Plans for five restaurants and one liquor store are developing after the distribution of six liquor licenses in Mullica Hill.

Although Mullica Hill seems like a dry town from the outside, it actually shed its dry status back in 2009, when a referendum approved the consumption of liquor at establishments in the Richwood Town Center redevelopment area.

However, the recession stalled plans for the center until 2013, when four licenses for consumption – permitting alcohol to be sold at a restaurant – were distributed to Madison Marquette, the developer of Richwood Town Center. The company paid $2 million total for the licenses, which are expected to be used by four restaurants in the center.

Another consumption license was auctioned to Naples Ristorante & Pizza for $500,000 last year. The establishment hopes to begin the project this fall and be open next spring.

A final license – for distribution – was auctioned off last year for $801,000 to a liquor store that will be located in the Mullica Hill Commons.