46-19 48th Ave.
June 30, 2014 By Christian Murray
A Latin bar/restaurant is expected to open on 48th Avenue, between 46th and 47th Streets.
The establishment, to be called Amanecer Caliente, will be taking over the space that was previously occupied by a pizzeria.
The owner of Amanecer, who spoke to Community Board 2 about his liquor license application earlier this month, said that he plans to operate the business as a restaurant by day and a bar by night.
The owner told the board that he would like to open at 7 am for breakfast each day and remain open until 2 am Monday through Wednesday—and until 4 am from Thursday through Sunday.
However, Patrick O’Brien, chairman of Community Board 2’s City Services and Public Safety Committee, told the owner that the committee prefers new establishments to start off with more limited hours. He said that if all goes well, the hours can be expanded at a later date.
The owner emphasized that the establishment would be small and that it would not generate much in the way of noise.
He said that there would be 10 tables, which would cater to 36 patrons, as well as 6 stools at the bar. He said that there would be security guards working on Friday and Saturday nights (from 10 pm through 4 am). The owner also said that there would not be any amplified music or dancing.
“Food is the breakeven point…and beer, wine and liquor is what generates profit,” the owner said. “We ask for there to be some consideration about generating a profit,” he said, in a plea for the board not to cut back his hours of operation.
However, while the board had no issue about recommending the license, it did want to clip back the hours.
O’Brien said to his fellow board members: “It is a bit volatile area over there and there are apartment buildings right there… between 46th and 47th Streets.”
Board member Norberto Saldana, who lives near the proposed establishment, agreed with O’Brien’s assessment, and said that it can get very rowdy in that section of the neighborhood at night.
The board approved the license but limited the hours to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The vote was unanimous.
