What's Next?

To-do list:

-Apply for a liquor license. The $10K price tag is pretty hefty, but the business will probably get $9,500 back after a 30-day trial period. The good news is that the money won't be due until the business is ready to receive the license.

-Apply for a conditional use permit. The building is in a commercial zoning district, but restaurants and taverns require special approval. The permit will remain in effect even if RePublic fails, so Jane and I will need to write in some provisions that protect nearby residents from future bar owners who may not be as respectful as us.

-Talk with the city's building inspector, police chief and fire chief. The liquor license application will automatically trigger their involvement, but I'd like to meet everyone beforehand. Ditto for the county health inspector and city wastewater treatment superintendent.

-Raise money. Tons and tons of money. This is still our biggest obstacle.