Kamia's Lounge is a step closer to opening its doors at 14 W. Mifflin St. with approval by the city's Alcohol License Review Committee Wednesday.
The unanimous support by ALRC sends the liquor license request to the Madison City Council, where Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he expects it to receive an equally warm reception.
ALRC member Thomas Garver said he credits owner Kami Eshraghi's successful approval, at least in part, to Eshraghi's disinclination to appeal to college-age customers. Garver added that support of Kamia's Lounge is consistent with the city's approval of other projects to draw older residents downtown.
\I think the general feeling was that this was a sort of establishment that is quite different from what is downtown and would appeal to a constituency of residents and much less a university constituency,"" he said.
Eshraghi's presentation focused on how he planned to draw customers from the suburbs downtown, Verveer said.
""I'm very supportive of the license and I think it will be a great addition to the downtown, particularly to Capitol Square, which can definitely use more night life,"" he said.
Verveer added that the price of drinks would likely serve a deterrent to curious students.
""I think that because of the price thing, the fact that this is more of a high-end establishment for both food and drinks, that would probably price at least the average UW student out of being a regular patron of the place,"" he said. ""That said, though, I think it will be a nice establishment that folks from all walks of life from throughout the community, including UW students, will be able to enjoy. Obviously it is very close and convenient to campus, being right at the top of State Street.""
Garver said, studies on the area showed university students less likely to frequent Capitol Square-area bars, because they are too far from campus for potential college customers.
""Basically, by the time you get to the Square, many students are not interested in going that far,"" he said. ""I think it's a little beyond easy walking from the campus.""
Verveer added that the bar's posh atmosphere, in addition to high prices, could prove a detraction to students.
""He has a very unique decor, if you will, ambiance, where the ambiance of the place will follow the trail of the Old Silk Road ... into different rooms with different themes with the decor based on different countries in Asia,"" he said.
Garver said Eshraghi's plan should be useful in the city's plan to revitalize Capitol Square, drawing customers with a lunch and dinner menu, and serving until bar time.
City Council members are expected to vote on the license Tuesday.
