Cibolo council approves beer-and-wine variance for Grampy’s Pizzeria with school‑hours restriction

The Cibolo City Council on the evening of the meeting voted to grant a variance allowing Grampy’s Pizzeria, located at 121 Cibolo Commons Suite 101, to sell beer and wine despite the restaurant being within 300 feet of a public school. Council added a condition that alcohol sales not occur during Steele High School’s school hours, and agreed to revisit the variance in six months.

The vote followed a public hearing and more than an hour of discussion. Peggy Simmick, city staff, told council the applicant has completed required paperwork, that prior hearings and a delay occurred because the city had not previously received a letter from the school district, and that the city ordinance requires a three‑quarter vote of the full council to approve this variance (six of seven votes).

Owners Aaron (first name provided in the record) and his wife, co‑owners of Grampy’s, described the request as a business necessity to stay competitive with new and existing nearby restaurants that sell alcohol. Aaron said offering beer and wine was not part of their original business plan when they opened nearly two years ago but had become “a much needed addition in order to compete with the multi unit franchises and chains” moving into the area. He told council the restaurant would not be operated as a bar, would not add late‑night hours, and that alcohol would be stored behind the counter and served by employees.

A community supporter, Maggie Titterington, urged council to grant the variance and cited the city’s 2013 ordinance (Ordinance 10‑66) and its later amendment permitting council to grant variances in certain circumstances. Titterington emphasized Grampy’s local ties and volunteer contributions to schools and community activities.

Council members discussed state and local rules. City counsel and staff explained that Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) rules are state law and govern the sale and service of alcoholic beverages, and that the city’s ordinance establishes the local distance requirement but allows council to grant variances consistent with state law. Council debated practical concerns including youth access during school lunch, where many members concluded the restaurant’s layout and short student lunch periods make unauthorized access unlikely, but some members pressed for a restriction on sales during school hours as a compromise.

After an initial motion failed to get the required votes, council adopted a motion to grant the variance with the school‑hours restriction and a separate motion to revisit the variance in six months to review impacts and compliance. The clerk announced the vote tally verbally as “6 2 1” immediately after the primary vote; council later recorded that the amendment passed and the council asked staff to place a review of the variance on the agenda in six months.

The variance allows Grampy’s to apply for the necessary TABC permit to sell beer and wine consistent with the ordinance and the council’s conditions. Council also noted the city retains authority to revoke the variance if terms are violated.

What happens next: Grampy’s must obtain the appropriate TABC approval, comply with the council’s condition restricting sales during Steele High School hours, and staff will schedule a progress update and compliance review for council in approximately six months.