This year has been challenging for Jeremy and Cierra Sargent.
In May, Jeremy Sargent said their Highly Flavored restaurant was forced to leave Landmark Recreation Center. The couple initially had planned to revive the establishment in Downtown Peoria’s Twin Towers Mall.
The business’s liquor license request sparked months of sometimes contentious public debate before ultimately being denied.
“We have never faced so much hatred in our lives,” Jeremy Sargent said. “I absolutely have no idea where it came from.”
Now, Jeremy Sargent said they are searching for a new space to operate Highly Flavored and their other restaurant, The Fry Spot.
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‘Too much conflict for us’
Concerns and objections surrounding the liquor license request first arose during the Peoria Liquor Commission’s meeting June 3.
Landmark general manager Jason Lanzotti sent a letter which laid out various allegations against Highly Flavored and said awarding a liquor license to the new location “would be negligent.” In response, Jeremy Sargent provided a cease-and-desist letter sent to Lanzotti.
The Peoria Police Department also raised “significant concerns” in a letter to the commission.
Peoria police chief Eric Echevarria noted 119 calls for service to Landmark Recreation Center during Highly Flavored’s time there. During the meeting, liquor investigator Rick Linthicum clarified that the number of calls was based on the address – where multiple businesses operated – rather than the restaurant specifically.
Still, public safety concerns became a primary point of discussion when the request first went before the Peoria City Council.
Upon further inspection, the city’s legal department only found three reports that mentioned Highly Flavored or Sargent. City attorney Patrick Hayes added that these reports “didn’t indicate any conduct on behalf of the organization or business that led to or precipitated those issues.”
“It was kind of like, OK, you know, that should say enough,” Jeremy Sargent said.
Yet, objections to the liquor license request remained even after safety concerns were dispelled.
Councilmember Chuck Grayeb, who represents the 2nd District where Twin Towers Mall is located, centered his final opposition around feedback from residents and tenants inside the mall. The Journal Star reached out to Grayeb to inquire about what specific concerns were raised, but he did not respond to an email or multiple calls.
Jeremy Sargent said around 30 to 40 residents and tenants at Twin Towers Mall signed a petition opposing the liquor license request – which halted their plans.
“We extended the olive branch to meet with everyone who had concerns, and we never heard back,” Cierra Sargent said.
Jeremy Sargent added, “It was more of a throw the stones and hide your hands type deal.”
Ultimately, he said the experience created “just a little bit too much conflict for us.”
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‘Don’t let your setbacks keep you down’
While Jeremy Sargent said the past few months have “put a sour taste in our mouths,” he doesn’t plan to throw in the towel. He doesn’t want the experience to discourage others in the community either.
“Don’t let your setbacks keep you down,” he said. “I mean, I can’t stress that enough.”
He and Cierra Sargent began searching for a new home for their businesses in July. Jeremy Sargent said the new location will likely focus on carryout and to-go orders to avoid additional overhead costs. He also hopes to find a “freestanding building, so I can do it my way.”
The new storefront would combine Highly Flavored and The Fry Spot into one space.
Jeremy Sargent began working to shift The Fry Spot to Landmark Recreation Center in March, as he said his lease at Premier Event & Entertainment Center had come to an end. However, he said Highly Flavored was forced to leave before his plan could come to fruition.
Although both businesses closed months ago, Jeremy and Cierra Sargent said community members continue to reach out. On The Fry Spot’s last Facebook announcement – which was posted on March 6 – a comment from Sept. 30 implored the restaurant to reopen.
“Obviously we were doing something right, you know,” Jeremy Sargent said.
Any updates regarding a new location would be shared on The Fry Spot and Highly Flavored Facebook pages, Jeremy Sargent said. He added, “If and when we come back, we’ll make sure it’s permanent.”
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: After months of conflict, Peoria restaurant searches for new location
