Dupont Public House allegedly hits roadblock

Plans to occupy the former Lovoy’s location in SoHo have allegedly stalled.

A request to conduct retail alcohol sales from Dupont Public House, the business slated to occupy the space, has been on Homewood City Council committee agendas for months. Monday, Feb. 24, it was dropped.

According to City of Homewood Chief of Staff J.J. Bichoff, owners of the property announced the project had reached an impasse.

Bischoff told Homewood Council’s Public Safety Committee that earlier in the day he had spoken with Milton "Bubba" Smith, one of the property owners. Smith recommended the Council drop the license from the agenda because an agreement could not be reached. Bischoff said specifics of the disagreement were unknown.

Dupont Public House, a business proposed by chef Chris Dupont, was projected to open in the former Lovoy’s space in early 2014.

Bischoff said Smith told him there is a possibility Dupont could walk away from that location.

Several members of the Council voiced their displeasure with the news, calling it a “waste” as design and refurbishing work had been undertaken on the site.

“This is so disappointing,” said Council member Jenifer Champ Wallis.

"A waste is right," Council member Peter Wright added.

– This story will be updates as more information becomes available.