Indiana Borough Council last night had a special hearing concerning the transfer of a liquor license into the borough for a new restaurant in a familiar location.
The proposed restaurant, called the “Philly Street Station” would go in at the former home of Taze Ristorante and the Train Station Restaurant in the 1100 block of Philadelphia Street, and would be owned by John German and Angie Schrecengost. They hope to make it a lunch and dinner restaurant and wish to serve beer, wine and spirits as a part of their dining experience. To that end, they are transferring a liquor license from the JoyLand tavern in Seward. Tom Whalstrom, who represented the owners during the hearing last night, said they want to bring the building back to good use, especially as the building is a national historic landmark. The building sits along the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad, and in the past was a functioning train station. Whalstrom also stated that they would not be a “college bar”, with food making up close to 80% of the money they hope to make.
Only one objection was raised with the liquor license transfer. That came from Tim McQuaid of The Coney said he had no problem with the restaurant opening up, but had a problem with another license coming into the borough when there is one available for sale. The owners of Taze have their license for sale, but Whalstrom said that they are asking over $100,000 for the license, when it should cost around $40-45,000.
A decision on the liquor license transfer could come next month.
