Belleville City Council OKs liquor license transfer to De’Pavilion

By Rosemary K. Otzman

Independent Editor

   After a public hearing and long discussion, the Belleville City Council on Monday gave its blessing to a liquor license transfer to De’Pavilion Lounge that will be located in the former JB’s Place.

   At the Nov. 2 meeting of the council there were lots of questions about the request and of legal action taken by the owner of the shopping center to evict De’Pavilion from 859 Sumpter Road before it even opened.

   But, all the details have been resolved and so the city’s approval will be sent on to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a final decision.

   Quiana T. Hatch of Ypsilanti is transferring ownership of a 2008 Class C Liquor License from escrow at Cotton Club Detroit Inc., 18949 Wyoming, Detroit. She also is requesting a new dance-entertainment permit.

   The business was to be De’Pavilion Bar and Grill, but they found that the former owner took all the kitchen equipment and they do not have the $30,000 they estimate it would cost to replace the equipment so they can cook.

   Jeffrey Harrell, Hatch’s associate, said they plan to sell alcoholic beverages, plus bar snacks such as potato chips, peanuts, pop, and bottled water, but no cooked food at this time. They are considering a small pizza oven, he said.

   Harrell said Hatch went to Belleville High School and he had attended Savage Elementary, so they know the community and like it.

   He said Hatch got injured at work and got a settlement and she decided rather than fritter it away to invest it. He said they have spent a lot of time and money on the inside of the business and found, to their surprise, they had chosen Belleville colors for their decorating scheme. They found out when someone walked in and pointed that out.

   Harrell said his younger brother worked for the state police in Atlanta and got injured.

   “I got him to start a security company to provide security for the lounge and other businesses,” Harrell said, adding that he will be looking for young men and women to hire for security.

   He said in the past there were fights and riots in the parking lot and that will not happen with their lounge.

   Harrell said he is involved in the entertainment industry and De’Pavilion plans to have some live bands, perhaps DJs and dancing. He said he would like to bring some famous people into the community to perform.

   “I will do my very best to make sure they succeed,” said S. Chand Marwaha, owner of Belle Plaza Shopping Center. “That doesn’t look good to have an empty space in the middle,” he said referring to the closed JB’s Place.

   “These are awesome young people,” Marwaha said, adding he is impressed with their energy. “I’ll do what I can to make them succeed… I’m standing behind them like a brick wall.”

   Harrell said they don’t plan to use the deck outside, and want to keep their patrons inside. But, during Strawberry Festival they might want to join in the community celebration and do something outside.

   A neighbor to the shopping center said that he was concerned about the bar being so close to the residential area and Kim Tindall, who will be seated on the city council next month, said she doesn’t know how a previous council approved the bar so close to South Middle School.

   Harrell said he would like to lend a hand with children’s events and plan things for children. He said he will not have people drinking outside for the children or neighbors to see.

   Marwaha said De’Pavilion has a 10-year lease and room for seating about 100 patrons.

   Hatch said they are planning to have a cover charge from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday. During those hours all persons must be 21 years of age or older, no exceptions.

   “We hope that this business will be looked upon as a respectable business that can help bring more businesses to its growing community at this time,” Hatch wrote in a memo to the council.