West Bend licensing board recommends renewing Oak and Hog reserve liquor license after construction delays

The West Bend licensing board voted to recommend renewal of the reserve liquor license for Oak and Hog and to advance the matter to the common council after the applicant and his contractor described lengthy construction delays.

The recommendation came after applicant Chad Gaiman and contractor John Shmitas of Raylink Contractors explained that foundation problems discovered during construction in early 2023 required extensive structural work and soil testing, including driving piers around 60 feet to stabilize the building. Gaiman said he has spent “in excess of $380,000” on the project so far, including about $165,000 for the foundational work, and that remaining work is expected to cost about $622,000. Shmitas said crews are scheduled to return and he anticipated an October–November completion window.

The licensing packet noted the city originally assisted Gaiman in obtaining a reserve license (for which he paid $10,000) and that the city provided a façade grant to the property. City staff told the board the state review of revised plans delayed the project; final plans were conditionally approved by the state in July 2024 and, according to staff, were effective through 2026. The board was asked whether to recommend a non-renewal hearing under the city code provision allowing revocation when an alcohol license is not used for sale of alcoholic beverages for three consecutive months.

City attorney and staff described options: (1) recommend a full revocation (non-renewal) proceeding, (2) recommend renewal with future monitoring, or (3) recommend renewal with conditions. After the applicant and contractor answered questions about the timeline and the work completed, a board member moved to recommend renewal; another member seconded. The board voted in favor and directed that the licensing recommendation be forwarded to the common council for placement on the consent agenda for the May 19 meeting.

Board discussion emphasized the city’s limited number of reserve licenses and the need to balance that scarcity with the applicant’s documented investment. Council members asked Gaiman to notify the city if his intent to operate changes so the license could be made available to other applicants.

The licensing board adjourned and the matter will appear before the common council on May 19 as a consent item for final action.