Decorah Inc seeks approval for Pizza Walla alcohol service permit at East Grand River

The East Lansing Planning Commission convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a special use permit request from Hassan Beydoun of Decorah Inc. on behalf of Pizza Wallace, seeking approval for on-site alcohol service at their proposed restaurant located at 523 East Grand River Avenue. This site, previously occupied by MSUFCU, has been vacant since 2023.

Grace Whitney, the associate planner, presented the details of the proposal, which includes a total occupancy of 260 people, with 128 indoor seats and a seasonal patio featuring 32 seats. The patio will be situated on private property, similar to the neighboring Peanut Barrel. The restaurant is currently undergoing construction permit applications and can operate without alcohol service if the construction is completed before the permit approval process concludes.

Whitney noted that the request aligns with the conditions for special use approval, including a stipulation to limit patio hours to close by 11 PM, mirroring the Peanut Barrel's hours. A significant point of discussion was the requirement that the establishment should not contribute to an undue concentration of similar liquor-serving establishments in the area. Currently, the only other restaurant with an active liquor license in the vicinity is the Peanut Barrel.

Commissioners raised questions regarding the liquor license process, which cannot be finalized until local approval is granted. Concerns about noise and congestion were also addressed, with city police indicating no objections to the proposal, likely due to its family-oriented nature.

The commission discussed the aesthetic aspects of the restaurant's design, ensuring that the final construction aligns with the presented plans. Additionally, the need for barriers around the patio seating was confirmed, as required by the Liquor Control Commission.

Overall, the commission's discussions highlighted the potential impact of the new restaurant on the local area, with considerations for both operational guidelines and community integration. The next steps involve further review and final approval of the special use permit, which will allow Pizza Wallace to move forward with its plans.