Board approves transfer of license to Yumak Cafe & Bistro (Ellicott City)

The Howard County Alcohol Board voted March 25 to approve a transfer of a Class B (beer, wine and liquor) seven‑day on‑sale license to D A O L corporation, which will operate under the trade name Yumak Cafe & Bistro in Ellicott City.

Applicant Clara Solak testified (with interpretation assistance from Chrissy Chang) that she will 100% own and manage the restaurant at 1040 Baltimore National Pike, Suite E‑120, and that she does not plan to change menu concept, layout or core staff. Counsel and the applicant said the transferee will retain existing staff, including the on‑site manager, and that managers are certified in alcohol awareness training. Solak described the venue as a family‑oriented Asian‑fusion sit‑down restaurant; she testified that alcohol constitutes about 5% of sales and is primarily bottled product.

Board members asked whether Solak, who required an interpreter, could handle an alcohol‑related incident and confirmed that the on‑site manager and staff would be trained and capable of handling ID checks and refusal to serve minors. The board noted the applicant’s prior experience working with alcohol service at other restaurants and that the manager on site is alcohol‑awareness certified.

A motion to grant the transfer was made by a board member and seconded; the roll call vote was unanimous (Chair Chen: yes; Mr. Coleman: yes; Mr. Hunt: yes; Ms. Johnson: yes; Ms. Kim: yes). Clara Solak waived her right to appeal at the hearing.

The Board recorded no conditions beyond the normal licensing requirements; Solak said she intends to keep the current staff and operate the existing concept under a new trade name to improve public recognition.