Biryani Kitchen, 114 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, was given approval by the Kosciusko County Alcohol Tobacco Commission for a new beer, wine and liquor riverfront and lakefront alcohol permit.

By David Slone
Times-Union

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Biryani Kitchen is looking to add alcohol to its menu to enhance diners’ experience.Thursday, May 1.

Mahaganapathy Kesavan, owner of Kovai Foods LLC, doing business as Biryani Kitchen, 114 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, went before the Kosciusko County Alcohol Tobacco Commission for a new beer, wine and liquor riverfront & lakefront district license.

Kesavan said the principle nature of his business was “to serve the community with authentic Indian food.” He said they’ve been operating the restaurant since 2019. Since then, they’ve received “great support” from the community and “great reviews.” While customers have enjoyed the food since the first day the restaurant was opened, Kesavan said customers have also asked for liquor like Taj Mahal beer and other very popular Indian brands. While the primary focus will continue to be authentic Indian food, he said they wanted to begin serving alcohol just to enhance the experience.

Commission President Alan Alderfer asked Kesavan if he’s ever owned a restaurant that served alcohol before. Kesavan said this is his first and only restaurant. He said he completed the server license from the state Alcohol Tobacco Commission and all the employees will do the same in the near future.

Kesavan said they will be responsible in serving alcohol and make sure to check for identification. “We will strictly enforce all the rules to comply with ATC and the state rules and regulations,” he stated. With no remonstrators, the new alcohol license application was unanimously approved by the commission.

Excise officer April Tackett said the Kosciusko County ATC’s approval was a recommendation to the state commission, who will still make the final approval at their meeting Tuesday. Once the state approves it, they will mark Biryani Kitchen as active and send their license in the mail. However, Biryani Kitchen does not need to wait until they receive the permit in the mail to begin selling alcohol, they just need to wait until after Tuesday’s state hearing and they are marked active online.

With a slight change in ownership, the beer, wine and liquor restaurant license for Las Nueva Trojes, 115 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, also is changing hands.

Another case before the commission Thursday was for a transfer of a beer, wine and liquor restaurant (210) license for Las Nueva Trojes LLC, doing business as Las Nueva Trojes, 115 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

Owner Enrique Bargas and manager Leydy Bargas went before the commission for the transfer. Leydy said there were four previous owners of the restaurant. When partner Juan Gonzalez decided to sell his share, that’s when Bargas and one of the other partners decided to create a new LLC.

“That’s the reason why we’re transferring from Juan Gonzalez to Enrique Bargas,” she said.

Alderfer said it’s the same business, but they’re just changing ownership, and Leydy said that was correct. With no remonstrators, the commission unanimously approved the transfer of the license. The state commission will have final say on the transfer at their meeting Tuesday.

Alcohol licenses without any violations approved for renewal by the commission Thursday included:

• Freeland Enterprises Inc., doing business as Pizza Hut, 502 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, beer and wine retailer restaurant permit.

• RT Michiana Franchise LLC, doing business as Ruby Tuesday No. 7368, 3308 E. Center St., Warsaw, beer, wine and liquor restaurant (209) permit.

• 502 Mixology LLC, doing business as 502 Mixology, 502 N. First St., Pierceton, beer, wine and liquor — catering hall permit.