Hadley’s liquor license application OK’d

Being a ‘restaurant eating place retail dispenser’ expected to draw business

After conducting a hearing that generated no public comment, City Council this week endorsed an application from pizza restaurant JJ Hadley & Co. Brewers for a special kind of liquor license that would allow it to take advantage of opportunities not available under its current brewer's license.

Getting an economic development "restaurant eating place retail dispenser" license will enable Hadley's to serve brunch, serve on Sundays and cater to post-Mishler Theatre events, enabling owner John Hrivnak to hire additional people and help enliven downtown, Hrivnak said.

Hrivnak is applying for the license under a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board program that allows for creation of new licenses after counties have reached the standard quota of one license per 3,000 people, provided the license could be a tool for revitalization and provided the municipality approves in cases where the establishment isn't located in a designated enterprise or opportunity zone.

Hrivnak and his wife, Jen, were considering Pittsburgh and State College as well as Altoona in 2017 when they started planning for the restaurant and a companion juice bar, and they ended up choosing Altoona -- despite connections with the other two municipalities -- because it would be easier to make a mark here, Hrivnak told council.

"I always wanted to make an impact," he said. "I think I made a great choice."

The additional business opportunities the new license will provide can help the city with population retention and with recruiting of businesses, Hrivnak suggested.

"It helps to drive by a fully active downtown," he said.

Part of his effort has been to acquire the property next door, Hrivnak said.

"You're definitely making a positive impact," said Councilman Dave Butterbaugh.

State liquor law permits counties one new economic development license per year.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.