Zaharakos seeking riverfront liquor license from city

The iconic Zaharakos restaurant in downtown Columbus is requesting a liquor license.

The owners of the restaurant and Moravec Realty, the building owner, made the request at this week’s Columbus Redevelopment Commission. They applied for a riverfront liquor license overseen by the redevelopment commission, citing a desire to be an active participant in the Downtown Outdoor Recreation Area, or DORA. The restaurant would also like to continue to expand and improve its food, menu and special event offerings.

The city controls 15 riverfront liquor licenses meant to enhance the downtown area. Heather Pope, redevelopment director for the city, said of those, nine are currently available.

The restaurant celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. It was refurbished and renovated in 2009 under the ownership of Tony Moravec, bringing it back to its early 1900s decor and status as an ice cream bar with its historic organ.

The redevelopment commission agreed to forward a favorable recommendation to the mayor. The mayor would then send a letter of support and forward the application to the state liquor control authorities.