Overview: The Riverside City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday to approve a high-end wine and spirits shop and tasting room at 6491-6499 Magnolia Ave, overturning a previous Planning Commission denial from April 9. The project grants applicant Jasmin “Jazz” Patel of Pragat Laxmi Corp. a conditional use permit for alcohol sale and design review despite concerns regarding ABC overconcentration in Census Tract 311.
The Full Story
The council approved the project with Councilmembers Philip Falcone, Steven Robillard, Chuck Conder, Sean Mill, Luis Hernandez and Steve Hemenway in favor. Mayor ProTem Clarissa Cervantes abstained due to a late arrival. The approval includes conditions requiring the business to close by 10 p.m. daily, reduced from the original plan of midnight. Construction must begin within one year, and the permit is subject to revocation if three or more disturbance complaints occur within 12 months.
The site, formerly occupied by Allin Party Supply and currently housing a seasonal Spirit Halloween store, will see an estimated investment exceeding $11 million. The approval grants a finding that an additional license serves the public convenience or necessity despite ABC overconcentration concerns in Census Tract 311. State law requires this finding in census tracts the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control considers overconcentrated. Councilman Steven Robillard noted that businesses open in the evening deter crime, stating that when people are walking around enjoying shopping and entertainment, it keeps those looking to do crime away.
Production & Profile
The facility spans 5,990 square feet and includes a patio. The operation is divided into two parts: Jazzy’s Wine & Spirits, a bottle shop featuring limited releases, collector-oriented inventory, and specialty groceries such as cheese and chocolate, and Jazzy’s, a tasting room with a window serving coffee and fresh juice. Three rooms are designated for classes of about 20 people, led by winemakers and master distillers. Evening cocktail classes allow customers to purchase ingredients in the adjacent shop.
The space is described as a bar, though applicant Patel states it will be called simply Jazzy’s. City documents describe the space as a bar, and Patel applied for a Type 48 license, the state’s general license for bars. Falcone praised the midcentury modern facade design as an homage to the character of the neighborhood. Patel originally planned to renovate the building in stages but agreed to do it all at once after neighbors asked him to.
Brand & Industry History
Applicant Jasmin “Jazz” Patel has spent more than 25 years in the wine and spirits business. Patel owns El Cerrito Liquor, a specialty wine and spirits store in Corona, and holds a clean record with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. After the commission’s denial, Patel mailed flyers to every address within 500 feet of the site and went door to door in the neighborhood.
What This Means
The project aims to address issues of homelessness, graffiti, and trash previously seen at the vacant property. Patel estimated he won over 50% to 70% of residents who initially opposed the project after knocking on doors of vocal critics. Resident Dave Lanham opposed the project, stating that if oversaturation exists, one ought to be reducing them rather than keeping the status quo. However, several customers of Patel’s Corona store also spoke in support.
Consumer Takeaway
The business will open at 7 a.m. with plans for fresh bread and sandwiches under consideration. The tasting room offers classes where customers can buy ingredients in the shop next door, providing an educational experience alongside retail access to limited releases and specialty items.
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