Couple apply for Crocodile Cafe liquor license

There's new hope, Crocodile Cafe mourners: Marcus and Sheila Charles have applied for the liquor license attached to the beloved club, and the approval process is under way.

The Croc, at Second Avenue and Blanchard Street in Belltown, closed suddenly in December. It was Seattle's best and most famous rock club. Marcus Charles owns the Bad Juju, a bar on the same block.

The Charles duo are a limited partnership called "Foodie 1," which applied for the license July 8, said Washington State Liquor Control Board spokesman Brian Smith on Monday. Previous applicant Groupee Venues backed out of its liquor-license application last March.

After application, it's a roughly two-month process until a license is granted, assuming the board's background check and investigation of the applicants is uneventful and Seattle city authorities have no objections, Smith said.

There is no word yet as to what Foodie 1 plans to do if the license is granted.

Marcus Charles could not be reached for comment.

Andrew Matson: 206-464-2153 or amatson@seattletimes.com