Smokey's has its day in the sun

Byram — After a very successful grand opening, and a house so packed on a regular basis he had to resort to Valet Parking, owner of Smokey’s Texas BBQ and Steakhouse, Richard “Smokey” Alexander, was finally granted his liquor license transfer at last Monday’s Township Council meeting. Alexander opened his new restaurant two months ago working off of the license that had been issued to former proprietor Don Falconer. In his first attempt at the transfer, his request was denied by the council. There was a discrepancy between the submitted application and Byram Police Chief Raymond Rafferty’s report. Because of a tie vote on the issuance, the council could not approve Alexander’s request. With his lawyer’s guidance and an amended Alcoholic Beverage Control commission application, Alexander came before the council again with his request. This time the discussion was quick and the decision was unanimously in favor of the transfer. Mayor Eskil Danielson said Smokey’s “is a credit to Byram Township and we would like it to remain that way.” He said he had been to the establishment several times and thoroughly enjoyed it. He even joked about going toe-to-toe with Alexander in a karaoke competition. Alexander thanked the council and accepted the challenge, at the Mayor’s choice of time and date.