Ann Arbor's babo market to get beer and wine; Bar Louie receives approval for dance permit
Sava Lelcaj’s downtown Ann Arbor market, babo, will begin selling wine and beer this week.
The market, located on the first-floor of Sterling 4 Eleven Lofts on the corner of Division and Washington streets, opened in December and has been waiting on a beer and wine license.
The downtown Ann Arbor market babo will begin selling beer and wine this week.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
Lelcaj, who called the license babo's "missing link," said the market will carry 45 different wines, mostly priced under $25. There will also be a variety of beer with an emphasis on Michigan brews.
The alcohol is available for purchase and will also be served at the market, with four rotating wines available each day. Lelcaj said patrons can sit inside or on the new outdoor patio, which has seating for roughly 40 people.
She plans to launch a happy hour next week that will likely offer half-off prices on beer and wine.
Another downtown Ann Arbor establishment, Bar Louie, recently applied for a dance-entertainment permit, and Ann Arbor City Council approved the request Monday night.
Council Member Tony Derezinski, D-2nd Ward and the city’s liquor license hearing officer, said Bar Louie’s previous license had some restrictions on it and the additions to the license will allow the bar to host receptions and have some dancing.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Jimmy McNulty
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
Good luck Sava Lelcaj. I'm sure yours will be a great venue to relax and people-watch on the patio.
A2comments
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:42 a.m.
Bar Louie has zero open floor space...
Goofus
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
What's the over/under on the mark-up on beer at Babu? I'm guessing every six pack cost at least 3 bucks more than anywhere else in the county.
lindor
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.
By the way KAREN... Interesting how your opinion has changed so much since your DEcember 13, 2011 commentary. Prices were just right a few months ago and have only gone down since... Now you're complaining about them.... LOL LOL. If you forgot what you wrote, I included it below for you.... Sounds like you're a disgruntled employee that lost her job. See below.... I am blown away by the hateful comments I am reading. I have been to babo a few times now and what a joy it is to walk into such an estheticaly pleasing place of artistic style and beauty. Everything is so appealing to the eye and the music is so inviting. How could you not want to shop here! All the food is delicious, the smells embrace your senses and there is honestly something for absolutely everyone to purchase in a variety of price ranges. And the coffee????? WOW!!! Have a cappuccino, an expresso, a latte, a pour over or whatever you desire. The aroma is magnificent, the flavor on your palate is silky smooth, and the prices are just right! So if you are a "foodielover" you will have no problem finding delectable items for yourself, your family or for a special gift! Good luck babo...you are just what Ann Arbor needs and I for one am thrilled you are here!!! Thrive and prosper! You've got a friend and customer in me! And to whomever compared babo to Sparrows...I love Sparrows and I am glad they are here....but shame on you!
Karen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
This is so true. There is nothing in Babo Market you can't buy someplace else in town for less and even far less. Sava's prices on both grocery items and prepared foods are ridiculously overpriced. I can't even imagine what her mark up on wine and beer is going to be! I will only buy my wine and beer from Plum Market or Whole Foods where they have competitive pricing, great specials because they can afford to buy in quantity, by the case discounts and incredibly knowledgeable sales personnel. Babo's staff may be friendly most of the time but that is it. They have an extremely limited knowledge of the products they sell and I am sure their "Wine Director" has no education; he is a bartender at Sava's restaurant...I know this because I am a customer. They try and tell a good story but they truly underestimate the intelligence of the A2 community. Drive or take the bus the extra mile to Plum Market or Whole Foods. Even with the price of gas you will save substancially and in both locations they have FREE PARKING! Stick to the restaurant business Sava. I think you are in over your head!
Jimmy McNulty
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.
Then don't buy any.
dconkey
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.
Does "dance permit" equal strippers?
Chris Goosman
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
No. In Michigan the Liquor Control Commission issues Dance Permits and they are distinctly different than a Topless Activity Permit. See http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(54lycy55051xj1nqgtaddze2))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-436-1916