It’s been a long haul for The Bakery working toward a liquor license
The Bakery Entertainment Complex developer Ben Sutton is thankful he received over 1,000 signatures in support of a liquor license application.
Inside The Bakery Entertainment Complex in West York, a new wine and charcuterie bar has been set up, old whiskey barrels are being transformed into high-top cocktail tables, and large TVs have been hung on the walls.
Work continues at the former J.B. Fishel’s Bakery warehouse to transform it into a complex focused on food, drinks and entertainment. Meanwhile, York developer Ben Sutton waits for the one thing he needs to open it: a liquor license.
Sutton said he applied a year ago to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for an economic development liquor license. Two can be issued in York County annually to applicants who have exhausted other means of acquiring an alcohol permit, according to an advisory notice.
When the project first started, Sutton reached out to breweries, wineries and distilleries about opening spaces inside the 52,000-square-foot complex, but he said no one took the offer because of resources, time or finances.
Sutton said he also tried to buy a liquor license, but that didn’t work out, either.
“We truly did try to exhaust every resource before, you know, applying for the economic development liquor license,” he said. “And the project simply cannot function and continue without it.”
Last month, Sutton spoke before the state Liquor Control Board about his plans for the property. He said he is trying to bring in jobs, generate tax revenue and give back to the community. The effort has received bipartisan support from legislators.
Board Chairman Darrell Clarke asked Sutton’s lawyer whether they had a petition showing support for the project. They didn’t, but supporters spoke in favor of it. The board voted unanimously to hold the application for further discussion.
Sutton subsequently circulated an online petition to help show the board that he has support for the project. It has garnered nearly 1,070 signatures.
One signer said he grew up near the bakery while it was still in operation and that reusing the building will avoid another decaying eyesore.
“This will be a fabulous location for people in the surrounding neighborhoods to walk to for food and entertainment,” he wrote.
The Bakery has an upcoming licensing hearing on April 1. Sutton plans to present the petition at that time.
On a recent afternoon, Sutton showed the latest improvements to the warehouse as it takes shape. He describes it as the ultimate destination — “everything you’ve always wanted under one roof.”
The place intends to offer live music, comedy nights and line dancing in an upstairs area that includes a stage. Other entertainment, such as axe throwing, state-of-the-art arcade games and rage rooms, will also be available.
Customers will be able to buy a variety of food, including country homestyle breakfasts, tacos, burritos, salads, smoothies and waffle ice cream sandwiches.
The Bakery plans to sell a wide variety of alcoholic drinks, including draft beers, cocktails and wines. It will also have a speakeasy cigar and whiskey lounge in an old walk-in cooler.
The warehouse will offer retail spaces for local businesses.
Patrons will be able to get an oil change for their vehicles while they get a bite to eat, relax with a drink or enjoy the entertainment.
“We are trying to get it open ASAP,” Sutton said.
Teresa Boeckel is a reporter for the York Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Contact her at [email protected].
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