Nick Christi is hoping to have his restaurant ‘Christi’s? up and running in his family’s former Orion House location on Clarkston Road by Halloween.
That’s what Christi told the Orion Township trustees on Sept. 6, when he requested their approval of a new dance and entertainment permit for his restaurant, to be held in conjunction with a Class C liquor license at the location of the former Orion House.
The board granted approval, and requested the right of final inspection. Christi said he purchased the business when his other family retired.
‘We’ve been in the community for 28 years,? he said. ‘To remain competitive, I’m doing some renovations and adding video screens.?
Christi said ‘basically the same food? as Orion House had will still be on the menu at Christi’s.
‘I’m not going to change that,? he said. ‘We want a dance (and entertainment) permit to bring in live bands and allow customer dancing.
‘So people don’t have to drive to Rochester and be cramped in a smoke-filled bar,? said Christi.
He said bands would play mostly during the cocktail hour on week days, with a solo or duet act.
‘The restaurant originally had dancing when (the Christi family) purchased it,? said Christi.
Christi requested the permit wording be for seven nights a week, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Trustee Michael Gingell wanted to know if his restaurant would be taking any sound precautions.
‘We’ve never had a problem,? Christi said. ?(The building) really does hold sound…I don’t foresee (neighbors complaining) happening at all.?
Dywasuk said he wanted businesses in the township to be treated fairly, and that Orion House (soon to be Christi’s) was in violation of the township’s sign ordinance.
‘We’ll be taking the big sign down,? Christi said.
‘When my brothers decided to throw in the towel, I decided to give it another shot….Orion’s been good to us,? he added.