Franklin beer board approves two liquor-license transfers after ownership changes

The City of Franklin Beer Board approved two liquor-license applications for existing businesses — BDB Other States LLC doing business as Bucadabepo at 1722 Galleria Boulevard and Franklin Wine and Spirits LLC at 1400 Liberty Pike — during a Jan. 14, 2015, meeting in the City Hall Boardroom. The board voted 2-0, with Alderman Caesar absent.

Staff told the board both applications were complete and that inspections were finished; staff recommended approval for each license transfer tied to an ownership change. "The application is complete and all inspections are complete, so staff does recommend approval," a city staff member said before applicants spoke.

Kevin Hernan, identified in the application as the managing agent for the Bucadabepo location, told the board the restaurant’s kitchen leadership has long continuity. "We've been there for 24 years now. My chef and his wife been there 24 years since we opened, so same folks making sauces from scratch and all that. I've been there for 12 years now. I was the AGM and chef partner before I became the Paisano partner is my role now. I've been doing that for 7 years," Hernan said. Board members asked whether staff would remain the same; Hernan said it would. The board approved the Bucadabepo on-premises application by voice vote with Alderman Barnhill and the chair voting yes and Alderman Caesar absent.

The board then considered Franklin Wine and Spirits LLC’s application for an on-off premises (off-premises) license after a stated ownership change. The applicant identified himself as Hirenda Armani and told the board the location has been operating for 13 years under the prior owner, who is retiring. "Hi. My name is Hirenda Armani, and this location's been running smoothly for past 13 years under mister Gino. And now he wants to retire, and that's where we come in and we try to help him out," Armani said. Board members asked whether the clerks and clerks’ staff had required TABC (Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission) permits; Armani said staff held the necessary permits. The board approved the Franklin Wine and Spirits license by voice vote with Alderman Barnhill and the chair voting yes and Alderman Caesar absent.

Earlier in the meeting the board approved the meeting agenda and the Dec. 10, 2024, beer-board minutes. There were no citizen comments. At the opening of the meeting a board member noted this meeting may be the beer board’s final session in the City Hall boardroom.

The meeting was adjourned after the approvals.