A Varsity Grille plan to add a drive-thru liquor store drew skepticism from the city council last night.
While most council members didn’t seem to oppose the idea of adding a fourth liquor store to the city’s section of the Route 1 corridor, there seemed to be no support for a drive-thru.
Varsity Grille owner Jim McGinnis told the council the restuarant planned to convert a private dining room into a liquor store, buying the county liquor license that became available when nearby Lasick’s closed this spring.
But council members worried about the impact a drive-thru would have on traffic.
“Traditionally, we haven’t been fond of drive-thrus on Route 1. Can you do it without that?” College Park Mayor Steve Brayman asked McGinnis at the meeting.
“No, I can’t do that,” McGinnis replied immediately.
Lasick’s had operated a drive-thru window out of its double-wide trailer. The drive-thru status would transfer with the license unless the restaurant signs an agreement with the city that would ban a drive-thru window.
McGinnis said he needs the convenience of a drive-thru to help distinguish his business from nearby competitors, and he was unwilling to give up that part of the license he was hoping to buy. He reminded the city that Varsity Grille has always cooperated with the city in the past and always strives to “be a good neighbor.”
District 3 Councilwoman Stephanie Stullich said she’d rather he “compete on amenities” rather than ask the city to award him an advantage over his competition.
“I’m not asking you to give me a competitive advantage. I’ve acquired it,” McGinnis said.
“You haven’t acquired it yet,” Stullich replied.
Beyond Stullich’s concern about letting this new liquor store an unfair advantage, council members were concerned not with the liquor store in particular, but that a drive-thru would encourage automoble use in an area they hope will become pedestrian-friendly.
Under early drafts of the Route 1 Sector Plan, Varsity Grille lies on a stretch of Route 1 designated as a “walkable node” — a cluster of dense residential and commercial activity — that will include the University View and the student housing projects planned nearby.
City officials have also opposed drive-thrus for other College Park businesses, including a Taco Bell and Commerce Bank branch, Brayman said.
Brayman said he felt the council might consider allowing a drive-thru after the new liquor store had been open for a few years if it had proven itself as a quality establishment — McGinnis said the store would be known for its wine selection.
The City Council cannot block Varsity Grille’s request for a liquor license transfer, but the city’s recommendation is a factor in a decision by the county liquor board, which holds final sway.
City staff will negotiate with McGinnis and try to work out a compromise before the council votes on whether to object to the proposed license transfer next week.
bholt at umdbk dot com
