Chadds Ford supervisors are considering an inter-municipal
liquor license transfer for the Olive Branch Restaurant on Route 202. Owner
Brian McFadden bought Antonio’s restaurant and motel and is looking to
re-establish the use of both businesses.

Supervisors opened a hearing into the liquor license
transfer prior to the start of their June Board of Supervisors meeting and
continued the hearing to 7 p.m. July 7, just before the start of their July
meeting. Supervisors’ Chairman Deborah Love wanted the continuance so
Supervisor George Thorpe, who was absent from the June session, could read the
transcript and ask questions.

During the June 1 testimony, McFadden said the motel part of
the property— with 12 rooms—would become part of the Budget Host Inn franchise
and that he hired the operators of the Olive Branch in West Chester to operate
the restaurant.

He added that there is no abutting residential property so
serving liquor, beer and wine at the restaurant would pose no nuisance.

“We want to have a positive impact on the community,” he
said.

William Shehwen III, the applicant’s attorney, described the
restaurant as an Italian bistro/tapas restaurant and that dinner is the only
meal currently being served. Lunches, brunches and breakfasts would be added
later.

Shehwen also said the restaurateurs have been state
certified on the duties and responsibilities of operating with a liquor
license.

Restaurant manager Marie Cantatore, who has 30 years of
restaurant experience, said the restaurant is currently up and running as a
BYOB and stays open until 9 p.m. With the liquor license it would stay open
longer, until 2 a.m. with no one allowed entry after 1 a.m. per state law, she
said.

The dollar ratio between food and alcohol would be 50/50,
Cantatore testified.

She said they want to slowly expand, establishing a patio
bar in a breezeway between the restaurant and the motel and later possibly
turning the basement area into a piano bar and building a gazebo outside the
basement.

She said no outdoor music is planned, but would apply to the
township if those plans change.

Shehwen later said the piano bar wouldn’t happen before
September and the gazebo sometime next year.

Other business
Supervisors appointed Karen Eckard as the new assistant secretary/assistant
treasurer and right to know officer. Township Manager Joe Barakat said Eckard
has 10 years of municipal experience, most recently in Pocopson Township.