In a recent government meeting, Ace Lounge LLC presented its appeal to the zoning board, seeking to establish a bottle club and restaurant at the former Brewery Inn located at 546-548 South Ninth Street. The company aims to replace the previous non-conforming restaurant and tavern use with a new operation that it claims will have equal or lesser intensity than its predecessor.

The appeal includes requests for a special exception and variances related to off-street parking requirements, as the property is situated in an R3 Residential Zoning District and lacks designated parking spaces. Historically, the Brewery Inn operated without off-street parking, and the applicants argue that their proposed use would not disrupt the surrounding industrial and commercial neighborhood.

The owners, represented by Adelberto Acevedo and Hector Colon, outlined their plans to primarily focus on breakfast and brunch offerings, with a menu featuring items like cheesesteaks. They emphasized that the establishment would operate as a restaurant with bottle club services, allowing patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages until they secure a liquor license, which they noted is currently difficult to obtain in Pennsylvania.

The meeting also addressed the renovations made to the property since it was deemed unfit for occupancy in 2021. The owners have undertaken significant improvements, including updates to electrical, plumbing, and structural systems, and have obtained necessary permits for these renovations.

The board members raised questions regarding the nature of the proposed business, clarifying that it would not function as a traditional bottle club or entertainment venue, but rather as a neighborhood restaurant with a focus on dining experiences. The applicants assured the board that they would implement security measures to maintain a peaceful environment.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed their understanding of the appeal's context and the regulatory framework surrounding bottle clubs, ensuring that community concerns would be addressed as the process moves forward.