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Home My WebLink AboutCover Letter 032425Bianca Mahomes CEO, Owner Upper Crust Events LLC 12019 Firethom Dr. North Little Rock, AR 72117 uppercrusteventcenter@gmail.com 501-580-2897 February 28, 2025 Department of Planning and Development City of Little Rock 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201 Subject: Application for Conditional Use Permit — Upper Crust Events LLC Dear Planning and Development Department, I am writing on behalf of Upper Crust Events LLC to formally submit our application for a Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 320 W. Seventh St. Little Rock, AR 72201. Our company's goal is to operate as a versatile event space designed to accommodate a variety of private and community gatherings. A portion of our space is dedicated to a bar and lounge area, which enhances the overall event experience by providing a sophisticated atmosphere for guests. As part of our operations, we would like to request approval to sell alcohol and offer nicotine - and tobacco -free hookah within this designated lounge area to cater to a mature audience and diversify our service offerings. In good faith and to ensure compliance with all regulations, we have conducted due diligence by consulting with the Attorney Specialist at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (ADFA) regarding the sale of hookah. Based on this consultation, we confirm that hookah can be sold in any space as long as it is nicotine- and tobacco -free shisha. Our intention is to offer this service while prioritizing the health and well- being of our patrons, maintaining a responsible business model, and adhering to all relevant guidelines. Our establishment aims to contribute positively to the local community by providing a flexible venue for celebrations, corporate events, and social gatherings, while also fostering a safe and upscale environment for professionals and other responsible patrons. This diversity in use aligns with the ongoing efforts to enhance Downtown Little Rock's economic and cultural landscape by attracting a broader audience to the area. We are committed to ensuring our operations comply with all local regulations and maintaining a harmonious relationship with neighboring businesses and residents. Upper Crust Events LLC will be operated by four staff members, including two owners, one bartender, and one cleaning staff (groundman). In addition to our staff members, we will hire extra security personnel when we are hosting larger scale events. Our lounge will operate from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday through Sunday. Our target audience consists of young professionals aged 25 and older. Events in the event hall of the building will be scheduled at the request of renters and will conclude no later than 1:30 AM, which falls after the normal business hours of most surrounding businesses. However, depending on the nature of the event, hours may be extended to 2:00 AM if necessary. The types of events hosted in the main hall at Upper Crust Events LLC will include but are not limited to: Corporate & Business Events: • Conferences and seminars • Trade shows and expos • Networking events • Product launches • Company retreats or team -building events • Training sessions and workshops Social & Private Celebrations: • Weddings and receptions • Birthday parties (milestone birthdays, quinceafteras, sweet sixteens) • Anniversaries • Baby showers and gender reveals • Graduation parties • Family reunions Community & Cultural Events: • Charity galas and fundraisers • Art shows and exhibitions • Cultural festivals and heritage celebrations • Holiday markets or themed seasonal events • Religious gatherings and services Entertainment & Live Events: • Concerts and live music performances • Comedy shows • Fashion shows • Dance competitions and recitals • Movie screenings or private film premieres • Wine tasting at the Lobby area Health & Wellness Events: • Fitness classes or wellness retreats • Health fairs • Yoga or meditation workshops • Sports tournaments or eSports competitions Food & Beverage Events: • Wine tastings and food festivals • Pop-up restaurants or chef showcases • Cooking classes or culinary experiences Our space is designed to be adaptable for various occasions while maintaining an upscale and professional environment. To further enhance our offerings, we will feature a private speakeasy in the back of our establishment. This intimate and exclusive space is tailored for a mature and discerning audience, including city officials, business executives, and individuals who prefer a refined yet discreet environment. The speakeasy will provide a sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and premium service without unnecessary interruptions, ensuring a comfortable and distinguished experience. To ensure the safety of our guests and protect our investments, we will implement strict security measures, including professional security personnel, surveillance cameras, and controlled entry policies. We have an established relationship with the Little Rock Police Department, which we intend to utilize as needed to further enhance safety and security at our venue. Additionally, we are committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment both inside and outside our facility. To address any concerns from neighboring businesses, we will employ a dedicated groundman to clean up after each event, ensuring that the area remains clean and presentable at all times. Parking for our establishment is ample, with available street parking, a parking garage, and a parking lot directly in front of the building. Additionally, we intend to inquire with the owner of the private parking lot in reference about the possibility of renting the lot after hours to provide even more parking options for our guests. To support our application, we have included the following required documents: • Completed Application Form Cover Letter Survey/Site Plan detailing property layout, parking, and access points Project Description outlining the nature of operations • Legal Property Description • Proof of Ownership or Landlord Authorization • Bill of assurance letter • Letter to neighboring businesses • Other Supporting Documents as Needed We are dedicated to implementing any reasonable conditions to address concerns related to parking, noise levels, or operating hours. We are prepared to participate in public hearings and actively engage with stakeholders to ensure our establishment is a valued addition to the community. Please let us know if any additional information is needed to facilitate the review of our application. We appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to working with the Planning and Development Department on this matter. Sincerely, Bianca Mahomes Owner, CEO Upper Crust Events LLC 501-580-2897 Subject: Issue with Acquiring Bill of Assurance Records To whom it may concern: I am writing to inform you about an issue I encountered while attempting to acquire the Bill of Assurance for 320 W. 7ch St. Little Rock, AR 72201. I reached out to the appropriate department to obtain the records, but unfortunately, I was informed that there were system failures which have affected the availability of data prior to 1994. As a result, there is currently no access to the Bill of Assurance data for years preceding 1994. I wanted to bring this to your attention, as it may impact the planning and development review process. Please let me know if there are any alternative steps I should take or if additional information is needed from my end. I appreciate your time and assistance in this matter. Thank you for your attention to this issue. I look forward to your guidance. Best regards, Bianca Mahomes 501-580-2897 (cell) Bianca Mahomes North Little Rock, AR �i Uperc rusteven Ccenter�"cr7 g��i a i I .cam 501-580-2897 (cell) March 4, 2025 Dear Neighbor, I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Bianca Mahomes, and I am writing to inform you of an upcoming public hearing that may be of interest to you. I am in the process of acquiring property located at 320 W. 7`" Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 for a new venture called Upper Crust Event Center. As part of the acquisition process, I am seeking a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate the event space at this location. A public hearing will be held where all members of the community, including neighbors such as yourself, will have an opportunity to express their opinions and ask questions regarding the proposed use of the property. The details of the public hearing are as follows: Date: May 8, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM Place: Department of Planning and Development 1 723 West Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72201 I encourage you to attend the hearing to learn more about the project and to share any thoughts or concerns you may have. Thank you for taking the time to consider this important matter. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at the public hearing. Sincerely, Bianca Mahomes, CEO Upper Crust Events, LLC