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Council advances Phoenix Flame video-gaming license after split vote
Summary
The Council advanced a Class GA liquor license application for video gaming at Phoenix Flame (3240 Kirchoff Road) to a second reading after a 4–2 roll call on March 24, 2026. Alderperson O’Brien opposed the move citing neighborhood concerns about overconcentration.
Council members discussed a Class GA liquor license application from Dimchev Restaurants Inc., d/b/a Phoenix Flame, for video gaming at 3240 Kirchoff Road. Alderperson O’Brien said he supports gaming generally but will oppose this specific application because Ward 3 residents do not want Kirchoff Road "transformed into a Las Vegas style strip" and he cited an overconcentration of gaming establishments along the corridor.
Alderperson Koehler responded that the City Code contains no spacing requirement for gaming establishments and that, based on the Code, Phoenix Flame meets qualifications. Koehler noted only one email was received in opposition and that no one spoke against the application at the public hearing. On roll call McHale, Budmats, Reyez and Koehler voted in favor; O’Brien and Boucher voted no. With 4 in favor and 2 opposed, the ordinance moved forward for second reading.
The public-comment portion of the meeting included a resident, Roxane S., who expressed support for the Phoenix Flame application. Alderperson O’Brien later requested the Council revisit gaming parameters, including possible caps on gaming accessories, as a matter not on the agenda.
