New Kensington Council approves liquor license transfer to former Kings building

New Kensington Council approved a liquor license transfer for a Lower Burrell restaurant that is planning to move into the former Kings restaurant in New Kensington.

Council approved the request from Bridged Hospitality Group after a public hearing Monday.

Bridged Hospitality owns the Around Back Restaurant & Bar, currently on Lower Burrell’s Wildlife Lodge Road. The company also owns Willow, an Ohio Township restaurant it bought in early 2020.

Greg Meyer, owner of Bridged Hospitality, said he anticipates that Around Back will open at its new location in the Burrell Business Center in August or September, depending on how construction proceeds.

Mark Kozar, an attorney with Flaherty & O’Hara, a law firm specializing in liquor licensing matters, said Around Back would maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with an extensive menu appealing to all tastes, including a kids’ menu.

Staff would be trained to spot fake identifications and visibly intoxicated patrons, Kozar said.

Alcohol would be served as a compliment to the food and would not be served as the main attraction, he said. Because Bridged already owns a license, it did not look to buy one within New Kensington.

“They will make a great addition to the dining opportunities in New Kensington,” Kozar said.

In response to questions from Councilman Todd Mentecki, Meyer said they would not have any live outdoor music or loud noises. He said they are considering an outdoor patio on the back of the building.

Meyer said business hours would be 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 4 to 10 or 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

“Welcome to New Kensington,” Mayor Tom Guzzo said.