). The point is the block doesn’t need any additional service industry businesses. Verlaine, Hana and El Castillo de Juaga are already three restaurants on the block, and luckily they are pretty low profile and seem to respect the neighborhood and its residents. But between the incessant drone of noise from hundreds of people coming from Spitzer’s Corner at all hours of the day, the music blasting out of CO-OP on even Sunday mornings for Christ’s sake, and the lines of Bridge and Tunnel douche bags outside Fat Baby and Viktor and Spoils (the so-called “taquira and tequila” bar next to CO-OP) every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night… aren’t the residents of the block subjected to enough already? Considering that the NYPD is forced to close the streets off to traffic now on the weekends because of the crowds, set up flood lights around the neighborhood and clear out the drunken hoards with horse mounted police gangs to get them to disperse at 4 am, I think it’s safe to say that yet another place for them to buy overpriced “Latin” food and $14 cocktails is the last thing we need. I’ve witnessed drunk people pissing on my front door, jumping into storefront windows and shattering them, having fistfights in the streets, and countless other types of idiotic behavior by exactly the kind of crowd this restaurant will look to attract and cash in on. At this rate, we’ll soon see cops in full riot gear marching down the block every weekend to deal with the intoxicated masses…

    Community Board 3 has made the entire neighborhood a “Resolution Zone” for a reason. They state on their website (http://www.nyc.gov/html/mancb3/html/sla/reso_area.shtml) that,

    “Community Board 3 has listed the following areas where oversaturation of licensed business has negatively affected the quality of life of residents. CB 3 believes these areas are problem areas because of oversaturation, and we have a policy to not approve new licenses or expansions in these areas unless the applicants show public benefit or strong support from residents living in the immediate area (adjoining, above, across the street from and behind the business).”

    If the owners of the building really want to clean up the building and payback the community after the disgusting rat debacle earlier this summer (I mean seriously, have you ever seen wire mesh screwed to the outside of a building designed to cage the rats INSIDE before?), they should create a store front and rent out the space to a local, established business. Some retail diversity on the block would be much better than another large volume restaurant catering to everyone except people who actually live in here.

    • The Real PANCHO fromLES

      Pancho you conveniently forgot to mention how even though it’s a resolution area in and around these blocks CB3 has still given out 3 Liquor licenes to other yuppy restaurants in the past 2 years….Funny how it becomes a huge problem when its local Hispanic residents trying to get the same approval? I also love the fact how you use a the name PANCHO INSTEAD of your real Government issued WHITE name to try to cause confusion and fool us but the truth is your fooling no one but your racist self!!!!

      • Jackie Alperson

        I think that most of us that are opposed to this would generally be more supportive of a Latin business because most of us respect the culture and history of the Lower East Side. But appears this is just a TV/DJ booth yuppie hole, and it is in a resolution area. I think suburban, disrespectful and loud yuppies are the issue for most of us, as opposed to some racial thing. That’s a strange argument for you to offer.

      • Pancho

        Actually my last name is Nuñez puto… Yo quiero taco bell and The Real PANCHO you guys are retarded, stick with the issues and not trying to call people racist. You are embarrassing yourselves and the rest of the hispanic community.

        • RivingtonNeighbor

          All the “supporters” are doing is villainizing themselves and evoking sympathy for the residents, who are all stating the facts and their opinions in a clear and unemotional way. Anyone who comes across this blog can see the massive distinction between the opposing sides…The supporters are hurting their own case by making everything personal and resorting to desperate name-calling. I guess when their “buddies” asked them to help show support on the blog they should have taken into account the maturity level of those they asked.

    • Yo quiero taco bell

      “PANCHO” that’s probably you buying $14 drinks on the weekends and urinating in your door front! You are obviously too drunk to remember the next morning! Stop drinking!!!! And to “The real Pancho of LES” you hit that right on the nose!

  • Bells

    I don’t think we need to talk about opening another restaurant/bar in the neighborhood….we should really discuss CLOSING a few of them down. CB3 has completely F’d this charming NYC area and it’s on the brink of disaster. If these guys are really wanting to open a restaurant to better serve the locals, why are they asking to put it in the middle of DBag land and requesting a DJ booth and 4am license? Makes no sense. If their intentions are true, they’d open around Houston and Ave D, where us locals can still breathe on the weekends. I sincerely doubt the signatures are authentic as no true local would wish this on their neighbors, white, black, brown, green whoever. This has SHADE written all over it. TAKE BACK THE LES!!!!

  • GGVogue

    It is unfair to have to witness how so many are against promoting and supporting this restaurant and its goal to continue to encourage positivity and financial growth for the Hispanic community in the Lower East Side. After reading all of these comments, some positive and plenty of negative, I’ve realized how the stereotypical ideals of Latin people (particularly Latin men) continue to haunt us. Though, I understand the concerns of some who feel this will just encourage more party goers and drunks in the neighborhood, I must attest to the fact that the Lower East Side has come a long way from its once dangerous and crack infested streets where my parents would not even dare have me stop by the corner store. This in turn shows that the issue at hand is far deeper than a group of aspiring business men fighting hard to equip their liquor license; what we are fighting for now is for the respect and camaraderie of our peers to help us establish a social venue that is so easily attainable for the non-minorities in this great city.

  • jx

    i keep on hearing that this intended bar/restaurant will have no restaurant similar to itin the neighborhood. how will it be different to la boca chica on 1st and 1st, or azul on stanton street or the new restaurant opening on orchard mi casa es su casa. all upscale and contemporary
    latin restaurants that as you have described as a destination restaurant. explain to us how it will be different from those other establishments besides your restaurant having a full bar and the others do not. and yours will have a bigger seat capacity. and please idon’t you think its naive to say that there are no upscale latin restaurants below washington heights? didn’t the former met carlos beltran open an upscale latin bistro in midtown? i certainly hope your bar/ restaurant will not attract a crowd like the ones i experienced at lansky’s lounge when they had latin night. i worked w/ the people who cleaned up afterwards, and they were all hispanic. they described it as being wild. i often walked into the aftermath, where there would be lots of broken glass all over the floor. the people at lansky’s lounge admitted they had to buy extra glassware every week, because of latin night. so if you can promise us that this is not the kind of crowd that will be frequenting your establishment, and i would voice my opinion in your favor.

    • FranC

      That’s just straight up racism! You must be one of those “yuppies”… By the way Lansky’s was a lounge not a restaurant very big difference. Also there is a very BIG difference between a “latin night” at a lounge (as you described) and a Latin restaurant!!!! you moron. But i guess the word LATIN is a big problem for you!

  • MDR

    Let’s put some perspective on this folks. As everyone knows, the race card is always pulled as a last resort, and as a man with Latin blood, I don’t see this as a question of race or any other nonsense like that. The real issue at hand is not the “who,” but rather the “what.”

    The community would take NO issue with a Latin restaurant that wanted to offer the greatest breakfast, lunch and dinner that the city has ever seen! The real issue here is we have another nightclub, slithering its way in under the guise of being a restaurant…. Plain and simple. It’s the hours of operation coupled with the intent that’s under scrutiny here people, not the ethnicity of those who own or patronize the place.

    • http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav

      Thanks for this. I’ve been watching this conversation and trying to make sense of it. You’ve summarized it the way I read it too. Aside from some random comments that needlessly address race, it sounds like the main issue has to do with things that sound like nightclub elements being worked into something being presented differently.

      It’s great to see how many people on both sides have taken the time to voice their opinions. It’s obvious that everyone cares about the neighborhood and wants what’s best for it. This is early days so let’s focus on learning more about the place. It sounds like most of the commenters who are opposed would be in favor if their concerns are addressed.

    • Jorge goris

      Yea they posted these posters up to amp the people in the neighborhood with pics of the hotel chantel an libation crowding the sidewalks how are you judging without these people opening? All cause it all started with a rat issue an now you don’t want them there!!! You don’t have to be a genious to figure what’s going on here!!! Let me guess the dwellers don’t want fair supporters in there commity just pro anti restaurant,bar,lounge!!! You guys should move back to where you came from.I guess you forgot this is the city that never sleeps!!!!

      • MarkDisaDick

        “pro anti restaurant?” Is it just me?- this is hilarious! I guess you MAY have to be a genius to spell “g-e-n-i-u-s.”

        • Jorge goris

          O.M.G i spelled a word wrong ok taecher oh look i did it again ooopppss!!! LMAO!!!!

    • Lovelyles

      Look at the plans you “MORON” Show me in the plans where the dance floor is located? You probably went to school for free lunch that must of been your best period!!! Your probably MarkDs friend.Go get any info from the owners before you start assuming IDIOT!!! Cause i did.

  • Stop!

    To reiterated what others have stated — this is not about race! This is about a business lying by presenting itself as a restaurant when, in fact, it is going to be another debaucherous setting in an area already saturated with such. The fact that those involved and in support of this venue continue to lie about what it really is and are now playing the race card is indicative of how little they care about preserving the neighborhood. It really is disgusting and insulting.

  • D.Boyd

    Thank you MDR for putting this into perspective. This was becoming a heated conversation turning personal and ugly. This was never about RACE. I didn’t want to even address race and I hate that I feel compelled to do so. Since some of the posts in favor have characterized those in opposition as yuppies and not from the neighborhood, I want people to know of the 7 who attended the CB3 meeting in opposition to the application, 5 were not CAUCASIAN and not one single person was a “yuppy” – 1 person has lived in the neighborhood 30+ years, 1 was born in the neighborhood and lived here 9 years, 1 has lived here 24 years, 2 others have lived here 15 years, and two others have been part of the neighborhood 10 and 5 years respectively. Do you have to be born here to care? What about all of us who made homes here when no one wanted to live here? What about all of us who have watched the local businesses that we loved get swallowed up by these night-life driven establishments – our hair salons, tailors, hardware store, bagel shops, etc? What about all of us who clean up daily after the people who are not from here wreck havoc after keeping us up all night on top of it all.

    It’s not fair that people who care about their community are being depicted as racist yuppies when ironically the thing they want to stop is the proliferation of bars, clubs and night-life driven restaurants catering to a transient, made up of a lot of yuppy and mostly “white”, crowd. The proliferation of bars, clubs and night-life driven restaurants are responsible for the LES declining quality of life and disappearance of it’s vibrant,
    diverse, and sometimes irreverent culture. Maybe a community is fed up with night-life driven establishments mattering more than they do? This is not about race and it doesn’t matter how long you have lived here or if you were born here or what race you are, it is about quality of life and the right to have it.

    Culture and community is not celebrated and enhanced by a bi-level “restaurant” serving expensive cocktails, equipped with dj booths, bouncers at the door, jumbo tv screens, open french windows to the street, and 200 occupancy lounge and hours of operation 2pm-4am. Let’s not make this about race and polarize people in the community by reducing the discourse as such. This is about 1/3 of block that has 7 establishments with full liquor license which has been designated a Resolution Zone area and 500 foot rule applies, and applicant who is applying for a full liquor license in a Resolution Zone for a restaurant that includes dj booths, bouncers at the door, jumbo tv screens, open french windows to the street, 200 occupancy lounge, and hours of operation 2pm-4am.

    There are many places to eat Latin food in this neighborhood – go support them! Also, there is a new Latin restaurant opening on Orchard btw Ludlow and Delancey, Mi Case es Su Casa. The menu came first (Latin fusion) and so did the name. Restaurant is in last stages of construction, and they are slated to open soon. Hours are everyday from 11am and kitchen closes 10pm weekdays and 11pm weekends. They will deliver and there will not be bouncers at the door. They only applied for a beer and wine license -NOT LIQUOR. This is what a restaurant looks like to me. For all those that say they want to celebrate Latin culture through food then please patronize them when they opened. I will! This I can’t wait for….

    • Lovelyles

      you need to get yourself something to do at home instead of blogging all this nonsense of jumbo tvs an bouncers nice try.cant wait for these guys to open up to prove all you guys wrong,an then probably you still wont give them credit because your a ignorant person.Im patronizing them when they open trust me I will!!!!

  • D. King

    The current state of this neighborhood is not looking good. There are too many bars, too many fights, and too many people. The streets are filled with garbage, human excrement (lots of vomit), and polluted through all hours of the night with noise. Having lived in the neighborhood, I was reluctant to go outside even to walk my dog. It is honestly like a minefield out there. Dodge this-dodge that.

    The absolute last thing this place needs is another club, bar, or late-night restaurant where the drunkards can find refuge. This should not happen.

    • Lovelyles

      @563d71bb6b92f4522eade34ea256daf2:disqus I want you to open up a restaurant an let me put the hours of operation to see how you would feel.You think theres to many people now wait until that seward park project begins.I have an idea “YOU” should move out.Let this place open before you criticize it!!!

      • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

        How about you move out before you criticize those who are against this club masquerading as a restaurant!

        • LovelyLes

          How you know this place is masquerading as a restaurant ill go out on limb that you havent approach the owners of this location,cause i have, an im a resident just like you so you should get facts before you start saying is being “masquerade” as restaurant cause its gonna be a a full restaurant not like these other bars on the block!!!!!

  • Alex D.

    First off, the bigotry of some of these comments is a bit disheartening. Having been a resident and loyal consumer in the LES for over 30 years, I have seen the impressive turn around this community has made. This progress should not be impeded by several fearful residents that frankly are not envisioning the assets and added value this institution will bring to the community. To begin, I support wholeheartedly the efforts of one of our own, who put his life on the line to keep our streets safe for over 10 years and has an incredible philanthropic record when it comes to servicing his community – it really is remarkable how much he does for the youth of our community. A top of the line restaurant with a renowned chef – which will attract a very diverse crowd from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, a place where families can come together and have a very good meal at an extremely reasonable price, and added security to an area that can use it are all valuable assets that this restaurant will bring to the community. One needs to give this man, who has given and still gives so much to his community, a chance before one goes condemning his operations. Just my 2 cents.

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