A first for Downtown York Restaurants; Plans to open full-service alcohol sales in coming weeks

 Call it “Restaurant Week” luck, but the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) is excited to announce that earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approved granting an Economic Development Liquor License (EDLL) to Hamir’s Indian Fusion in Downtown York.

EDLLs are an economic development tool to support small business growth and community revitalization. Based upon York County’s population, two economic development liquor licenses may be issued in York County per year. This was a collaborative partnership between the York County Economic Alliance, Downtown Inc., Better York, and Hamir’s Indian Fusion, that began over two years ago to apply for an EDLL.

“These liquor licenses are designed for small businesses to be able to serve and generate revenue and attract more business,” said Kevin Schreiber, President and CEO of the YCEA. “The benefit is that the applicant pays a one-time fee of approximately $50,000 for a non-transferrable license, versus acquiring a license on the open market – a much more competitive and costly proposition, thus paving the way for more very small, independent businesses to access economic opportunity.” The YCEA engaged Attorney Larry Heim of Barley-Snyder to serve as legal counsel and support the application process, along with Attorney Heim, Attorney Christian Miller of MPL Law Firm, supported the effort. “It’s a tedious, intricate process,” added Schreiber. “There is no guarantee. We’re grateful for Larry’s counsel, and Hamir’s faith in us, and members of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, to give this a shot in Downtown York.”

“Having this liquor license is a game changer. The ability to sell alcohol is a game changer. Now we can fully participate in the events of Downtown York, the community we are blessed to be a part of,” shared Hamir Patel, owner and chef. Hamir’s Indian Fusion debuted in the Taste Test pop series in Downtown York before opening a full restaurant in 2018. A true partner of Downtown since the beginning, Hamir plans to use this opportunity for greater partnerships. “Our restaurant is all about the fusion guest experience, not only with our menu but with our collaboration with other local businesses,” shares Hamir. “We plan on partnering with Revival Social Club and Handsome Cab to design a cocktail and wine menu that pairs with our food menu, and we even plan on selling beer from the craft breweries in our community. It’s all about teamwork in Downtown York.”

“This license is a huge win for York Countians and our locally owned small businesses that have had to bear the brunt of the challenges throughout the pandemic,” added Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill. “I give all of the credit to Hamir for his investment in our community, his commitment to growing local jobs and providing a great place for families and friends to eat and drink.”

“We’re grateful Hamir has chosen our community to launch and expand his business, and grateful to the YCEA and partners for making this happen,” shared State Representative Carol Hill-Evans, who serves the 95th District. “This victory for Hamir’s Indian Fusion and Downtown York is a testament to the Commonwealth’s’ investment in small business.”