Peoria restaurant denied liquor license, longtime establishment to close

Good morning, foodie friends,

The past week has cooked up plenty of Peoria-area food news for us to digest.

Today, I’ll dish out why a Downtown Peoria restaurant closed its doors and why a longtime establishment is preparing to say goodbye. We’ll also sink our teeth into the results of a contentious City Council vote regarding a restaurant’s liquor license request.

So, let’s dig right in.

Peoria City Council denies site application for restaurant’s liquor license

After months of debate, the Peoria City Council voted 6-4 to deny Highly Flavored’s site application for a liquor license. Councilmembers who voted to deny cited various concerns – from unpaid taxes to opposition from residents.

During the meeting, councilmember Bernice Gordon-Young openly questioned whether Peoria was "redlining" businesses by excluding a Black-owned restaurant from downtown. She noted the shifting reasons for opposition over the months, and said, “At some point you have to call a thing a thing.”

Learn more: After contentious debate, Downtown Peoria restaurant denied liquor license for new space

Longtime Peoria business to close ‘with a very heavy heart’

After a decade in business, The Chef and The Baker shared plans to close “with a very heavy heart.”

The Peoria establishment – situated at 106 E. McClure Ave. – said it will close at the end of the month. A Facebook announcement seemingly written by Ian Hocker highlighted physical challenges which he has faced following back surgery in 2022.

More: Decade-old Peoria business to close at end of August 'with a very heavy heart'

Downtown Peoria restaurant closes after less than a year

Bollywood Bites Bistro & Events Center closed at the end of June.

The Downtown Peoria restaurant – situated in the MAXAM Building – operated for less than a year before its closure. MAXAM Building owner Andrew Driscoll said the business model presented challenges which were not overcome and a winter slowdown took a toll on the establishment.

More: Downtown Peoria restaurant unable to overcome challenges, closes after less than a year

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria restaurant denied liquor license, longtime establishment to close