Silly Serrano granted returned liquor license

EAU CLAIRE — A liquor license previously granted to The Metro was granted to Silly Serrano Mexican Restaurant by the city.

Assistant City Attorney Jenessa Stromberger said this license “allows a business to sell and serve alcohol for consumption on a licensed premise.” This license was the only regular Combination Class B Intoxicating Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage License available at the time.

The license was previously granted to The Metro, and was returned to the city following the business not meeting the city’s requirements, said Stromberger. For the license to be “issued”, The Metro had to pass fire, health, building, plumbing, and electrical inspections.

Stromberger said by the March 1, 2024 deadline the city had set, The Metro did not pass an electrical inspection and did not have any other inspections.

“The Metro did not meet the requirements for the license to be issued so the license returned to the City,” said Stromberger.

When the license was returned it was posted on the city’s website, social media, and published in the Leader-Telegram, said Stromberger. Businesses had the opportunity to apply for the license within a period of more than six weeks.

The three businesses who applied for the license included California Tacos, Nacho’s Grill & Cantina, and Silly Serrano Mexican Restaurant, the latter of which was granted the license.

California Tacos, according to the license review committee report on their business, is “an authentic Mexican cuisine restaurant,” located at 329 Water Street, Suite 2.

Another candidate for the license was Nacho’s Grill & Cantina. According to their business plan included in the city’s agenda, the restaurant will be on Mall Drive.

Stromberger said Nacho’s Grill & Cantina will be a “seafood-focused Mexican restaurant” and is planned to open in the summer.

Owner of Silly Serrano, Sheila Arredondo, said the restaurant’s goal is to be a hub for the West Side.

“Our clientele is mainly working professionals and retirees,” said Arredondo. “We’re looking to provide quality food but pair it with family fun activities for the community such as live music, Zumba, salsa classes, and cooking classes. We’re hoping to help bring the West Side community together.”

Now they have been granted the license they plan to have later hours, potentially around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. on weekends and 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. on weekdays, said Arredondo.

Another addition they are planning with the license is a bar lounge, said Arredondo.

Silly Serrano is on 2006 Cameron Street in Eau Claire, according to their website.

The restaurant was approved by the city to receive the license in an eight to one vote.

Councilmember Clara Serrano said the choice between the three restaurants was difficult. She ended up endorsing Silly Serrano for the license.

“It is truly a neighborhood place…” said Serrano. “It’s a place to go. If you want to meet somebody you can go meet for coffee in the morning. You can meet for lunch. I really would love to be able to see a neighborhood place for the the evening as well.”

Councilmember Kate Felton said Silly Serrano had applied for a liquor license with the city previously and had a “strong application.” This time their application was also very strong and she supported giving them the license.

Arredondo said she was feeling excited after the decision.

“It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Arredondo. “It’s a great feeling.”