There has been plenty of recent activity on the neighborhood business front. The UpDoNA Good Neighbor Committee (GNC) has helped secure two new Good Neighbor Agreements (GNAs) for businesses on the ground floor of the Spire building at 891 14th Street, while another agreement is now in progress nearby. At the same time, the city is considering a broader ordinance that could reshape how entertainment and nightlife licenses are issued.
The Flaming Grill officially opened on May 8, bringing a new Indian fusion option to downtown. City Council member Chris Hinds joined the grand opening celebration, and UpDoNA GNC submitted comments in support of the restaurant’s liquor license application to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Manager Vinni Reddy signed a GNA in April. The restaurant is owned by Sahansila Karki, known as “Silk,” and her husband, Karki Gokul, and offers a wide-ranging menu that includes Asian dishes, pizza, pasta, fresh pastries, and catering
Fortissimo, also on the ground floor of the Spire, is entering a new chapter under owner Jamelyn Marcotte. The dueling piano bar is expected to continue, with the possibility of expanded hours that could include morning coffee and treats. If those plans move forward, Fortissimo could become an appealing stop not only for evening visitors, but also for neighborhood residents and dog walkers during the morning hours. Its liquor license is being transferred, and an updated GNA was signed in May.
Two Lazy Dogs, a new neighborhood bar and grill at 1531 Champa in the former Cheba Hut space, is also on the committee’s radar. The business celebrated its grand opening on May 14, with Mayor Mike Johnston in attendance. UpDoNA is now working toward another GNA with the venue, which offers a relaxed gathering spot for food, drinks, and games including pool and foosball.
In addition to these business updates, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is proposing an ordinance that could significantly change the city’s entertainment and nightlife licensing process. The proposal is intended to simplify applications for businesses while strengthening safety measures in nearby residential areas. Among the most notable changes is a plan to reduce the current fourteen license categories to just three: Limited Entertainment, Nightclub Entertainment, and Adult Entertainment. Another proposal would allow clubs to remain open until 4 a.m., even though alcohol sales would still end at 2 a.m., as part of an effort to reduce crime linked to large late-night closings. Both the UpDoNA and LoDoNA GNCs have participated in meetings and submitted comments to DLCP, including recommendations related to security plans and closer review of event promoters. More updates are expected as the proposal continues through City Council committees.
Photo Attributions: Steve Ridge
