Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Northern Westchester Thanks To Amended Legislation

Thanks to the efforts of lawmakers, a Northern Westchester eatery that had been unable to get a liquor license for years because of its proximity to a church can finally serve drinks.

Assemblymember Chris Burdick and New York State Sen. Peter Harckham pictured with Exit 4 Food Hall co-owner Isi Albanese, Albanese's son and co-manager John Albanese, and co-owner Jeff Friedlaender with his son and co-manager, Greg Friedlaender. — Assemblymember Chris Burdick and New York State Sen. Peter Harckham pictured with Exit 4 Food Hall co-owner Isi Albanese, Albanese's son and co-manager John Albanese, and co-owner Jeff Friedlaender with his son and co-manager, Greg Friedlaender.
Photo Credit: *Office of State sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons*

Ben Crnic

10/24/2024 9:00 a.m.

Since opening in February 2016, Mount Kisco's Exit 4 Food Hall, located at 153 East Main St., had been trying to secure a state liquor license. However, co-owner Isi Albanese was unable to do so for years because the eatery was located within 200 feet of a local church.

This posed a problem, as New York state law prohibited issuing liquor licenses to establishments within 200 feet of a house of worship. Although Albanese sought an exception, he was unable to secure it.

That is, until New York State Senator Pete Harckham of New York's 40th Senate District and Assemblymember Chris Burdick of the 93rd Assembly District stepped in to lend a hand. Together, the two lawmakers were able to amend state law to allow Exit 4 to finally get its liquor license, according to Harckham's office.

Albanese expressed his gratitude and excitement that his establishment can now serve alcohol.

"This is a great example of the government working with local businesses and helping people thrive," Albanese said.

Burdick said he was "delighted" that he and Harckham could secure legislation changes to help Exit 4.

"This wonderful establishment has become a mainstay in Mount Kisco, and I want to do everything I can to support my district’s small businesses, which are the heart and soul of our communities," Burdick said.

A cafeteria-style eatery, Exit 4 serves cuisine from several different cultures and uses fresh local ingredients in its food. Menu options include pizza, pasta, wraps and paninis, burgers, tacos, ramen bowls, and more.

According to the two lawmakers, the food hall is located in the former space of an Italian restaurant with an arcade known as Bellizzi, which originally opened in 1991 as Pizza Pizzazz.

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