Kingsport Beverage Board approves expanded permit including IMAX

KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Beverage Board met Tuesday and reviewed two new permit applications and amended a previously issued one. The first permit was for Blind Raven Brewing Company LLC, who was requesting on- and off-premise permits for the Blind Raven cocktail bar and restaurant to be opened at 107 E. Market St. in downtown Kingsport. Greg Cooper was there as a representative of the business, on behalf of owner Aaron Carson who could not be present for the meeting. He said the new establishment, being built at the former location of Market Street Social Club, will also offer entertainment such as jazz. Cooper explained how employees at the forthcoming restaurant go through the state required ABC certification as well as their own standard operating procedure in-house to be prepared for serving alcoholic beverages. In the Tri-Cities, their business footprint includes the Blind Raven and Gypsy Circus Cider. "We are currently, under the permit that we currently have, finishing up construction," he said. According to Cooper, they are hoping to have the restaurant completed "in the next couple months," last he heard. The board granted Blind Raven the permit, along with an extension giving the business 90 days to begin operations rather than the usual 30-day window. Kulchamai Chaiyasit was at the meeting requesting approval for an on-premises permit for Thai Avenue, located at 4040 Fort Henry Drive. She said that Thai Avenue recently opened, as well as her other restaurant Thai Cuisine on Jack White Drive. Board Chair John McKinley asked Chaiyasit the same set of questions, ensuring that the restaurant is appropriately training its serving staff. The board also granted Chaiyasit's permit. IMAX addition Troy Smith, representing NCG Cinema Kingsport, came before the board requesting to amend their current permitted space to include the IMAX theater — which is set to officially open July 16 with a ribbon cutting the following day. "[The request is] to expand our current permit to include our IMAX addition that's currently under construction," he said. Kingsport City Attorney Bart Rowlett clarified that alcohol sales for the business will only be permitted at times where there are food sales at the theater. John Mulherin, vice president of government relations for Hull Property Group, shared an update with the Kingsport Economic Development Board in May regarding the IMAX opening. He said the IMAX had to be completed in time for "The Odyssey" movie, which was shot entirely on IMAX film cameras. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" also comes out at the end of the same month. Mulherin said at the May meeting that NCG Cinema at the mall would shut down starting Aug. 18 to renovate the existing theater, upgrade auditorium seats and concessions. All three of the presented requests were approved unanimously by the board.