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Delafield renews Applebee’s liquor license with contingencies as new franchisee plans dual-brand reopening
Summary
The council approved renewal of the Applebee's class B beer and liquor license for SBG Apple North 7 LLC, pending outstanding fees, background checks and debt clearance; the new franchisee outlined plans to reopen and to consider converting the site to a dual Applebee’s/IHOP after municipal approvals.
Delafield — The Delafield Common Council on June 16 approved renewal of the class B beer and class B liquor license for SBG Apple North 7 LLC with issuance contingent on payment of outstanding fees, completion of remaining background checks and confirmation of debt clearance.
The license had been at issue because the Applebee’s location had been closed for more than 60 days, a cessation referenced in City of Delafield Municipal Code section 4-6 and Wisconsin Statute 125.10. Attorney Parker Conover, representing the applicant, told the council the new franchisee has control of the lease and is working to reopen the restaurant, possibly as a dual Applebee’s/IHOP. “As soon as we get the city approval, 45 later, we can be open,” franchisee Siavash Soleimani said.
Why it matters: The property sits in a commercial area; an extended vacancy would leave a retail storefront idle and reduce local dining options. Council members said they preferred to preserve the license for an operator that showed a credible plan to reopen and invest in the site.
Background and applicant plan
City staff had notified the applicant after the restaurant remained closed for more than 60 days. Parker Conover said the prior franchisee had been evicted; Dine Brands Global representatives and new franchisee Siavash Soleimani said they have the lease and financing in place and aim to reopen. The applicants presented two options: reopen the Applebee’s location quickly (projected mid-to-late July) or pursue a remodel to operate as a dual Applebee’s/IHOP, which would take longer and likely push reopening until after Labor Day.
Council action and conditions
The council approved the renewal motion with the condition that issuance is pending payment of outstanding fees, completion of remaining background checks and debt clearance. Earlier in the meeting councilors also approved the appointment of Walter Salaveria as successor agent for the license pending completion of a required background check.
Planning and permitting timeline discussed
City staff and the applicants discussed the municipal approvals process: if the applicant submits a full planning application by July 2, it could appear on the July 30 Plan Commission agenda; if Plan Commission review requires a Common Council decision, the next council meeting would be Aug. 18. Applicants said they will move as quickly as possible to secure planning, building and sign permits.
What the council said
Multiple council members said they preferred granting the renewal to a presenting operator that demonstrated a viable reopening plan rather than allowing the license to sit unused. The council’s motion to renew passed on a voice vote; council members asked staff to coordinate deadlines and follow up if reopening did not occur.
Next steps
Applicants will work with city staff to complete background checks, pay outstanding fees and submit planning documents as needed. The council indicated it may revisit the license if the operator fails to meet the conditions.
