Pittsburgh council holds hearing on resolution to support liquor-license transfer to Riva Modern Indian Cuisine

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing Feb. 11 on a resolution requesting approval of an intermunicipal transfer of liquor license R7710 (LID 64693) from Los Petronas Inc., issued for property at 1138–1141 Freeport Road, to Bridal Hospitality Group, doing business as Riva Modern Indian Cuisine, at 220 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206.

Attorney Michael J. Hudock III, representing the applicant (identified in the record as Bridal Hospitality Management Inc.), told council the principals'Ankit Patel, Parth Patel and Pritesh Patel'have been operating the Highland Avenue location for about nine and a half months and seek the license to offer alcoholic beverages with meals and to remain competitive with nearby restaurants. "They are committed to this space," Hudock said, and added that the applicants have signed a five-year lease with two five-year renewal options.

Hudock said background checks provided to both the city and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board showed no criminal issues for the three principals. He also said the applicants operate another Indian- cuisine restaurant in Granbury Township. No members of the public registered to speak at the hearing; the clerk invited anyone in chambers who wished to comment to the podium, and none did.

Council staff stated the matter will be placed on the council's sending-committee agenda the following day. The resolution before council is required by the city's process for intermunicipal transfers; any final transfer remains subject to review and approval by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which will complete its own vetting of the applicant and principals.

No formal vote on the resolution occurred at the hearing.