Liquor license transfer under consideration

Joseph Gulisek's bid to serve alcohol at the restaurant he hopes to build along Route 119 is now in the hands of East Huntingdon Township's supervisors.

'I'm looking to put in a restaurant - not a shot-and-a-beer bar,' Gulisek told township officials and about a dozen residents at a public hearing Monday. 'That's all. Just a regular sit-down restaurant.'

But those plans also include the restaurant liquor license formerly held by Beer Haus Inc. in neighboring Mt. Pleasant Borough. Gulisek has applied to the state Liquor Control Board to purchase the license, which has been held in escrow since the defunct establishment closed about three years ago.

And that pending transfer was the reason for last night's proceeding, township Solicitor Frank Bialon explained.

Changes in state liquor laws now provide for the licenses to be transferred between municipalities 'within limited circumstances,' Bialon said. In the case of Gulisek's request, a public hearing is required before supervisors may approve or deny the transfer.

'Supervisors,' he said, 'will hear everything that everybody has to say before they make their decision.'

But the residents - most of whom were from nearby Huntingdon Park - had more in the way of questions last night than actual testimony concerning Gulisek's plans for the proposed establishment.

Under their questioning, Gulisek said he owns three parcels that total nearly 30 acres on the eastern side of Route 119. He plans to build on a five-acre site near the highway's intersection with Quarry Street - in the area of the Swing & Hit Golf and 119 Grand Prix entertainment complex, and the new Regional Family YMCA of Laurel Highlands.

'I'd like to put in a franchise, if I can. That's what I'm gearing up for. Not a fast-food place, but just a nice sit-down place where you can enjoy yourself,' he said. 'I can't name any names, because I haven't talked to anyone yet. But if I can't get a franchise, I'll put in my own place.'

Gulisek also admitted he has not formulated any firm plans for the proposed eatery, but he said he has 'no interest' in adult dancing or entertainment.

'That went through East Huntingdon before,' he said. 'We're not even interested in that trade.'

When asked by resident William Hagerman why he couldn't just open the place without a liquor license, Gulisek replied, 'I like to have a drink with my meals.'

His bottom line: 'I'm just looking to do something to make money from my land.'

Bialon said supervisors will consider action on Gulisek's request at their next regular meeting set for 3:15 p.m. Thursday.