The Petoskey City Council approved an application from Happy’s Taco Shop for a DDA Redevelopment Liquor License during their meeting on Monday, March 2.
Happy’s Tacos, whose food truck has been a long-time presence at the Back Lot, will be opening its own brick-and-mortar location in downtown Petoskey this spring.
“Happy’s Taco Shop is relocating to 413 E. Lake St. They’re asking for city council to approve a resolution for a Redevelopment Liquor License for this establishment,” said city manager Shane Horn during the meeting.
According to agenda materials, the allowance for Redevelopment Liquor Licenses in the downtown district as an economic development tool was first enacted in 2011, in compliance with Public Act 501 of the Public Acts of 2006. When it was first approved, city council could approve up to six licenses. That number was increased to 10 in a 2018 amendment.
“Currently, we have five DDA licensed redevelopment establishments,” Horn said. “So this would potentially be number six out of 10.”
Horn added that the Downtown Management Board reviewed the application and recommended approval to the council, “finding that the application is consistent with downtown’s strategic plan and will promote economic growth in the DDA district.”
According to agenda materials, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission will ultimately decide whether a liquor license is available.
Happy’s Tacos is currently planning to open their new location sometime in early May. In a News-Review article from December, owners Drue Wright and Drake Nagel said the new space will have indoor seating for up to 60 people and outdoor seating during the summer. The restaurant will also have a full bar, featuring Happy’s own beers as well as others beers on a rotating tap. The Back Lot location will close in April, but the Boyne City location will remain open.
On Tuesday, March 3, Cheese & Co. announced it would be filling Happy’s vacated indoor spot at the Back Lot. In a Facebook post, the food truck said “We’re moving inside the building and taking over our homies Happy’s Tacos current spot after they transition into their new space. Cheese & Co. will continue to focus on quality food, good customer experience and new items to keep it fresh.”
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey council OKs liquor license application for Happy’s Tacos
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
