By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved an alcoholic beverage permit for a new restaurant at the former Barbee Landing location in Warsaw.

Sherie and Joe Gallas, the new owners, were both present at the Aug. 5 meeting for a permit for Lakelife, 3687 N. Barbee Road, Warsaw.

The couple said the upstairs portion of the restaurant will be family-oriented, while the downstairs is exclusively for those who are 21 and older. Significant renovations have also been made to the building.

Barbee Landing was formerly owned by Joel Stein, who was denied a permit renewal earlier this year by the local board after family members of a deceased Indianapolis man opposed the renewal. The man, 20-year-old Ty Sawyer Lee Brown, was served alcohol at the establishment; his body was later found along McKenna Road and his death was ruled accidental after apparently falling and hitting his head.

According to Kosciusko County Beacon GIS, Stein sold the property to the Gallases in mid-May.

“We’re taking a way different route than what they (former owners) have before,” said Joe. “We’re a family-oriented restaurant. We have an outdoor area that’s going to serve ice cream and candy, and things like that for the kids.”

The couple also own the Lockport Stagecoach, a restaurant in Illinois. They said their family-oriented approach with that establishment is what they want for Lakelife.

“That’s what we’re trying to bring to the Barbee Lakes because we think that’s what it needs,” said Joe.

Sherie said they are hopeful to open Lakelife in mid- to late September once building renovations and their hiring process are all complete.

The board also approved two new alcoholic beverage permits for George and Angie’s Pub LLC, doing business as George’s Highlander, 204 E. State St., Etna Green.

Angela Faulkner and Lyle Faulkner II, the restaurant’s owners, were present at the meeting. The Faulkners formerly owned the establishment and re-purchased it this May. George’s Highlander will serve food and beverage items similar to what it used to offer when the Faulkners owned it.

“The old license is tied up with taxes and wasn’t available to transfer,” said Lyle about them applying for a new permit. “That’s why we’re applying for a new license.”

Five permit transfers for four Pizza King locations in the county were approved by the board. Troy McKee, director of operations for the northern territory of Morstor Inc., doing business as Pizza King, was present at the meeting. He said the Kosciusko County locations were formally franchise-owned, but are now company-owned.

Christopher Geiger, the general manager for Pierceton Discount Liquors, 101 S. First St., was also at the meeting regarding a violation. He told the board a former employee was cited for selling alcohol to a minor. Geiger said he’s only seen the former employee’s citation but that the business has not paid a fine yet. The renewal was continued to the board’s September meeting.

The following permits were renewed with no violations:

• Dolgencorp LLC, doing business as Dollar General Store #7880, 521 S. 1st St., Pierceton. Beer and wine dealer – grocery store.
• Dolgencorp LLC, doing business as Dollar General, 6772 N. SR 13, North Webster. Beer and wine dealer – grocery store.
• J&M Enterprises Corporation of Northern Indiana, doing business as Channel Marker Restaurant, 5793 E. Pickwick Road, Syracuse. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant.
• Kroger Limited Partnership I, doing business as Kroger J-837, 2211 E. Center St., Warsaw. Beer, wine and liquor – drug store.
• LM Acquisition Inc., doing business as New Market #770, 726 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Beer and wine dealer – grocery store.
• Sylver Moon Inc., doing business as Louie’s Bar and Grill, 209 E. Bowser Road, Syracuse. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant.
• Terhaar Inc., doing business as The Post, 134-6 N. First St., Pierceton. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant.
• Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC, doing business as Texas Roadhouse, 700 W. CR 300N, Warsaw. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant.
• Yoder Family Investments LLC, doing business as Wawasee Bowling Lanes, 1201 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant.

The local ATC board’s next meeting will be held at the Kosciusko County Courthouse at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2.