Efforts to add liquor license at Freedom Square Diner in Harrison delayed

Diners at a popular Harrison eatery might be able to order an alcoholic beverage with their pancakes or Reuben sandwiches. It just won’t be any time soon.

Freedom Square Diner, at the Walmart Plaza on Freeport Road, is seeking approval for a liquor license transfer to its space at 18 Highlands Mall Drive.

“We’re possibly thinking of getting alcoholic beverages, but it might have to wait for a bit,” co-owner Chris Kinzler said.

“There are some issues with the license that we put an offer in on.”

Harrison commissioners were expected to have a public hearing Aug. 20 to hear input on the license application, but the meeting has been postponed.

Township Manager Amy Rockwell said Wednesday that the meeting is canceled until further notice.

Neither Rockwell or Kinzler revealed where the license would be coming from.

A township approval would have to be followed by approval from the state Liquor Control Board.

Still, serving up ready-to-drink beverages is on the restaurant’s radar.

“If you go out West, most of the breakfast places serve alcohol,” Kinzler said. “We’re not changing anything with the restaurant or the menu, just hoping to add that.”

Freedom Square Diner has four locations, including Verona, Cranberry and Monaca. The restaurant is known for hearty breakfasts and lunch but is not open for dinner. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kinzler said serving alcohol in the future would not change the atmosphere of the restaurant. Beverages would largely be ready-to-serve canned cocktails.