Broad Axe's new operator plans to reopen by mid-April

Board of License Commissioners for Washington County granted Robert Foutch a liquor license

March 28, 2012|By DAN DEARTH | dan.dearth@herald-mail.com

The new operator of The Broad Axe restaurant and bar in downtown Hagerstown said he plans to reopen the business by mid-April.

The Board of License Commissioners for Washington County on Wednesday granted Robert Foutch a liquor license to serve alcohol at the once-popular business.

He said the restaurant at 28 W. Franklin St. has been closed since March 19 for cleaning and maintenance.

“I’ve been in there about 18 hours a day for the last week or two weeks,” Foutch said.

He said before the hearing held at the liquor board’s office at 148 W. Washington St. that he plans to have a one-page menu with signature sandwiches and other items.

“We’re going to go for quality over quantity,” Foutch said. “I’m just trying to get it to the point where I’m proud of it, and the city can be proud of it.”

He said the restaurant would employ six to eight people, but that number might increase if business picks up.

For the last six years, The Broad Axe was operated by Jose Arias, who said in January that he wanted to sell the restaurant because of lagging business.

Arias said he still wants to operate El Palenque Cantina Restaurant, another business that he owns at 204 E. Franklin St.

Before it closed, The Broad Axe served a wide variety of American and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Foutch has said that he wanted to explore delivering alcohol from The Broad Axe, which is permitted under the establishment’s Class D license.

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