A new Mifflin Street establishment was granted a unanimous vote of approval from the Alcohol License Review Committee at Wednesday’s meeting. The Kamia Lounge, which will face final approval for its liquor license at next week’s City Council meeting, proposes to present a unique atmosphere to the city.
“We want to concentrate on ambience and aesthetics, addressing the lack of theme in Madison,” Kami Eshraghi, founder of the restaurant, said.
The new lounge would have a 100 B.C.-style courtyard setting, with themes originating from ancient China, Persia and Rome. There will be three distinct environments, including a lounge, dining room and a secluded vista.
“This is going to be more or less a champagne-and-caviar establishment,” Eshraghi said.
With wine prices ranging from $20 to $150 and expensive caviar highlighting the menu, the Kamia Lounge is catering to young business professionals and is discouraging UW-Madison student patronage.
“I am not looking forward to [students] at all,” Eshraghi added. “I don’t want their business.”
The main clientele will be graduate students and business members of the community. Eshraghi said he plans to impose a strict dress and behavior code as well.
“I’m not going to stop [students] from coming in, but if they are under-aged or do not meet regulations, they will not get in,” he said.
Although ALRC members approved to the owner’s outlook, some believed undergraduates will still be customers.
“I think the entire community, including students will enjoy [this establishment],” Verveer said.
Because the Kamia Lounge will have a lavish drink and h’ours douvres menu, Eshragi estimates only 30 percent of his income will come from food sales.
Other features may include plush futons as well as multiple private rooms. The lounge will not, however, be applying for a cabaret license for dancing.
“There will be no jukebox or electronic music,” Eshraghi said. “Ideally, this is a relaxing place for the professionals that work around the square.”
Members of the ALRC largely agreed the new establishment would be a great opportunity for Madison’s business district.
“I have no reservations in supporting this,” Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said.
“This is a unique opportunity and could be a great addition to the square,” Ald. Kent Palmer, District 15, said.
Kamia Lounge investors have put forth a lot of preparation for the success of the business. With a 16-foot-high ceiling and a $100,000 air system, the owner said no expenses were spared.
“We are basically putting everything we have into this,” Eshraghi said.
The Kamia Lounge is projected to open by the beginning of summer.
Other issues discussed at the meeting included restrictions to Liquid Lyrics Lounge, 614 S. Park St., due to failure to comply with agreed terms set by the committee.
