Zahav has run into a last-minute bump in its so far fairly smooth road to opening.
The partners chose to buy the liquor license used by the previous occupant, Sfizzo.
The city is owed thousands of dollars in taxes on that license.
Zahav coowner Steve Cook says the Sfizzio license holder -- which public records identify as Letitia Inc., with a president of William Trimarco -- had agreed to pay the debt to the city.
Zahav had a successful city health inspection on Friday, and was issued a temporary health certificate, which Cook brought right over to the city Department of Licenses & Inspections to obtain the final certificates that would allow the restaurant to get the liquor license.
On his way there, his lawyer Barry Goldstein called him back. The debt had not been paid.
Supposedly, the seller of the license is working things out with the city.
Cook hopes that the issue will be resolved by tomorrow (Tuesday), when the health certificate expires.