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Echo Park Coffee Shop in a 'Fix' Over Liquor License
Photo by andysternberg via Flickr
When local restaurants or cafes seek a liquor license, the same nay-saying arguments tend to be hauled out: it will cause too much noise, there isn't enough parking, and what about the children?The most recent purveyor of gastronomic delights to encounter this pickle (ha) is Fix Coffee, in Echo Park.
Owner Mark Gallucci, who opened Fix at the corner of Echo Park Ave and Baxter Street in 2008, held a meeting for the public last night to get feedback on his idea for adding food, wine and beer to the menu at Fix. The cafe currently serves lighter fare, like coffee, tea, pastries and sandwiches.
According to Echo Park Patch, opinions were divided. There were the usual noise and parking arguments made against the proposal, as well as the ol' "close proximity to schools" concern thrown in for good measure. But Echo Park activist Rosie Betanzos spoke out in favor of the plan:
"Call it gentrification, call it whatever you want," she said, "but you can walk in Echo Park now, and it's because of businesses along Echo Park Avenue." "This guy has gone out of his way to talk to you, "she added. "'He didn't have to do this. And that's integrity."
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