ALRC recommends grants for several new and transferred alcohol licenses, including Applebee's/IHOP and local small businesses
January 22, 2026 | Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin
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At its Jan. 21 meeting the Alcohol License Review Committee recommended granting multiple new and transferred alcohol licenses across Madison.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar (dual-branded with IHOP in the future) — Parker Conover, attorney for the applicant, described the dual-brand plan and construction timeline. The committee moved to grant the license and, "seeing none," approved it without objection. Conover said alcohol would be served within the permitted statutory hours and the applicant would comply with any local restrictions.
Ellora (doing business as Alara) — Applicant Kalyani described the Mediterranean-fusion café and cocktail service at 10 W. Mifflin St., proposed hours (coffee at 8 a.m.; food and drinks from 11 a.m. and closing by 10 p.m. on most nights) and estimated an opening around Feb. 20 pending equipment. Members confirmed the police captain and alder had been contacted and moved to grant the license; motion carried.
J & G Mini Market (relocation and larger liquor selection) — Applicant Anna Buica described plans to separate liquor from market items and implement an ID/buzzer entry for the 21-and-over selection. Captain Hartman reported no concerns; the committee moved to grant with the existing five license conditions (sale-size restrictions, Sunday opening restriction, camera-recording retention) and approved the motion.
La Bonita — Initially tabled to the end of the agenda to allow side conversations and language interpretation; later taken off the table, applicant Rodrigo provided floor-plan information and confirmed outreach to Alder Madison and MPD; the committee approved the license.
Refuel Pantry (gas station at 1010 N. Sherman Ave.) — Harinder Singh, who said his office had left messages for police and alder, agreed to continue prior conditions (no 40-ounce bottles; no single cans); committee moved to grant with prior conditions and approved the motion.
Hotel and franchise licenses — The Courtyard Madison East and Fairfield Inn & Suites licenses were discussed and recommended for approval, with the Fairfield Inn’s liquor sales limited to wine as a condition.
Most approvals were carried by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tallies in the minutes. Where the transcript records a roll call (for the earlier motion to lay one item on the table), it is noted in the ALRC minutes. Applicants were reminded that city sign-offs by building, zoning, fire inspection and public health remain required before issuance.
What’s next: Grantee candidates will complete agency sign-offs (building, zoning, fire inspection, health) and licenses will be issued after those agencies clear the locations.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar (dual-branded with IHOP in the future) — Parker Conover, attorney for the applicant, described the dual-brand plan and construction timeline. The committee moved to grant the license and, "seeing none," approved it without objection. Conover said alcohol would be served within the permitted statutory hours and the applicant would comply with any local restrictions.
Ellora (doing business as Alara) — Applicant Kalyani described the Mediterranean-fusion café and cocktail service at 10 W. Mifflin St., proposed hours (coffee at 8 a.m.; food and drinks from 11 a.m. and closing by 10 p.m. on most nights) and estimated an opening around Feb. 20 pending equipment. Members confirmed the police captain and alder had been contacted and moved to grant the license; motion carried.
J & G Mini Market (relocation and larger liquor selection) — Applicant Anna Buica described plans to separate liquor from market items and implement an ID/buzzer entry for the 21-and-over selection. Captain Hartman reported no concerns; the committee moved to grant with the existing five license conditions (sale-size restrictions, Sunday opening restriction, camera-recording retention) and approved the motion.
La Bonita — Initially tabled to the end of the agenda to allow side conversations and language interpretation; later taken off the table, applicant Rodrigo provided floor-plan information and confirmed outreach to Alder Madison and MPD; the committee approved the license.
Refuel Pantry (gas station at 1010 N. Sherman Ave.) — Harinder Singh, who said his office had left messages for police and alder, agreed to continue prior conditions (no 40-ounce bottles; no single cans); committee moved to grant with prior conditions and approved the motion.
Hotel and franchise licenses — The Courtyard Madison East and Fairfield Inn & Suites licenses were discussed and recommended for approval, with the Fairfield Inn’s liquor sales limited to wine as a condition.
Most approvals were carried by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tallies in the minutes. Where the transcript records a roll call (for the earlier motion to lay one item on the table), it is noted in the ALRC minutes. Applicants were reminded that city sign-offs by building, zoning, fire inspection and public health remain required before issuance.
What’s next: Grantee candidates will complete agency sign-offs (building, zoning, fire inspection, health) and licenses will be issued after those agencies clear the locations.
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