HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.04.13 LLA MinutesCall To Order
Hearing Officer Kendra Carberry called the meeting to order at 11:02 AM.
Roll Call
No formal roll call was conducted. Staff members present included:
Kendra Carberry, Hearing Officer
Nick Klein, City Attorney
Lucy Spalenka, Deputy City Clerk
New Business
Public Hearing: Bonfire Burritos, New Hotel & Restaurant
Liquor License
17025 South Golden Rd., Golden, CO 80401
Hearing Officer Carberry opened the public hearing for Bonfire Burritos LLC's application for
a hotel and restaurant liquor license at 4001 Clear Creek Dr., Wheat Ridge, Colorado at 11:04
am. Attorney Sam Harden (registration 58758) represented the applicant along with CEO
Raymond Pierandozzi.
The hearing included testimony from Erin McCullough of Oedipus Petitioning, who
conducted the needs and desires survey. McCullough reported that 97.22% of participants
were in favor of issuing the license, with only one residential signature in
Wheat Ridge Liquor Licensing
Authority
Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
opposition. The survey covered businesses and residences within a half-mile radius, with 35
signatures in favor and strong community support.
CEO Raymond Pierandozzi testified that Bonfire Burritos is a fast-casual, family-friendly
restaurant concept that started in Golden. The proposed location would operate from 6 AM to 3
PM daily, with hopes to open in June. Pierandozzi explained that the restaurant would provide a
family-friendly atmosphere for customers to enjoy breakfast and lunch before or after outdoor
activities like hiking or biking.
Pierandozzi detailed the operational aspects, including counter service with 15-20 employees on
average, comprehensive alcohol training through ServSafe and TIP certification, and a strict
policy against accepting vertical IDs. The establishment would feature a 200-square-foot
mezzanine for alcohol storage and a fenced patio area with hourly manager walkthroughs and
security cameras.
City Attorney Nick Klein had no objections, relying on the findings memorandum dated April 7,
2026. Hearing Officer Carberry confirmed that the lease was in effect and found that the
neighborhood needs were not being satisfied, that adult inhabitants desired the license, and that
the applicant was qualified.
Motion: Hearing Officer Carberry approved the issuance of the liquor license for Bonfire
Burritos LLC.
The City Clerk's office confirmed all necessary documentation was received and indicated that a
final inspection would be scheduled before license issuance.
Public Hearing: Hashtag 04, New Hotel & Restaurant Liquor
License
347 Ringsby Court #202, Denver, CO 80216
Attorney Daniel W. Carr (Registration 8224) represented Hash Tag-Clear Creek LLC
(dba Hashtag 04) for their hotel and restaurant liquor license application at 3625 Crossing Drive,
Suite 100, Wheat Ridge, Colorado at 11:27 am. The hearing was briefly delayed while the client
representative joined the call.
Eva Garrettson of Liquor Licensing Professionals testified about the needs and desires survey,
reporting 120 total signatures with 100% of business owners and managers (50 signatures)
supporting the license. Among residential signatures, 91% were in favor with 9% opposed. When
removing opposition reasons that didn't speak to needs and desires (such as general opposition to
alcohol), the support rate increased to 97%.
James Park, CEO of Tag Restaurant Group, testified that this would be the company's tenth
license. He described Hashtag as a breakfast/brunch concept operating 7 AM to 3 PM daily with
approximately 40-50 employees. Park explained that Tag brings experienced managers from other
locations to train new staff and maintains strict alcohol service protocols, including certification
through ServSafe and TIP programs.
Attorney Carr disclosed two procedural issues: an incorrect statement on the application
regarding violations (Tag had one state violation in 2024 that resulted in a 7-day suspension) and
delays in obtaining required fingerprints due to technical issues with the fingerprinting system.
Park emphasized that despite the single violation in Tag's 15+ year history across 20+ licenses, the
company maintains high standards and doesn't accept vertical IDs anywhere in their system. He
noted that the violation was Tag's first ever and that alcohol sales represent approximately 15% of
total sales.
Hearing Officer Carberry found that neighborhood needs were not being met, that residents
desired the license, and that the applicant was qualified. However, due to the missing fingerprint
results, she could not issue the license immediately.
Decision: Hearing Officer Carberry approved the license contingent on receiving
satisfactory fingerprint results, with the actual license approval to be effective once those
results are received.
The City Clerk's office agreed to continue processing the application while waiting for
fingerprint results, with the understanding that both state and local licenses require
completion of this requirement.
Public Hearing: Dave & Buster's, New Hotel & Restaurant
Liquor License
1221 South Belt Line Rd., Ste 500, Coppell, TX 75019
Attorney Brian Profit (registration 31101) represented Dave & Buster's of Colorado LLC for their
hotel and restaurant liquor license application at 3800 Clear Creek Drive, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
at 11:45 am. The hearing featured testimony from Eva Garrettson from LiquorPros and Dave &
Buster's licensing consultant Jill Valachovic.
Garrettson reported survey results showing 84% residential support and 100% business support,
with 11 opposition signatures. When removing opposition reasons unrelated to needs and
desires, support increased to 96%.
Valachovic provided comprehensive testimony about Dave & Buster's operations, describing the
"eat, drink, play, watch" concept that combines full-service dining, bar service, and arcade-style
entertainment. She detailed that the company operates approximately 175 locations nationwide,
with this being the fourth in Colorado.
The proposed facility would employ 110-120 people with 6-8 managers, operating Monday-
Thursday 11 AM to midnight, Friday 11 AM to 1-2 AM, Saturday 10 AM to 1-2 AM, and Sunday
10 AM to midnight. About half the employees would be involved in alcohol service, all requiring
ServSafe certification within 30 days.
Valachovic explained Dave & Buster's comprehensive training program, including a
"blue and orange team" of 20-30 trainers who conduct month-long training programs for new
locations. The company partners with the BARS program for ongoing compliance testing and
maintains strict policies including manager approval for vertical IDs and automatic termination
for serving minors.
The facility would accommodate 365 seats with 1,000 total capacity, maintaining an 11-15%
alcohol to 89-85% food ratio. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 with opening
targeted for summer 2027.
A unique issue arose regarding possession of the premises, as Dave & Buster's is under contract to
purchase but has not yet closed on the property. The purchase
agreement includes approval of this liquor license as a condition for closing.
Hearing Officer Carberry found that neighborhood needs were not being met, that residents
desired the license, and that the applicant was qualified. To address the possession issue without
issuing a conditional approval, she determined that the license would be approved but the written
order would not be signed until the City Clerk's office receives the deed showing completed
purchase.
Decision: Hearing Officer Carberry approved the license with the written order to be
issued upon receipt of the deed proving property ownership.
The arrangement allows Dave & Buster's to satisfy their purchase contract condition while
ensuring proper legal possession before license issuance.
Adjourn
Hearing Officer Carberry adjourned the meeting at 12:18 pm, with all three liquor license
applications receiving approval under their respective conditions.
___________________________________
Lucy Spalenka, Deputy City Clerk