Fringe Pizza’s change‑of‑class to hotel‑restaurant license approved after board hears about hybrid self‑service model

Summary

Fringe Pizza LLC (a well‑tapped eatery at 2900 Valmont Road) received board approval to change its class from beer‑and‑wine to hotel‑restaurant liquor license. The owners described a hybrid self‑service beverage wall and table service and told the board they card all patrons and restrict vertical and expired IDs.

Fringe Pizza LLC, operating as Fringe, a well‑tapped eatery at 2900 Valmont Road, received approval from the Beverage Licensing Authority on Dec. 18 to change its liquor license from beer‑and‑wine to a hotel‑restaurant class.

Owner and manager testimony described an operating model that includes a hybrid self‑service beverage wall and table service. Whitney Rojoke and Dewey Brown, principals at Fringe, said the business opened during the COVID era and adapted procedures to manage self‑service responsibly: staff scan and verify IDs before patrons use the beverage wall and the restaurant enforces one‑drink‑per‑ID and other safeguards.

Board members praised the business for its controls. Member Carr noted the authority’s prior concerns about self‑service alcohol but said the licensee’s hybrid processes and ID controls demonstrate responsible practice. Petitioning consultant Eva Garretson provided survey results showing community support for the change.

Member Carr moved to approve the change of class from a beer and wine license to a hotel‑restaurant license; Member Carl seconded. The motion passed unanimously (3–0).