After the lease was signed, Tompkins began pursuing the only aspect that potentially will delay the project — a liquor license.

Normally, liquor licenses are based on population and all 31 of East Lansing’s Class C licenses — that grant businesses the ability to sell beer, wine and spirits — are occupied. Tompkins is seeking a special tavern license, granting only beer and wine sales.

Despite being cooperative through much of the process, Tompkins said they have received some concerns from the council regarding the liquor license.

The council’s main concern is the restaurant would be rezoned for a Class C license, which would allow the restaurant to sell liquor, said Tompkins, who also is a lawyer who often deals with liquor licenses. Although, to switch to a Class C license would require funds out of his reach and re-approval by city council, he said.

“There have definitely been some concerns,” he said. “Especially because the license we’re going for from the city has never issued before.”

Councilmember Kevin Beard made his concerns public at a previous city council meeting. He said the restaurant pursuing a Class C license after issuing would jeopardize the business.

“Besides his word, council has not seen anything to suggest they would sell just beer and wine,” Beard said. “Plenty of East Lansing establishments are supported by the sale of liquor. We don’t need a small establishment such as this to rely on the sale of alcohol.”

Tompkins said the city has the right to deny him and his restaurant a license.

“They’ll be with me every step of the way and can say no,” he said. “They’re worrying about the what-ifs, and that’s what the government has to do.”

The differences in licenses are large, but both are subject to quota and based on populations, said Andrea Miller, a public information officer for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Miller said to switch, the owners would have to go through the application process again.

“They couldn’t just add on the new license,” she said. “They’d have to go through again and have the city approve it again.”

Tompkins said he’s hopeful the next council meeting works out in his favor. About $10,000 has already been put toward the project and Tompkins said he and other owners could end up spending another $100,000.

Tompkins said the liquor license would allow the business some insurance to paying back the investors.

“When you’re eating a bratwurst at home, you don’t want to eat it with milk, you want a beer,” he said. “Our hope is to bring people in and offer them sausages and beer.”