Easy Bistro & Bar, which has been in business for 15 years at a Broad Street location, has moved to 801 Chestnut St. Because of the move and the involvement of some new investors, a new beer license was needed. Erik Niel, the majority owner, told the board that the restaurant has been open now for three weeks, just not selling beer during that time. The vote was unanimous to approve the beer license.
The Chattanoogan, 1201 Broad St., has new owners and so a new beer permit was needed.
Three restaurants in the hotel that sell beer and alcohol are currently being remodeled and are closed at this time. The business has a beer license for those three locations within the building that are all included in one existing license. A new rooftop bar has been built named High Rail. A separate beer permit application for that location was approved at the Beer Board meeting on Thursday. Because the beer license for High Rail is separate from the other bars, it would not be affected and could continue serving beer, if there is a violation elsewhere in the hotel.
Bar Watson, 6925 Shallowford Road, suite 202, has opened in the previous location of The Palms at Hamilton. The large bar that has a capacity of 284 was approved for a new beer license. The owner, David Gardner, said the new business is aiming for a “clean” atmosphere that is “similar to J. Alexander, upscale and classy.” "It won’t be for everybody," he said. There is a dress code that will be posted at the door and on their website. “We aren’t looking for shorts, tank tops and sandals,” he said. Inside the building, no smoking will be allowed but there are balconies with TVs where people can smoke. Because of the zoning, the business will be required to apply for a special exemptions permit to stay open past midnight. That application will go before the Chattanooga City Council.
Greek Plate Gyros, 811 Market St., was also approved to sell beer. Owner Brian Balla was warned to be careful of selling beer to minors since his restaurant is next to another restaurant that caters to a college age crowd. Mr. Balla said the main focus will not be to sell beer, he just would like for it to be available if a customer requests it. This restaurant, with a capacity of 49 will close at 9 p.m.
The board approved a new restaurant in Hixson, California Tortilla, 5215 Highway 153, suite 123, for a beer permit. This business with an occupancy of 55, is a chain restaurant that specializes in counter-served, made-to-order burritos quesadillas and other California styled Mexican food. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Tayo Atanda, representing Cracker Barrel restaurants, was given a caterer’s beer permit for the location at 50 Birmingham Highway. This service has been available for a long time, he said, and good protocols are in place for not serving alcohol to minors through the catering business.
Dynamo’s General Country Store, 2919 Cummings Highway, a new business, will be opening before Nov. 1, next door to Sun & Shade Garden Center in Lookout Valley. The owner, Chase Westbrook, said it will be a high-end gift and consignment store specializing but not limited to products made in Tennessee. One section of the store will have antique musical equipment such as a reel-to-reel recorder, an old Gibson amp and a victrola record player, all in perfect condition, he said. There will be a beer and wine cooler, although wine will not be poured in the store, but will be sold as part of gift baskets. However, both consumer and carryout beer will be sold. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.