Prospective owners who plan to take over a restaurant in downtown Columbus have been approved to receive a liquor license, which had been one condition of the sale.
The Columbus Redevelopment Commission on Monday approved a Riverfront liquor license for Grandview Partnership, which plans to do business as Tre Bicchieri starting in January.
Chris Braun and Barb Piotrowski, who formed the partnership, have agreed to purchase the restaurant — operated at 425 Washington St. — from the Glick and DeClue families. Braun and his attorney, Jeff Rocker, went before the Columbus Redevelopment Commission seeking approval of the three-way liquor license, which allows beer, wine and liquor sales.
Braun told the commission that final details of the sale are still being worked out, but he expects discussions to be wrapped up soon. Negotiations tied to the lease are still being ironed out, Braun said.
Upgrades to the restaurant’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning units are planned inside the building, Braun said. The restaurant’s employees have agreed to stay on as the ownership transition occurs, he said.
“With any luck, we hope we’ll be open Jan. 2,” Braun said.
Columbus has 15 Riverfront liquor licenses, 10 of which are currently in use, said Heather Pope, the city’s redevelopment director. The liquor license held by Tre Bicchieri’s current owners will be relinquished since it was non-transferable, Pope said.
Commission member Al Roszczyk said he’s pleased that the restaurant will continue offering a fine-dining experience to patrons in downtown Columbus.
“I’m grateful that it’ll continue for years to come,” he said.
Commission president Sarah Cannon praised Braun’s enthusiasm and also said she is excited about the restaurant’s future.
