Valparaiso’s downtown continues moving forward as a dining destination, as a new eatery prepares to petition the City Council for a liquor license and an established eatery seeks to relocate within the historic dining district. Paparazzi Restaurant and Bar is seeking to relocate its modern Italian eatery from 21 Lincolnway to 13 Lincolnway and Margarita’s Bar & Grill is seeking approval to establish a new Mexican Restaurant at 21 Lincolnway.
“Despite a really challenging economy, we’re fortunate to have so many successful downtown restaurants and new ventures interested in joining the downtown,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “Creating 10 liquor licenses in the historic, downtown district has been a positive incentive, but a revitalized streetscape, the addition of Central Park Plaza, and inspired downtown events planning have also driven the success of our downtown,” he said.
Paparazzi will petition both the Restaurant Board Advisory Committee and the City Council in early 2011 to transfer its current liquor license within the historic district. “While historic district liquor licenses can’t be moved outside the historic dining district, the City Council can approve the transfer within the district,” said Matt Murphy, Valpo’s Economic Development Director. “Paparazzi has been a great addition to the downtown, bringing diners and quality Italian food to the mix. We’re pleased that they’ve chosen to remain in Valpo, to invest in remodeling a downtown building and in putting people to work in our city,” he said. Partners in Paparazzi plan to invest $185,000 in their new Lincolnway location and employ up to 30 people.
Margarita’s is a proposed new full-service Mexican restaurant, offering affordable, high quality authentic cuisine as well as specialty margaritas and cocktails. The restaurant will be patterned after the successful Margarita’s Bar & Grill in Lynwood, Illinois, owned by Jose Maldonado. Maldonado is a partner in the Valparaiso Maldonado’s venture and also owns and operates Trio Trattoria in Valparaiso. Other partners include Valparaiso residents Denny Follis and Dennis Hain. The three plan to invest $165,000 in the Lincolnway location and employ 15 to 20 employees, all from Valparaiso. Margarita’s will seek approval by the city’s four-member Restaurant Board Advisory Committee and then City Council approval for a historic district liquor license. The restaurant could be in operation within two months of the required approvals.
“We’re excited to see new activity in our downtown and look forward to completing the downtown park. The spring of 2011 is shaping up to be very special,” said Costas.