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J. Edwards restaurant applies for alcohol permit

By Rose Hooper
J. Edwards Restaurant in Cullowhee Herald photo by Rose Hooper

A paved asphalt surface and poles erected for netting indicate a future tennis court at J. Edwards Restaurant in Cullowhee. In order to sell alcohol on the premises, restaurant owners Brian and Paul McClure have applied to the ABC Board under a special provision as a sports club.

Cullowhee could soon be home to a sports club providing alcoholic beverages to its customers.

Brothers Brian and Paul McClure's application for J. Edwards restaurant to seek an alcohol permit has already been approved by county Manager Jay Denton. County approval is the first step in obtaining an Alcoholic Beverage Control permit. The next step is for the ABC Board in Asheville to review their paperwork and portfolio.

From there, if everything is in order, the McClures could go to the ABC Board in Charlotte - the nearest permitting office. The local ABC board cannot issue permits, only the state board can, said local ABC member Jana Fulton.

To qualify as a sports club, the McClures are building a tennis court adjacent to the restaurant. Plans also call for a pro shop on the property they lease from Eugene Hooper.
If approved, J. Edwards will be allowed to serve beer, wine and liquor by the drink to members and non-members.

"(The availability of alcohol) should be a blanket law for everybody," said Wanda Moss, owner of the Riverhouse Restaurant in Cullowhee. "Since when does an asphalt lot with poles constitute a sports club? To me, it's a stretch of the imagination."

Cullowhee Realtor Norman West and a partner opened a private club in Cullowhee about 1970. They called it "Top Cat Club," he said.

"We fixed it up about as nice as we could," West said. "Only 55 people joined. It actually amazed me at how little response we got - and that was when you had to drive to Waynesville for beer and to Asheville for mixed drinks. There's a certain amount of apathy in our area, but I wish the McClures well."

At J. Edwards, membership prices for students are proposed at $5 a month or $50 a year with other individual membership at $60 a year. Membership will be open to those 18 and older, though state law prohibits sale of alcohol to anyone under age 21. Some of the benefits of membership could include free use of the tennis courts, inclusion in private parties and discounts on special meals and occasions and at the pro shop.

If approved, J. Edwards plans to serve alcohol from 11 a.m. until closing, which on special nights could be 2 a.m. As by state law, no alcohol will be served on Sunday until after noon.

The McClures said they are revamping their lunch and dinner menus - all under the preparation of chef Val Gene Hamilton Sr. The restaurant will also offer Saturday and Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will be available for private parties, wedding receptions and banquets.

"I think (the McClures) are filling a real need in this county," said Denton. "I favor new types of businesses in Jackson County."

As far as alcohol sales are concerned, Denton said, "Alcohol increases a restaurant's revenue, plus it's good for the tourist business. The pure nature of Jackson County is changing. We have alcohol permits in Cashiers, and it will happen in other places in Jackson County, too."

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