City Council Set to Re-Vote on Liquor License for New Restaurant

In January, the in a vote to approve a liquor license for Rrok Dedivanaj, manager of , who would like to open a Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza franchise at 3324 Owen Road.

The city council has the resolution for the liquor license on the agenda for Monday's meeting and is likely ready to vote again.

Chief Rick Aro said he could not recommend approval to council, based on a background investigation on the applicant.

Dedivanaj has no criminal felony convictions, but was arrested for a misdemeanor property violation in 2010 in Novi. In addition, he had two contacts with the Fenton Police Department in 2006 and 2011, involving alcohol and fights, Aro said. He was not prosecuted for any of the incidents.

Council members Brad Jacob, Michael Piacentini and Councilwoman Pat Lockwood voted in favor of the Resort Class C liquor license transfer from its current owner, Galley O’Malley LLC, to Dedivanaj’s Rrokstar Design LLC. Fenton Mayor Sue, Osborn, Councilwoman Cheryl King and Councilman Benjamin Smith voted against it. Councilman Les Bland was absent from the meeting.

Many Fenton Patch readers commented on the story and on the Fenton Patch Facebook page.

Denise McDowell said, "I find it so sad that so few people have the power to continue to let this city sit idle when we could grow and build! Not many people can start new businesses in this economy so when a person steps up to do so why are 3-4 people in line to shoot them down!"

Laura Carpenter posted," The Dedivanaj Family is a huge asset to the Fenton area. I know they support dozens of programs that come to the them for financial assistance through Wounded Warrior, local events, etc. These are the kinds of people we need to grow our community and they have done an outstanding job with the Mega business. I hope the city council reconsiders this license when they have a full council."

Krista Weaver said, "I think it would be a shame for the Fenton City Council to deny Dedivanaj the license for this new restaurant. He's already proven he can run a successful restaurant (Mega) and the new venture will provide 45 jobs in Fenton. 45 JOBS! Not to mention, it will remodel and occupy a building that has sat vacant for far too long."