On Aug. 16, city council approved a City of National City staff recommendation to extend business hours at Market on 8th food hall and permit live entertainment in and outside the shared eatery through a changed Conditional Use Permit.
The CUP changes Market on 8th owner Joel Tubao requested coincide with food hall tenants Weapon Ramen seeking a state Alcohol Beverage Control license to sell beer and wine.
“The primary tenant has historically been Novo Brazil, a craft brewery which has a Type 23 alcohol license for a microbrewery,” Reeder said.
If Weapon Ramen receives their permit, the interior setup of the food hall would generally remain the same with wine sold alongside beer at the serving counter currently occupied by Novo Brazil. However, the license also allows for takeout sales.
“Tasting rooms typically have growlers they bring in and fill with their favorite craft beer. That wouldn’t happen with this form of bar but the applicant would be able to sell, for example, four-packs of craft beer or a bottle of wine. Whatever they sell there, they would also allow to-go on a limited basis,” Reeder said.
In addition to requesting approval for live entertainment, Market on 8th owner Joel Tubao also requested approval to extend daily business hours from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Additionally, changing the CUP also allows Market on 8th to book live bands, karaoke entertainment or DJs.
Based on an Aug. 1 planning commission meeting, outdoor live entertainment would end at 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursdays and by 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Inside entertainment could continue to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday but end by 10 p.m. otherwise.
Planning Commission chair Ditas Yamane, who is running for city council, listed $3,000 in donations from members of the Tubao family on her financial disclosures.
“That live entertainment would add to the success of the business is the hope,” Reeder said.
During time for public comments, National City resident David Ramos said he lives on E street and is opposed to expanded Market on 8th hours until the owner addresses current parking issues.
However, National City resident Jose Rivas said the venue has “brought the city back to life” and he would like to see extended hours.
City Clerk Luz Molina said they received 30 written comments in support of the extended hours and live entertainment, and 11 in opposition.
Before the council discussed whether or not to approve the CUP, Councilmember Mona Rios disclosed she had observed the Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 1. Additionally, Councilmembers Ron Morrison and Jose Rodriguez, and Vice Mayor Marcus Bush all disclosed they had spoken with Tubao about his business within the past few weeks.
Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis said she has not had any dealings with Tubao and asked for a clear statement regarding dancing at the venue.
Tubao said he wanted karaoke, might have a DJ and did not plan to have dancing.
Morrison said he would like the city to establish parking solutions.
Raulston said the city is already looking into parking solutions with potential for metered parking, a downtown district and other options, with a goal to bring forth a plan within the next few months.
Ultimately, the updated CUP was approved unanimously by the city council.
