An applicant seeking to re-open a long-delayed restaurant described plans to operate a French-style, chef-driven restaurant with a reservation-first model, a piano for background music and occasional acoustic performances, and a holding area downstairs to avoid lines spilling onto the sidewalk.

The applicant, represented by counsel Joseph Ruby and the principal Kevin, said the original license was approved years earlier but lapsed during building and DOB delays. They returned to the Community Board to refresh stipulations and obtain committee guidance before re-filing with the State Liquor Authority.

Why it matters: neighbors and the board said the site has a history of noise and sidewalk crowding. The applicant proposed adding a paid door person or security guard to patrol the frontage and to manage pickup and drop-off locations. The committee and residents pushed for enforceable controls on back-door access, HVAC noise and limits on amplified or DJ music.

Committee members asked for details about the number and frequency of private parties downstairs. Counsel suggested an initial cap of roughly 24 private parties per year, and said they would limit amplified entertainment to private events and not promoted, ticketed shows. The applicant said the back door would remain closed at all times and that they had spent money repairing an HVAC unit neighbors blamed for past noise.

Public comment included residents describing prior nights when crowds blocked sidewalks and music traveled into apartments; they urged limits on exterior lines, a moved pickup point for ride-hailing services to the avenue, and sound testing. The applicant said they would stipulate to: keeping exterior doors closed at night; conducting post-installation sound testing with affected neighbors; and scheduling events by reservation to limit sidewalk impact.

Operational details clarified in the meeting included: reservation-only entry with a downstairs holding area; a lounge downstairs ("caviar lounge") with a lounge-style menu distinct from upstairs full-dining service; and plans to use a piano during dinner service as background music. The applicant said DJs would be accommodated only for private events and that soundproofing and door policy would prevent sound leakage.

Next steps: The applicant will supply an updated floor plan and a proposed stipulation package; the committee asked for a short list of agreed operational conditions (door policy, sound testing, limits on number of private events) before recommending the application to the SLA.

Ending: Committee members signaled they were open to approving a refreshed license if the applicant provided written stipulations and a revised diagram that demonstrate steps to prevent sidewalk lines and to limit noise impacts.