The trio that bought the former 2nd Story Theatre went before the Warren Town Council on July 11 for three approvals to begin expanding operations in the first floor of the 28 Market St. space, where the new In Your Ear record store now occupies.

The Council ultimately approved a liquor license, food service license, and entertainment license for that area, which will enable the group to begin selling drinks and food within the bar area that they are building out, and hoping to have operational by the end of the month.

Taylor Benton, who is overseeing the food and drink operations for the group, told the Council that they envision patrons being able to get drinks from the bar and peruse the record shop, or listen to vinyl at stations located in the main shopping area and within the bar room.

The Council approved the request on the condition that signage would be prominently displayed indicating the bar area was strictly open to those age 21 and above, and that adequate supervision would be provided to ensure no younger patrons were able to access alcohol within the store.

“There’s no space in the record store or the bar where you won’t be under supervision at all times,” said Benton, explaining that the store and bar area both have an open concept that would enable them to watch for underage patrons.

The Council also inquired about how the food operation would be carried out, which Benton indicated would start slow as to not try to compete with surrounding restaurants — at least initially.

“We want to initially offer an appetizer menu. We have some neighbors that we’re trying to keep in mind,” he aid. “We want to explore the opportunity of traveling chefs come and take over the kitchen. It’s not going to operate as a commissary kitchen…If we can get to the point where our kitchen could take off on our own we’ll go down that avenue. But for now it will be a small sampling menu and chefs will come in to work when they’re able to.”

As for entertainment, the license will enable the group to host unplugged, acoustic performances within the bar room, or bring in DJs to play vinyl.

Any requests regarding the upstairs theater are still to come, as the group is still in the midst of renovating the space and securing public safety approvals.