Although City Council members questioned whether the upcoming Big Play Sports Grill will prioritize alcohol sales over food, they ultimately voted to support the new restaurant’s liquor license — on the condition that hard liquor not be served during its first six months.
Two weeks ago, business co-owners Andre Hopson and Allen Morrison spoke to the College Park City Council at its work session about transferring Vito’s Pizzeria’s liquor license to the new establishment, which is scheduled to open in the space vacated by Vito’s. Although some council members worried the restaurant — with advanced security systems and food typically sold in bars — would turn into more of a nightlife spot, the council ultimately voted 4 to 2 Tuesday night to support the owners’ application.
The business’s liquor license fate is ultimately in the hands of the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners, which will review the proposal Nov. 22. The biggest point of contention between city officials and the grill owners was a provision requiring them to wait six months before selling hard liquor. Because the owners said their restaurant is not a bar and is geared toward families and alumni, city officials said the requirement should not be a problem.
Linda Carter, the owners’ attorney, said liquor profits will be necessary to pay for expenses, especially just after the restaurant opens. The county placed a similar provision on the agreement with Vito’s Pizzeria, but owner Vito Riccio was ultimately granted the ability to serve liquor before the six months were up — before the six months were up — and that’s when issues arose, city officials said.
“My biggest concern is that this will be a problem for the surrounding community, which is already having problems associated with bars and people drinking too much and walking through the neighborhood and being loud and disruptive,” District 3 Councilwoman Stephanie Stullich said Tuesday night.
The co-owners said, however, their restaurant will not follow the same path as Vito’s, which became a popular nightlife spot for students before it closed at the beginning of the semester. Riccio could not be reached for comment.
“I think something that’s going to allow us to set ourselves apart and make sure that we move forward successfully is that we want to offer a very nice venue aesthetically when you walk in,” Morrison said. “I think we’re going to offer people a fresh look to a sports bar.”
The restaurant’s plans include security inside and outside, as well as an ID scanner system, but some council members said this is just further proof the establishment will serve as more of a bar.
“It is a bar and to claim that it’s not a bar — I’ve never seen a non-bar with this much security ever, anywhere,” District 4 Councilman Marcus Afzali said during the initial discussion two weeks ago.
Additionally, council members said they worry the restaurant — which, according to the property use agreement with the city, will have a 50/50 food to alcohol ratio — will not put enough emphasis on quality food, instead focusing mainly on drinks.
“I’m getting the feel that the food’s an afterthought,” District 1 Councilwoman Christine Nagle said. The co-owners said their cuisine will be unique, but council members said the preliminary menu they were given showed choices like sliders, wings and sandwiches — common fare for sports bars.
However, the co-owners said they have been working extensively to finalize a menu that will appeal to customers.
“Alcohol is alcohol all up and down Route 1,” Hopson said. “But if you don’t have good food to sustain a customer, they won’t even want to patronize your alcohol, so food is definitely the focus for us.”
Hopson and Morrison had originally planned to debut the restaurant Homecoming weekend, but it has not yet opened its doors. They did not give an opening date at Tuesday night’s meeting.
kirkwood@umdbk.com
