Good afternoon. Thank you all for joining. We will get started in just a moment. As a reminder, when you are entering from the waiting room, please do remain on mute unless or until you are presenting or providing testimony before the board.
and we'll give just a few moments to clear the waiting room. Good afternoon everyone. Afternoon and thank you for joining. still have folks entering from the waiting room. So, we'll give just another moment. Uh, one more reminder for those still entering from the
waiting room, please do remain on mute unless or until you are presenting or providing testimony before the board. I want to hear me. Okay. I'm having an issue with my We can hear you just fine. Can you hear us as well?
Uh I can but I'm doing my best here. Yep. Great. No worries. We're going to get started in just a moment. uh when once the reading room is clear. All right. Good afternoon. This is a hearing before the licensing board for the city of Boston. Today is Tuesday,
July 29th, 2025. Today's hearing is being held pursuant to temporary amendments to the open meeting law. That is what allows us to meet virtually. Today's hearing is being recorded and will be posted to the city of Boston's website. Before I review procedural matters, I will introduce chairwoman of the board, Kathleen Joyce.
Thank you, Danny. Good afternoon. My name is Kathleen Joyce, chair of the Boston Licensing Board. Today, I am also joined by Commissioner Kiana Saxon and Commissioner Liam Kurin. Thank you. I will call each item in the order that it appears on this afternoon's agenda. I will then ask who
is present on behalf of the applicant. You'll make a brief presentation regarding your proposal, followed by questions by the chair and commissioners. Following the questions, there will be an opportunity for testimony beginning with elected officials or their representatives. For members of the general public wishing to provide testimony, please limit your
testimony to two minutes and please state your name, address, and affiliation if any. Just one piece of housekeeping at the top of this afternoon's hearing. Item number 10, Navyyard Market, um going into One First A in Charles Town, um has withdrawn for
the time being. They will not be heard this afternoon. We do expect a revised application in the near future. Um, if there's anybody here wishing to testify on that matter, it will not be heard today. Uh, you can still provide testimony in writing to licensing board at boston.gov that we will keep on file for when they do reappear.
Beginning with the first item on this afternoon's agenda, calling item number one, Park Bagelry and Cafe LLC, doing business as Park Bagelry, located at 280 Western Avenue in Alustin, has applied for a common bitchler license to be exercised on the above. Approximately 4,728
restaurant space supports takeout, dining, and counter ordering with seating featuring a 2,959t first floor that includes food prep, storage, dishroom, customer service areas, seating, and three bathrooms. a 1,769 ft second floor with a kitchen, utility
room, and two offices and a basement designated for employee use only with a total occupancy of 80 and seating for 53. Manager, Tucker Lewis. Hours of operations 6:00 a.m. to 1000 p.m. Who is present on behalf of the applicant?
I'm president. My name is Jennifer Park. I'm founder, owner, co-owner, and managing partner of Park Bagelry. and my partner Tucker Lewis is also here with us to answer any questions that you all may have for us. Perfect. I see you both. If you could please just briefly present the proposed
concepts to the board. Sure. Yeah. So, we uh currently co-own Tucker and I co-own three operations in Somerville and um a fourth one in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Um so, we come to Austin with over 26 years of
restaurant cafe experience. Um and we are proposing to operate a bagel shop and ice cream shop um next to the pizzeria um Western AB at 280.
Uh thank you. Um what is your timeline for opening? Um depending on how this hearing is um pending pending this application and this license. Um, we're looking at
anywhere in the next, uh, 30 to 60 days. Thank you. Uh, thank you very much for joining us. Thank you for having us on such short notice. We appreciate it. Of course. Um, I don't have any questions for you. I want to see if Commissioner Saxon or Commissioner Kin
has any questions. I have no questions. Thank you. None on my end. Thank you. Thank you. here. We'll see if there are any individuals with us would like to testify, beginning with elected officials or their representatives. Yes, madame chair, members of the board, Connor Newman with the mayor's office of
neighborhood services. This time, the mayor's office like to defer to the judge from this board. Uh to sum up the community process, we had the applicant circulate flyers to abutters within 300 ft. To my knowledge, we did not hear any negative feedback. Uh they went on to meet with the Austin Civic Association which was very excited about the
proposal um and issued their support uh saying this would bring jobs and uh add economic development to this area. With that we'll defer to the board. Oh and I'm sorry we did receive one support letter as well. Thank you. Thank you Connor. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? Board will take this matter under adisement. Thank you very much for being with us this afternoon. Calling Thank you. Thank you. Calling item number two. Sedexo Operations LLC doing business as Chase Sapphire Lounge by the club located at
200 Logan Airport Terminal B in East Boston. Holder of an airport common victer 7-day all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to change the manager of the licensed business from Noah Smith to Haramos Cheragonis who is present on behalf of the applicant.
Good afternoon. My name is Haralamos Gerugoness. I am the food and beverage director here at the Chase Sapphire Lounge. I've been um again I have been the food and beverage director here at the Chase Sapphire Lounge from the inception which is March of 2023 and we're looking to bring the license over
to the new management um as opposed to what we had. Thank you, Mr. Jeronus. Um are you currently an approved manager record by this board? No. an approved manager here at at the lounge.
Has our board approved you? We have a series of four questions to ask if you haven't been approved. No, not yet. Okay. So, I'm going to jump in. Are you a citizen? Yes, I am. Do you live in Massachusetts? Yes. Um, can you describe your experience in
the food and beverage industry? Uh, of course. I have been in the food and beverage industry for over 25 years. Uh, prior to coming on board of the Chase Sapphire Lounge, I was a manager at the Boston College dining services and prior to that, a manager of uh,
different restaurants across Massachusetts. Okay. Are you familiar with the rules and regulations of this board, the ABCC, and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol? Yes. Okay. With that, I have no questions. Uh, Commissioner Saxon or Commissioner
Curran? No questions. No questions from me. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter or we'll take this under adisement. Thank you for being with us and again deep apologies for what just occurred on
screen. Um there will be changes to these hearings going forward. Calling item number three, Brighton Mass Lodge, number 2199 of the benevolent and protective order of elks. Located at 326 Washington Street in Brighton, holder of a club, all alcoholic beverages licens has petitioned for a change of officers
directors. Attorney Kurt Bletzer. Attorney Bitzer. Good afternoon, Attorney Green, Chairperson Joyce, members of the board. Uh Kurt Bletzer for the Elks. We have uh put in a petition to change the offices and directors to update the board for
the current offices that are uh presently with the board. We have not that has not been done in uh in a in a few years. So we uh wanted to put that forward so that would reflect who we have currently with the secretary of state's office on our annual report. So
we had filed to give you the new names and addresses of everybody involved along with a copy of the uh prior people that were listed with the board. There was also which had been approved before the change of manager. Those are together at this point, but uh I think
that's just procedurally for it all to go back to the ABCC together. Okay, great. Uh thank you for working with us on this one. I'm glad we were able to get it taken care of. I have uh no questions at this time. Commissioners, do you have any questions?
I do not. Thank you. None for me. Thank you. Any individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Board will take this under adisement as well. Thank you very much. Thank you. Calling item number four, American Airlines, Inc. doing business as
Admirals Club located at Logan Airport Terminal B in East Boston. Holder of an airport club all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned for the approval of a management agreement between American Airlines Inc. and Sedexo Magic LLC. Attorney Elizabeth Pazano. Attorney Pisano.
Good afternoon, Madame Chairwoman, Commissioners, and Attorney Green. Elizabeth Pisano from Upton, Connell, and Develin on behalf of the lency, American Airlines. Um, this application is looking for approval of a management
agreement with Sedexo Magic LLC. Um, American Airlines will remain the license holder and will continue to retain ultimate responsibility and control of the license. Uh, Sedexo Magic LLC is a nationally recognized food and
beverage service company. Um, and they are being engaged by American Airlines to manage the day-to-day operations of the licensed premises. Um, they have a strong track record in hospitality and managing airport concessions across
the country. Um, and I'm happy to answer any questions that you have. Thank you, attorney. I have no questions. Commissioners, do you have them? I do not. Thank you. None for me. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on
this matter? Seeing none, the board will take this under advisement as well. Thank you. Thank you. Calling items five, six, and seven. Shake Shack Massachusetts LLC doing business as Shake Shack uh at 322 to 328
Washington Street. Shake Shack Seapport Boston LLC doing business as Shake Shack at 77 Seport Boulevard. And Shake Shack Newbury Street Boston LLC doing business as Shake Shack at 234 to 236 Newbury Street. holder of three uh common vicular or 7-day wines and malt
beverages with Laor's licenses has petitioned for a change of ownership interest and also has petitioned for a change of officers directors LLC managers who is present on behalf of the three licences. Good afternoon uh Mr. Chairman and members of the licensing board. Uh my
name is Nick Bolio and I'm uh here on behalf of Shake uh all the Shake Shack entities uh Massachusetts uh Boston uh Seapport Boston and Newbury Street Boston. Um and uh this is regarding the
approval of the change of uh officers and ownership. Uh first the lency would like uh to update its corporate officers. Uh the current listed officers are Randall Gerudi, uh Zachary Kauf, uh Tara Kamantthi. Um we are removing them
and uh replacing them with our new CEO, COO, and CFO, uh Robert Lynch, Stephanie Santel, and Katherine Fogerty. Uh additionally, there uh there's no change to the lency entity itself. Um but an
increase in ownership in our publicly traded Shake Shack, Inc. um of the grandparent entity lency. Um nothing will change to the day-to-day operations u of the existing uh liquor licenses at all locations. Um and I'm
happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much for joining us and for that explanation. Uh with that I have no questions. Commissioners, do you I do not. Thank you. None for me. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on any of these
three matters items five, six or seven? Seeing on the board, we'll take these under advisement as well. Thank you very much. Thank you. Calling item number eight, BM Krupa Corporation doing business as LaCion Supermarket located at 32 Bennington Street in East Boston. Holder of a
retail package store wines and malt beverages license has petitioned to transfer the license from the above to Shri Brahmani LLC doing business as La Vendicon Market at the same location. Hatish Kumar Patel manager 11 p.m. closing hour. The applicant has also petitioned to update the description of
the premise as follows. Premise consists of one floor, 1100 square feet across one room. There is one entrance and two exits. Uh attorney Matthew Porter. Attorney Porter, are you with us? Oh, who is present on behalf of the applicant?
Do we have anybody with us on behalf of Leanducian Supermarket? We will contact the applicant and take a second call. Calling item number nine. Rasic Corporation doing business as Jim's Variety located at 258 West Fifth Street
in South Boston has applied for a retail package store, wines, and mall beverages license to be exercised on the above premise known as 256 West Fifth Street uh 1999 1,999 foot retail store with one entrance and one exit on two floors.
First floor consists of approximately 1,049 ft with various shelving units, coolers, and office. Basement consists of approximately 948 square feet for storage. Manager Rupal Ben Patel. Closing time 11 pm. Attorney Paul Ganon.
Attorney Ganon. Good afternoon, Officer Green. Chairperson Joyce, Commissioners. My name is Paul Ganon from law officer Paul Ganon. I'm here with Ruban Bel Patel and she's the manager and um the the location is at 256 West Fifth Street in
South Boston. And um if we had a community meeting fairly recently uh with overwhelming support, there was probably 20 to 25 people that spoke um on behalf of um the petition and uh overwhelming support. A lot of the
neighbors have signed a petition. number was just short of a thousand um signatures on the petition. And uh from the meeting, we were able to listen to the the neighbors and and there seemed to be a very big demand for this
um in the neighborhood. uh if you're familiar with that area, it's it's somewhat densely populated and to travel anywhere um to to get beer and wine would be difficult, especially if you're in a vehicle um because you're not going to have a spot coming back. So, there's
there seems to be a very great need for it. A lot of the neighbors were very complimentary uh of the uh the business and the owners and how they've been working with the community and they've been there since 2008. And um I think this is something that's kind kind of come around over a period
of time where the neighbors kept asking for this um for their benefit obviously and eventually the owners decided that they um they would come forward and and uh put to forth the petition. So we're asking you for the approval of the beer
and wine license. And I have Miss Patel here um if we answer any questions. Uh where is Miss Oh, she's with you. She's there. Sorry about the uh uh Miss Patel, are you a citizen? Are you a resident of Massachusetts?
Yes. What is your experience in the food and beverage industry? Uh I have a store in a port side markets and I have a four last four years experience in South I'm sorry I missed it. Is it with food
or is it food and beverage? Alcohol beverages. It's a food and beverage. Food and beverage. Oh. Okay. I'm sorry. I just lost my Zoom. There we go. Um, and what is the place? Is it an is it a liquor store?
Yes, is a liquor store. It's a 50 Levis Street in South East Boston. Okay. Um, are you familiar with the rules and regulations of this board and the ABCC and the laws of the Commonwealth pertain to the sale and service of alcohol?
Yes. Okay. The standard that we look at um in order to determine whether or not we should approve this type of license is whether or not there's a public need for another beer and wine license in this area. And I'm looking at a map right now
of um 02127. Um so can you tell me a little bit about why there what the need is for another um beer and wine uh retail package store? Where's the closest one?
So there's um there there's one um at at Perkins Square, which is some distance away, where they they obviously sell liquor. There's there's one at C and Broadway um where they sell um some liquor. There's one at um there is one store on West Broadway, I believe. Um
other than that, um do you know the distance? Do you know the distance? Um again, we're looking at public need. Is there a need for someone to have yet another place to buy beer and wine in this neighborhood? And and I'm relying on on um obviously
my experience in the community and also with the neighbors that have been there. There isn't anything that close and the beer and wine. Um people mentioned in terms of the need. They they're often in the store buying anything from coffee to food for their you know they want to be
able to have a need to purchase things and not make several trips around. But there are not there are not any places close by. you'd have to travel um several blocks um up onto West Broadway um to to to access these stores and and
then you know just my experience is in listening to these neighbors that there there there is a need for it and and and convenience and I don't want to understate the the issue of driving uh in that community as well that to to leave a a property you just can go to
get your food and beer or wine and then have to drive somewhere else to get to get the um the beer. Uh you probably don't have a spot coming when you come back, especially at night time. But there isn't anything that close, but South Boston's obviously a big location.
There are some some places throughout the town, but mo a lot of them are not accessible or close by. Okay. Um so tell me about the floor plan. Um what you offer now, what you'll be replacing on the what what are you taking off the shelves to add beer and
wine? So, so they're not taking anything out. They're not they're not eliminating anything. Um, and you just my experience with with when beer and wine and certain things are being requested. They they what they've done is create extra shelving uh in the in the plan. It shows
where the wine would go. So, they're not eliminating any food or beverage. Um, they had some excess room in the in the coolers uh and they're able to to access that for beer and they're not not eliminating any items at all.
Okay. Um, do you have security cameras? How do you check for IDs? They have a scanner. ID scanner. She hasn't I'm just sorry, I didn't mean to speak for her, but they have an ID scanner where they check check for IDs. Do you check every like what's your
policy? Yes. Yes, we do. Well, how many how often? How often? She wants to know, do you check everyone or do you Everyone Everyone Yeah. Okay, I'm looking at your floor plan now. It looks like there'll be a walk-in cooler.
Beer will be next to the dairy. Yes. Where is the Oh, the wine is on um on the opposite in the middle of the store. Is that right? It seems to be in the middle. Yes. Chair's person. That's where it would be. Okay.
And you're saying you're not replacing anything? So, what was in where was this what was this wine cooler before? Well, it's not it's these are shelving in the middle. I see that for the wine. It says walk I'm sorry, walk-in cooler, beer and dairy. So, I spoke to my clients um what they
what they had was they were were kind of doubling up on a lot of the the the sodas or tonics as they may call it and other items where where they they were just filling it up. They didn't have they didn't have full capacity um being used so they just filled it up. So
they're they're not going to li eliminate those same items in the cooler. Okay. I appreciate that. Um again, I understand this isn't a neighborhood where there's a lot of parking lots, but
we have received a lot of applications recently. I think some of your clients, attorney Ganon, too, for these. So, we are looking at them very carefully. Um and and that's understandable. I I understand that. I know some of them have been in different parts of the town and obviously a great distance away, but
um I'm aware of that. Okay. Commissioner Carina, Commissioner Sax, do you have any questions? Uh I think you've covered everything that I would have asked. So, not at this time, maybe after comments. Thank you. None for me. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Yes, madame chair, members of the board, Connor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. At this time, the mayor's office to defer to the judge from this board some background information the community process. A
Butters meeting was held on June 16th. It was very well attended. Uh there was one a butter who expressed opposition uh citing concerns with the existing hours of operation, the potential noise that might be generated by more people uh purchasing alcohol late in the evening.
Uh majority of those that were on the call though were very supportive of the proposal uh feeling that there was a demand uh that justified a license being added to this uh particular business. Uh the civic association I'm afraid is not active at this time. So that concluded
the community process. Uh we did receive one letter in support and I understand that there's a reference to a petition that was also generated as well by the applicant. Uh with that we'll defer to the board. Thank you. Thank you. I see a hand raised from Sydney from councelor Flynn's office. You may please uh provide your testimony
on behalf of the councelor. Yes. Thank you, Attorney Green, Madam Chair, members of the board. This is Sydney from councelor Flynn's office. Councelor Flyn would like to go on record and support as Jim's variety has been a good neighbor in the South Boston community. Thank you. Thank you very much. I see a hand raised
from a Douglas Stephanoff. You may please provide your testimony. Hi, my name is Doug Stephanov with the address of 93 F Street. um the attached to butter immediate butter and as noted uh um on record in opposition and as
Connor mentioned we have issue with the expanded hours and we're just not keen being attached to a beer and wine or liquor store. Thank you for your testimony. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter?
There any questions from the board following the testimony that was provided? Seeing none, the board will take this matter under advisement. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Uh as stated at the beginning of the hearing, item number 10 has with been
withdrawn by the applicant. I will not be heard this afternoon. Uh, moving on and calling item number 11. Shny Day LLC doing business as Mondo located at 563 Columbus A in Roxberry has applied for a common victual or 7-day all alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the
above, 1440 square ft. Total 950 ft in one room on first floor with main dining area and bar seating. Kitchen and office in rear. Main entrance exit on Columbus A. Additional emergency exit in rear of premises. 250 ft of storage space in rear. 240 ft seasonal outdoor patio
March to October on private property with seating for 12. Closing hour 11 p.m. on the patio. Office storage and second restroom located at 565 Columbus A, Unit C3. Entireyt of restaurant premises located at 563 Columbus A, Unit
C2. Manager Spencer Payne. Closing time 1 a.m. Attorney Kristen Scanland. Attorney Scan. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the board. Attorney Green Kristen Scanland for the applicant uh signed on with us this afternoon is Spencer Payne
um who is the one of the owners. His other partner Travis Robbitai um together they're the proposed owners of the new restaurant cafe and wine bar for 563 Columbus A in the south end. As you know this proposal is for a new all
alcohol beverage license. Uh, by way of background, Travis has been in the industry for close to two decades, working in bars and restaurants in Boston and New Hampshire. He's currently a general manager at Patulus in South Boston. Spencer, who is also the
proposed manager of record for this application and has been previously approved by this board in the ABCC, is a longtime resident of the South End, living and working in the neighborhood. He is the current owner of Neighborhood Wines, which you may recall from a few
years back, um, at 619 Trimmont Street, which has been open for almost two and a half years as a natural winesh shop in the south end. It offers Neighborhood Wines, offers wines from around the world that are made without the addition
of any chemicals. Uh, interestingly, wine makers are not required to utilize ingredients ingredient labels. So, they get away with putting chemicals uh in products without consumer knowledge. And much of Spencer's focus the last several years even prior to opening at the store
and in other uh employment positions has been to build a brand that focuses on natural wine offerings, educating customers on what they're drinking. So the opening of that store has been a huge success which led him to seek to open a small neighborhood restaurant that is very much in line with the
offerings at the wine shop but in a cafe and restaurant setting. Uh so the plan for Mondo is to have again a bit of a a lot of crossover not a bit a lot of crossover with the products offered within the neighborhood wines shop. Uh,
and they'll also have a pretty robust food program. Uh, with hours of operation proposed um, starting at 700 a.m. They would like to offer coffee and simple breakfast items. It wouldn't be a full sit-down um, breakfast program, but more of counter service. Uh, sandwiches
for lunch. And then dinner would be small plates like crudeos and shakurerie with entree offerings of pastas, fish, and chicken. Again, wine-wise um would be exclusively natural wines and similarly the cocktail program would
focus on um natural offerings as well. Uh the price point here would be anywhere from $8 to $35 on average for um the food items on the menu. Uh as far as logistics of the restaurant are concerned, the square footage is uh just
under 1500 square ft with a proposed 41 seats inside and 12 outside on a seasonal uh private patio March to October for 12. Um the hours of operation that were in the application were daily from 7 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. But
after um some discussion, further discussion with uh the immediate abutters within the condo association building, we've now proposed 7 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Thursday through
Saturday with the patio closing time remaining at 11:00 p.m. because this is an application for a new license. Uh discussion on public need is briefly warranted. Um first and foremost, this is a reputable business owner whose reputation precedes him.
He's um very well known and liked and admired within the neighborhood. Um people have come to trust him. It's a regular stop along the way and uh folks are excited to um see this business uh owner thrive in a new location with an
expanded offering. Um this particular location on Columbus A was previously a coffee shop for several years that closed earlier this year. I believe they were open for 13 years and prior to that was uh a cafe turned wine bar at night
which coincidentally is what Spencer is looking to do here as well. So very appropriate location for what they're looking to do. Um secondly, the availability of the license. This is in the 02118 zip code um which was included and contemplated by the legislation that
was passed in September of last year. And secondly, it's exactly a type of business contemplated by this legislation being uh a minority and blackowned business um business operations on a small scale with a unique concept offering. Uh there is
currently within Boston and the greater Boston area limited offerings um for this type of concept. there. You can maybe find one natural wine bar in downtown crossing, one in Beck Bay, one in Fenway um that have restaurant is a
wine bar and restaurant dedicated to all natural wines and there are some in Cambridge. But the demand nonetheless for chemical-free wine is growing with more and more consumers demanding to know what's in their products. Uh where it's coming from. Actually, the anticipated growth of the natural wine
industry is over 10% in the next 5 years. There's only um one other restaurant on the same block as this particular uh location which is SRV and several others within walking distance but all very much different concepts
much larger in size and nothing that has the offerings and morning evening duo concept that Mondo is seeking to offer. All in all, they're looking forward to opening a space that is needed in the neighborhood as echoed by the 150 plus people who wrote support letters which were submitted to the board, including
several nearby abutters on Wellington Street. And there again, there's truly nothing quite like this particular offering, and they're excited to bring a new um energy into the neighborhood. As far as the community process is concerned, uh in addition to the um numerous support letters received and
submitted to the board, we did have a mayor's office uh sponsored a butters meeting on May 7th of this year. Several concerns that were raised were raised by immediate abutters within the condo association concerning noise, trash, hours, and smell smells uh that might
emanate uh out of the kitchen. We we did explain that we were using a ventless kitchen system, so there wouldn't be any hood or exhaust required um to be vented out of the building. Uh but these concerns rolled into the Claremont Neighborhood Association on May 15th,
the following week as well. uh which we elaborated on and have been working to finesse through with this um particular condo association to address the concerns from the building of Butters and memorialize commitments in a memorandum of understanding with the
association. I think we're close to finalizing that and but have committed to several requests and working through finalizing them in writing and are again committed to doing so to make sure everyone um has their interests protected in the neighborhood while also
being able to offer um a really exciting and muchneeded new concept that uh hundreds of people are looking forward to in the neighborhood. That being said, happy to answer any questions or concerns the board might have regarding this proposal. Uh, thank you very much. Um,
I don't have any questions at this time, but I might have questions after um, public testimony. Commissioner Sax or Commissioner Carl? No questions. Thank you. None from me. Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time, are
there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Yes, madame chair, members of the board. Connor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This time the mayor's office like to defer to the judgment of this board. Some background information the community process. As
you heard from the applicant's representation when IS hosted a Butters meeting in early May uh there were concerns raised by director Butters in that meeting uh which led to the applicant working closely with those the condo association of that same building uh to come to an understanding over the
hours of operation and other stipulations that that residents had made. Uh they worked very closely with the Claremont Neighborhood Association. I know the Claremont Neighborhood Association met uh just last week to discuss the proposal. Um with that information, we'll defer to the board. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other individuals who like to testify? I do see a hand raised from David Evans. Uh Mr. Evans, you would please provide your testimony. Thank you very much. Um my name is David Evans. I live at 563 Columbus, the exact location where this um
uh business is proposed to operate. Uh appreciate the the time of the members of the board and and you, Mr. Green. Um I want to share with you some concerns that we have because it's a pretty unique situation here because this is primarily a residential building. 563
through 566, I think, uh is the condominium trust. Uh this particular unit shares a stairway with the condominium association, the residences. So people going into the
proposed bar would essentially be colliding with people trying to get into the condominium association itself. We share a stoop. So when you get to the top of the stoop, if you go forward, you're in the condo. If you go to the right, you're in the bar. And for that reason, I would encourage I don't know
if it's appropriate for members of the of the board to take a look at the site physically and or require the applicant to send you pictures because I don't think my description um is adequate. So, and we we've never had, contrary to what
the council said, we have never had an establishment like this in the building. what she spoke of before about there being some sort of wine bar back in the 90s or whatever. That was before it was even a condo. It was an apartment building at that time. So, and and that wasn't in use for very long as I
understand it. We don't have a a a business in the building now that's open to 1:00 in the morning as they proposed. We have a dry cleaner. We have a laundromat. Uh we have a spa. So this use is in my view completely incompatible
with this property and there are no shortages of locations in the south end for this uh establishment to open that would not interfere with residential uses. Uh the other point that I think is worth noting in terms of the public
interest is that this is not an ADA compliant premises. Um, they were told by the accessibility board, I understand, that they would need to make it ADA compliant. This is a substantial change in use and it's not
grandfathered in. So, I don't know what their plan is for that. You can't spike in an elevator in the front. You'd have to go around to the side somehow and then get an easement over a park by the city. So, I don't think that's doable.
So, this is not going to be an ADA compliant facility. Um, I guess I would also point out for a lot of people in the building, this is a very significant investment. These condos that they've purchased and there are people are very concerned about the
valuation of their property. If there's a bar there that's open to 1:00 in the morning, you can phrase it as natural wine bar, whatever. I don't I think that's slicing it a little fine. It's essentially a bar. And um I don't know what their plan is on the food front,
but fact that you're not using vents doesn't make it any less obnoxious to people in the building. Mr. Evans, you are at your two minutes if there's a final point you'd like to make. Yeah, final point. I'm sorry, Mr. Green. Final point is that in terms of the public need, there's no shortage of bars or restaurants right on the block, as
they pointed out, there's an elegant restaurant and bar SRV. One block away, there's Five Horse Tavern. a couple of blocks away on Tremont's also a wine bar and I don't have to tell you how many bars there are in the south end. You It's part of your purview. So, thank you very much for your time. I appreciate
it. Thank you for your testimony. I see another hand raised when Andrew Icono, you may please provide your testimony. You'll have two minutes to do so. Hi, thank you for having us. Um, so my name is Andrew Icono. I'm also with my partner Amry Bayore. We live at 16
Greenwich Park in the south end. So, just a couple blocks away from uh the proposed um restaurant. Um we've been regulars at neighborhood since it's opened and you know, we do believe it would be a unique concept to this area and um are very
much looking forward to the proposed spot. It's really all we have. Thank you for your testimony as well. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? can't raise my hand. I don't know. My
sister is not working. This is Ali to um 563 apartment 2. Okay. And I have my children living there going to school. They have they have to study unreasonable hours of operation.
And as David pointed out, many many aspects of the um inconvenience and improper uh nature of the business being um operated over there. Um we have like we
are like primary residence for my children is that there is um there is no question that rights and uh privileges should not um be um um confused. We have the right to live in a peaceful
environment and that is being violated if this is uh going through as it's proposed. So we have a like we can't use the bell first of mothers uh and then we have our
total objection to it. Thank you very much for your testimony. I see another hand raised from Amanda Wiggins. Uh you may please provide your testimony as well. You'll have two minutes. Thanks so much. I won't take the full two minutes. I just wanted to come on and say I live at 255 Shamadab in the
south end uh in full support of this proposal. And I did want to add um as many know 255 Shaman is right above Copa, a well-loved and respected restaurant. And as someone who lives above a restaurant, I can say there's a way to do it with respect for the residents. Um it's a reason why many
people choose to live in the south end is to be near uh local businesses. Um and I think that it only enhances people's living experience in the neighborhood overall. So I would say that adding a restaurant, especially of this type, is only a benefit uh not a drawback. Thanks. Thank you for your
testimony as well. Are there any other individuals uh who have not yet done so who would like to testify? There any further questions from the board following the testimony? Seeing none, the board will take this under advisement. Thank you. Thank you.
Calling item number 12. Elbario MX LLC doing business as Albario Mexican Grill located at 809 to 811 Harrison A in Roxberry has applied for a common vicular or 7-day all alcoholic beverages licensed to be exercised on the above 850 foot restaurant space on one floor
with two entrances and three exits to include a dining area with seating for approximately 20. One restroom, kitchen and storage in the rear of space also to include approximately 500 square ft for storage only in the basement. manager Joandre Vasquez. Closing time 11 pm.
Who's present on behalf of the applicant? Uh I am uh I'm Joandre Vasquez actually. Thank you again for helping me. I know I did this probably like two years ago, right? Yes. So yes. So that's my proposal for this business. We tried to do it two
years ago. There was nothing available by the time. We got all the support from the mayor's office from the neighborhood association and borers and all anybody you can think of from the h from the we kind of like in front of the BMC which is mostly that we being requested you
know the people that that is there like hey we don't want to walk either haram like going towards the 93 or maybe a couple more blocks to have a drink or something like that.
And this is uh mainly what we want to do just not to you know just to keep the business going because for us the only business we get is mostly like lunchtime. So during the night time is just kind of like quiet and this is what we're trying not to revive too.
Um thank you. I remember your application from before. Um and we're happy to see you back before us. I know this board did find public need back in 2022. So I really have no questions for you. Just wish you good luck. Thank you. Saxon or Commissioner Curran. Do you have any questions?
I do not. Thank you. None for me. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any individuals would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Yes, madame chair, members of the board, Connor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This time, the mayor's office like to defer to the
judgement of this board. Some background information the community process. Uh most recently, there was an abuters meeting on May 21st. Uh the applicant also met with the Worcester Square Neighborhood Association in October uh which voted uh unanimously to support the proposal. Uh with that we'll defer
to the board. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Board will take this under adisement as well. Thank you very much. Thank you. Calling item number 13. JJ and RLLC
doing business as the mix vault located at 728 720 Shamad A in Roxberry has applied for a common virtual or 7day all alcoholic beverages license can be exercised on the above 3000 foot restaurant and speak easy on two floors with two entrances and two exits. First
floor includes a takeout area and kitchen on the right side of the space. There is a hidden door that leads to the left side of the space which holds the bar with seating for 25 and a speak easy. Restrooms in the rear basement for office and storage only. Manager Rufus Faulk closing time 1:00 a.m. Who's
present on behalf of the applicant? I am Rufus J. Faulk. Great. Uh Dr. Faulk, if you could please uh provide uh the board with a little um just summarize the concept for the board. Absolutely. Uh uh thank you attorney Green. Thank you uh Chairwoman Joyce and the commissioners. Um it's an honor to
be back before you again. um with this concept, it's sort of near and dear to my heart. I am born and raised in Roxbury and having the opportunity to bring um this type of establishment to a neighborhood that that sorely needs it. Um I think I was inspired uh by visiting
Speak Easy in East Boston in the south end and wondering why my neighborhood could not have some type of similar amenity in and walk a distance from where I where I grew up at. So, the idea for us would be to have a pick up and go restaurant on the right side that's going to be powered by um Lobster King,
which will feature some of the wares that we have in our Dorchester location at the mix will be think about um lobster BLTs. you're thinking about your other seafood items, whether it be whiting, whether it be uh um everything
from wings, um baked salmon, offering a variety of dishes on the right hand side for pick up and go and take out with a few seats for folks who want to dine in. And then on the left side, having a speak easy location that's going to offer um some of the sort of catered and and curated cocktails and and whisies
and also have some dining options as well. Um, we've had the opportunity to uh we we already had our a Butters conversation, be able to get a level of support. Luckily enough that um one of my my business partners also um is a homeowner in the area too. So, he's also
one of Butter been able to speak to his neighbors and able to talk about this idea of trying to revitalize the the Dudley Nubian Square area. We want to be a part of that revitalization. So, we're excited about the opportunity. Um, and just looking forward to hearing any feedback or any thoughts that you guys
might have. So, thank you. Thank you for the time. Uh, thank you. Thanks for joining us. So, I do have a lot of question, some questions. Um, you're the manager of record here. You're the manager of record at the other place in Dorchester. How do you plan on managing both places
at the same time? Yes. So, um, thankfully we've been able in our Dorchester location, we've been able to because we've been able Thank you again. We we just had our first year in May 8th. So, we've been in a position where we've been hired be able to hire additional staff. So, I'm able to have a manager, a day-to-day manager that that
is been able to step in and be there for um he's there for 4 days out of the week. So, I'm there, but I'm also we also were able to hire a manager who's able to to be there. So, luckily enough for me, my my majority of my time is going to be over in the Rockberry location being able to build this up as
well. So, if you're the question is about Dorchester, we were able to hire a manager there who's doing the day-to-day stuff. I'm there as well, but I'll be able to um focus the majority of my time in the um Roxbury location. Okay. So, is this going to be a
restaurant or do you have um plans on bringing in entertainment and u marketing it more like a nightclub? So we we we're going to be it's going to be a restaurant. The speak easy is going to be more of a lounge. We're not looking the only we would probably apply for a live entertainment license just so
that we can be able to play music um be able to play music in a way in which that um whether it be house music, whether it's it's that I having gone through the process, I feel like it's it's better to apply for it
than not have it and then to to have to go through the process of doing the day. So, we're not looking to do a nightclub. We're not Okay. cuz I remember your hearing for the place in Dorchester and that was described as Lobster King restaurant and it feels like a lot of times it's more
like a nightclub I think. Um, so I'm wondering if you're if this is like the second version of what you have down there and we've worked with you a lot and I think you're moving in the right direction, but I want to know today what your business plan is so that I'm not then taken by
surprise by something that sounds like, you know, a speak easy and a grab and go, a pick up and go is that takeout then turns into a full-blown nightclub with lines out the door and, you know, security issues and that stuff. So I can I I I'll speak to both. So the
first the first one is this this location is not is not going to hold more than 50 people. So this is not going to be a uh any going to give any type of club or nightclub vibe. Um the second uh the the mix location we we were being able to do
karaoke be able to we were at one point we probably the most popular restaurant. Thankfully we were the most popular location and we didn't foresee that we were going to grow so fast. This was our first endeavor in the in the restaurant uh uh restaurant industry. So, we were
again we had some some growing pains, but I think I hope that you guys can see that we've been trying to go about everything to try to address the issue. Whenever there was an issue that was put forth, we tried to address it as quickly as possible. Um never intentionally tried to do anything um that colored
outside the lines and if there were incidents that did, we made sure that we rectified them immediately. But again, this this location is a speak easy and lounge. It is a grab and go. Uh being able opportunity for us to be able to sell, but also have a place that folks
can feel like they can grab a cocktail after work. Shouldn't feel like if I live in Roxbury, there's no place for me currently in Roxray to feel like I can do that. Um and we want to be able to provide that as a as a resource to to the neighborhood. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. I think you should really think through the management of both to make sure that you're spending enough hours on site yourself at both places. That's something to really be concerned about as a business person. Um not that easy to get from one location to the other as as needed. So making sure that
you have a solid business plan in place is my recommendation. Um I I think the great part too just to add for the for the for the chairs. Well, we have we have there are three owners. just myself and two other owners and they also spend a lot of time at the restaurant as well. So, it's not just
myself, there there are three owners and they are also present. Okay. Thank you. Um, Commissioner Saxon or Commissioner K, do you have any questions? Um, ju how what is your capacity going to be here? I'm just I'm saying 25, but is
that the total? So, the the entire space is 50. Um, so the speak easy is going to have seating seating for 25. We we wanted to make sure for staff and also for the grab and go on the other side, but for the speak easy location is going to be seating for
25. But you anticipate your entire capacity will be around 50. Yes. All right. Thank you. Thank you. No additional questions. Thank you. Thank you. With that, we'll see if there are any individuals with us who would
like to testify, beginning with elected officials or their representatives. Yes, madame chair, members of the board, Conor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This time the mayor's office to defer to the judgment of this board some background information the community process ons had run an abutters meeting on February
12th. It was likely attended. Presently our office is unaware of any concerns from abutters. Uh there was no active civic association in that area. So uh the abutters meeting was conclusion the community process. Uh with that we'll defer to the board. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, the board will take this under adisement as well. Thank you very much. Thank you for your time. Calling number 14, Lisboa Cafe and Mini Market LLC doing business as Lisboa Cafe
located at 1078 Dorchester A in Dorchester has applied for a common virtual or 7-day all alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the above. Approximately 2540 ft over two levels within a mixeduse commercial building. The first floor 1,317 ft contains a
dining area with 49 seats, a full bar, pastry, coffee counter, and two restrooms. There are two entrances and exits. The main entrance on Dorchester Avenue. Basement level 1,223 ft. Includes the commercial kitchen, storage area, walk-in cooler, and third restroom. Also has direct internal stair
access from the first floor. Manager Kevin Land. Closing time 10 p.m. Who is present on behalf of the applicant? I am. Hello. Oh, great. Sorry. On the screen. Yeah. Great. Thank you for being with us and I
I see manager record on the screen as well. if you could please just briefly present the proposed concept to the board. Yes, good afternoon members of the board. My name is Rael Smith. I am the co-owner of Leeb Cafe uh located at 1078 Dorchester Avenue. Thank you so much for
the opportunity to speak with with you today. Uh Kevin, the man the proposed manager of record, he's also here with us today. uh Libo cafeterian inspired cafe and restaurant that we have been building with the dedication,
love and support of our community. We are creating a a unique uh cultural space that brings together traditional food, warm service and authentic community engagement. We are applying for this legal license because it is essential for the sustainability of the
success of Lisb Cafe. Our menu and concept are rooted in traditions of Portugal and Capeford where wine and spirits play a natural part of dining experience. This license will allow us to offer Portuguese wines, Cape Verian
cocktails and other beverages that reflect our culture culture and culinary identity. I would like to note that I am the founder and one leading this business. But due to the timing of my work authorization, I had uh we had listed Kevin uh as as the proposed
manager of record on the application. I am actively working with legal representatives and government officials to resolve this issue and I expect my work permit to arrive soon. I will continue to operate the business and I will apply for official change to manager on record once my updated
documentation arrives. I was kindly informed that this change can be made after the hearing. I am TIP certified and I have been working with theos in the hospitality industry for the last 20 years. Uh both me and Kevin are familiar
with the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth as well as the city of Boston. Uh we well I've worked clos with the city of Boston, local organiz organizations, community leaders and I am proud to say that this business is backed by the space grant. We have a lot
of support from the community including the seven hill civic association and main streets around the area. This project with its um made with heart vision and a strong team behind it and um our legal license application will
help work a fair to the next level. Um thank you so much for your time and consideration and I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you for joining us and thank you Kevin for also joining us. Um so I understand you'll eventually come back
um after the work authorization is complete to be named manager record. Correct. Okay. Uh with that I don't have any questions. Commissioner Saxon or Commissioner Kin? Uh I do not. Thank you. None from me. Thank you. Thank you. We'll see if there are any
individuals who would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives. Yes, madame chair, members of the board, Connor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This time, the mayor is obtain background information the community process and a butters meeting was held
on May 21st. Uh as understand uh the community was overwhelmingly in support of this proposal. Uh and the applicant was connected to the St. Marks Civic Association. Uh with that, we'll defer to the board. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other
individuals? I see a hand raised from Nick Corn. Uh, you may please provide your testimony. Hi, my name is Nick Horn and I want to go on the record in support of this application and to testify as to the character and fitness of the operator. I've had the pleasure of spending time with Raquel and have been continually
impressed with her tireless efforts to engage with and collaborate with her neighbors and with her community. Liboa Cafe is a new blackowned community-minded small business investing in the neighborhood. And thus, Raquel is exactly the type of operator that these News of Code restricted licenses were created for. This side of
her business has been vacant for years, and the nature of her concept is one that addresses a desperate public need. I defer to your judgment and I have no doubt that you'll see the value in our application. So, thank you so much for your time. Thank you for the testimony. Are there any other individuals who would like to
testify on this matter? The board will take this under adisement as well. Thank you for being with us. Calling item number 15, AUA168, Inc. doing business as Riceaway located at 296 Washington Street in Brighton has applied for a common vigil or 7-day all
alcoholic beverages licensed to be exercised on the above 1560 ft total in one main room on ground floor with main dining area seating kitchen and storage in rear main entrance exit on Washington Street. Emergency exit in rear of premises manager Patra Awa Pñakul
apologies for any misprononunciation. Closing time 12 a.m. Attorney Kristen Scanland once again. Attorney Scanland. Good afternoon again, Madam Chair, members of the board. Attorney Green, Kristen Scanland for the applicant. Danny, you probably did a little bit better than I'm about to do with the the
last name as well, but I'm going to try uh to introduce you to owner of Riseway, Patra Ua Pñakun, and um her cousin-in-law, Piaong Wangla,
along with her um sibling uh Posicorn are the owners of Riceway, which opened at this location one year ago in July of 2024. Uh as you know the proposal before you is for a new all alcohol beverage license for this particular restaurant
which is a Thai restaurant. Uh this particular space was most recently a cafe Nero but before that was a restaurant known as Little Pecan Beastro um as well before the Riceway team took over the lease uh at this location.
While there are no other licenses pre previously associated with this business, this particular area of Washington Street is an appropriate location uh for a restaurant which joins um several other neighborhood restaurants uh currently serving Greek,
Latin American, and American food along that stretch of Washington Street in Brighton. Um this particular restaurant um or these owners also own uh Tongla up the street on Washington and S which are
both Thai but between the three restaurants Riceway Tongla and S they all serve different styles of Thai food which uh has been greeted with um wonderful success from the neighborhood since the other uh two opened and most
recently this one a year ago and they've been really proud out and excited to introduce various uh styles of their cultures food to this particular area um of Boston. Um this concept is an all you
can eat buffet style all day long which actually uh we believe there is no other Thai all you can eat buffet anywhere in the city which makes this um restaurant very unique and especially in this neighborhood. Um they initially started
um uh differently but they made the switch to the all you can eat buffet which has really helped to transfer their business from uh what turned out to start out as a take predominantly takeout business and totally flopped it on its head where it's mainly din in now
um with takeout being supplemental. and that's a goal that they've had since the start given the size of their space with 49 seats at this location and something they're proud of um happening and continuing to happen for this location. Uh the hours of operation currently are
11:30 to about 3 and then they open again from 4:30 to 9:30. uh when we additional initially went before the uh neighborhood at the mayor's office um meeting we had obviously indicated those hours but once we met with the BIA we
were met with feedback that people wanted um later food offerings so it's something that the owners talked about amongst themselves and with this application proposed a reasonable midnight uh closure to extend those offerings um to the neighborhood but
still remain with a reasonable closing time for sit down and dine sign in service. Uh there is no bar in the space. It really focuses on people coming in to sit down and eat with their family and friends and is exactly what they'll continue to do which is what they're doing now in this space. Um as
far as public need is concerned because this is a request for a new license. Um, one of the main reasons that they've sought this applica or this license is that customers have asked um for the availability to purchase a beer, wine or
cocktail with their food at the at this location. Um obviously and of course the board is well aware there is available licenses um with the uh legislation that passed in September of last year and while not within a zip code that was
approved with the legislation and just outside of Oak Square, this is nonetheless uh the exact type of business again contemplated by the legislation. and it's minorityowned, has a unique concept and offering as we've previously indicated and uh they serve
up meals at all their locations and especially this one again that introduces the Boston community to a variety of different types of styles of food from their culture. Um it is affordable mostly when you go in it's either between $18 and $22
depending on which meal service you're looking at lunch or dinner and again the focus remains on the food. Um, but a license definitely helps both the patron and the business and well to enhance the dining experience and um help the business to thrive in this neighborhood
location. Again, there are other restaurants in the neighborhood as I mentioned. There's Greek, Chinese, Latin American, American beastro style offerings, but this is truly unique not only for the neighborhood but the city as a whole as well. Um as far as community process is concerned, we did
have a mayor's office sponsored a Butters meeting in February which um was incredibly lightly attended and again the BI BIA meeting in April which we we received nothing but positive feedback and again an a request which is rare to
offer later closing hours than what's currently offered at this location. Uh the board also has in its position well over 200 signatures from residents and customers on a petition in support of this application as well as numerous support letters um too. So that being
said, we are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns the board might have regarding this proposal. Thank you very much. I have no questions. Commissioner Saxon or Commissioner Carr? I have no questions. Thank you. None from me. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? Yes, madam chair, members of the board, Connor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. Uh at this time, the mayor's office deferred to the judgement of this board. Some back information, the community process as
you heard from the applicant's representation and a buyer's meeting was held. Uh no concerns were raised in that meeting. Uh the applicant went on to meet with the Brighton Olson Improvement Association which gave a recommendation on some changes of ours uh but was supportive of the proposal um and the letters of support. The board should
have access to that. Uh with that will defer to the board. Thank you. Thank you Connor. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? The board will take this under advisement as well. Thank you very much. Thank you. Following items 16 and 17
together, Hugo and Coholding LLC doing business as Berkeley and Stewart Wine Company located at 40 West 3rd Street. This is item 16. Has applied for a retail package store all alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the above at 399T retail space located
separately within the 7,287T restaurant with three entrances and three exits to include seating for approximately 10 for tasting purposes only. manager Brahm Callahan with a closing time of 11 PM for the package store. And item 17, Hugo and Co. Holding LLC doing business as Hugo and Co.
located at 40 West 3rd Street in South Boston has applied for a common victual or 7-day alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the above approximately 11,643 ft on two floors with 7,287 ft on the ground floor, including a 1,081 ft
annual weather permitting patio on private property with a closing hour of 11 p.m. for the patio. 4356 feet on the second floor, including a 2231 foot annual weather permitting roof, deck, patio on private property with a closing hour of 11 p.m. The premise includes
three entrances and seven exits with a total seating capacity of approximately 395 in seven areas and rooms, including the main bar lounge, multiple dining rooms, kitchen prep, storage on the first floor, and four areas rooms, including a speak easy bar lounge on the second floor. again, manager Bri
Callahan. Closing time 2 am for the on- premise license and attorney Bill Kelly for both. Attorney Kelly. Uh, good afternoon, Chair Joyce, Commissioner Saxon, Commissioner Current, and Attorney Green. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today. Uh, I represent the applicant,
the single applicant for two type of licenses. They filed two new license applications. one for an annual all- alcoholic beverage off- premise retail uh store under section 15 and the other is an annual all alcoholic beverage
7-day a week restaurant type license. Um the hours of sale for the restaurant as stated uh by attorney Green seeking a 2:00 license. Uh the closing hour for the associated retail store is 11 p.m.
With me today is Bram Callahan, the proposed license manager in a principle of this business operation. Uh I will give a quick overview uh on a couple of points and then turn the floor over to
Bram uh Brown to answer to speak more specifically about the proposed operation, what the concept is and answer any questions that any member of the commission may have. By way of overview, uh this is seeking to get
licensed a an upscale restaurant that features a speak easy. Uh the entire project for the restaurant operation is 30 approximately three 395 seats as indicated on the diagram and floor plans
provided with the application. Uh there is also with it associated a high-end retail shop. So, this is not a traditional package store. This is not going to be selling sleeves or fireball shots. Uh, it is more high-end, keeping
in a total uh theme with the theme of the restaurant, which is a high-end dining experience. As far as public need, the location where we seek to put these two licenses, has been licensed before by this commission. Uh most
recently, I understand a restaurant by the name of Coppermith operated at this location but went out of business. Indeed, the location where we're looking to site this new project has been vacant. And so these licenses and this
business concept that Bram's going to talk about more in more detail with you uh is going to revitalize a now dormant vacant storefront if you will uh in the South Boston community. Braum can speak
more about his uh experience in South Boston, but I will let you know by way of a topline overview. He is a resident of South Boston. So he is not uh bringing anything to the neighborhood that u he does not himself control have
a clear knowledge of and respect for all the neighbors in the area. Uh I believe you will hear that there was a community meeting held virtually through the office of the mayor's uh neighbor office
of neighborhood services. Uh Braun has uh begun the outreach to his uh neighbors in South Boston about this project back in January of this year. So it should not come as any surprise to anyone in the area. He has uh been
communicative. He's open to further communication and welcomes the opportunity to discuss this exciting new concept. So is by way of public need. The location has already been determined to to meet a public need. The restaurant
type operation is consistent with the restaurant with the type of alcohol license that was there, but the nature of the operation is going to go uh up substantially. uh the there is a large amount of
support from the neighbors as evidenced by I think it's 107 uh petitions signed and submitted with the application showing the support for that as well as a very favorable neighborhood outreach process. Uh with that in mind to get into a little bit
more of detail and share with you the the thoughts and the intention and the initiative behind this project, I'll uh turn the microphone over to Bram Callahan. Bram Callahan. Bram, thanks Bill. Uh can you guys hear me? Okay, we can hear you.
Perfect. So, uh first and foremost, thank you to um the committee and commission uh to take the time today. Um certainly appreciate it. Um, so as Bill mentioned, um, I'm a resident in South Boston. I've been in Boston for 20 plus years. I've been in fine dining
restaurants the entire time. Um, I've worked, uh, globally. Uh, I also happen to be a, uh, master simole, so I was the 22nd person in the world to pass that test about wine. So certainly my life has been centered around food and beverage for a very long time. and
beyond working and living in Boston, I've worked in New York, Florida, uh in Europe, um usually on a consulting basis and uh have traveled all over the world and have chosen to make Boston and South Boston particularly my home. Um we love it there. We think it's an amazing
community. Um I own property there. My kids go to school there. Um and I have no desire to to leave that that neighborhood. I think it's just a wonderful place to be. And so I had been looking for an opportunity to open a restaurant and a retail um uh space in
Boston for about two and a half three years. And uh had looked all over the city in in multiple neighborhoods and we were lucky enough to connect with the landlord who uh again you know uh local um small landlord that owns the space and seemed to make a lot of sense there.
Uh once we saw the space, we you know it was a really impactful thing for me because I think it has the opportunity to become a really um unique high-end upscale restaurant within the neighborhood while also still being accessible to the neighborhood is because it is so big. So um you know
historically Coppermith was just one big hall and it was one thing. We've now kind of chopped this building up into multiple concepts at this point. Um, just so you can have multiple experiences there depending on what you want out of the space. Um, as far as um,
my background, um, I've been managing large volume high-end restaurants for a very long time. Um, have been doing, uh, this for a living for, uh, more than half my life. um and um have always enjoyed this and you know been very excited to bring this potentially to the
neighborhood within South Boston. There are some great restaurants in South Boston, but um one of the things that I think we've seen the neighborhood develop and change just in the decade that I've been there um is that there's a need for more um upscale dining um
especially as you have more residents move in and we have um you know I think a lot of really great bars. Uh however um we are uh kind of lacking in in a plethora of options for fine dining and so rather than having to go to the
seapport or to the south end or back bay to eat, I would love for have love to have the opportunity to be able to have people come in our neighborhood um both neighborhood uh residents and then also um residents from the rest of the city and and beyond. Um, one of the really
unique things about this space is we have access to um, almost 40 parking spots, which in the city of Austin is a very unique thing. So, it does allow us to become um, just beyond a neighborhood restaurant. We can draw um, customers in from all over the city of Austin.
And, um, as far as the retail shop goes, um, so it's not in any way, shape, or form a package store. Um, we're going to focus on high-end wine, uh, that is generally aged inventory. So essentially older wine, um some higherend spirits, and then a small amount of craft beer.
Um we would love to as we want to interact with the community, we'll have a small selection of um what we'll call everyday um selections for the community. So if you want to come in and grab a bottle of Cabernet for dinner or if you want a nice six-pack of higherend German Pzner or something, we will have
a small amount of those selections. But the majority of our business and what we're focusing on is what we know. um and that is um higherend uh aged wines which is what I've spent my entire career um focusing on. Um I will also
say I've spoken to all neighborhood associations so West Broadway Neighborhood Association, St. Vincent's um friends of North Broadway uh and uh they've all largely been in support um reached out and spoke to all of our um
elected officials um and also um as many businesses in the area as well. Um there is a uh wine shop that is around the corner called Social Wines um and they're um I think would be in theory the biggest concern but I've spoken with them. They have a model where they focus
on natural wines. Um and we are about as far from that as um as can be. Nothing against it. It's just not our model. Um and so, you know, I've had a good conversation with them. Um and they understand what we're doing and and we're in support of what we're doing as
well. Okay. Um, I know your application was in on May 23rd and this application doesn't qualify for the zip code ones that we're currently in the process of giving out. That being said, I don't know when we
would be giving out the other um licenses. So, are you do you plan on moving forward with the onremise um without the with the uh retail one without the on premise one? Should it take longer to determine when that um
we'd be voting on that? Yeah. So, we're going to move forward. Um but we are we're we have the capital. So, the other part about this is so we're all local entrepreneurs that um you know, at the end of the day, like we're all putting our own money in here and we have the ability to go out and purchase a license if we need to. Um,
however, you know, one of the things with economics, so we're we're obviously trying to build a higherend restaurant and that's going to cost, you know, there's a north of $7 million investment into the space. Um, and so all of those things trickle down into higher per
plate costs. And as us, the more that we can um save those dollars and create something unique um and then pass those savings on to our guests um the better. Um, so we do have the ability to buy a license if um, we
need to. Um, I just think it's a we hopefully I think a good candidate for one of these uh, new licenses that the city has created. Okay. And does that retail space I don't have the floor plan right in front of me. Does the retail space have a separate entrance? It does. Yeah.
Okay. And there'll be a separate register there as well as separate storage. I don't have any questions. None from me either. Yeah, no questions at this time. Thanks. Thank you. We'll see if there are any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected
officials or their representatives. Yes, madame chair, members of the board. Conor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This time, the mayor's office like to defer to the judge from this board. Some background information the community process. Uh and had hosted a Butters meeting on July 10th that was well attended. Uh there
were some concerns raised that mostly stemmed from the restaurant that was previously at this location. Uh the proponent sought to assuage those concerns by explaining that he had a different uh form of business that he was proposing for this area. Um he continued to work with residents regarding some of the concerns around
pickup and drop off and noise uh as well as working with multiple civic associations in the area uh friends north of Broadway west uh Broadway neighborhood association as well as St. Vincent's uh as mentioned before there's 140 letters of support on file that uh
the board should have access to and with that information we'll defer to the board. Thank you. Thank you. I do see uh Sydney's hand raised from council funds office. Can you please provide your testimony? Yes. Thank you, Attorney Green, Madam Chair, members of the board. This is Sydney from Councelor Flynn's office.
Councelor Flynn acknowledges that there is a good community process for this proposal and support from neighbors for a fine dining establishment at this site. At the same time, however, neighbors and nearby young families have called attention to the 2 a.m. closing time for the license to be outside of
dining hours. They remain concerned that at some point in the future this could present late night disturbances and quality of life issues at that hour as the neighbors have experienced previously. As a result, councelor Flynn would have liked to see a compromise on
the closing hour time to account for our butter's concerns on any potential quality of life issues. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter? Hi. Yes, right here. Um, good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the board. My
name is JC. I work in Senator Collins office and I'm speaking on his behalf and the senator would like to go on record in support of this proposal. Thank you guys. Thank you very much. Uh, I'll ask again if there are any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter. Seeing none, the board will take this
under advisement as well. Thank you all very much. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Chair, thank you commissioners. Thank you, Attorney Green. Thank you. Thank you all. And finally, we will take a second call and return to item number eight. I uh do see that we are joined by attorney Porter as well as the u the
manager of record. So this is item number eight. BM Crew Corporation doing business as the Bendicion Supermarket at 32 Bennington Street in East Boston. Holder of a retail package store, wines and malt beverages license has petitioned to transfer the license from the above to Shri Brahmani LLC doing business as Lebendon Market at the same
location. and Hatishkish Kumar Patel manager 11 p.m. closing hour and has also petitioned to update the description of premise two. The premise consists of one floor, 1100 square ft across one room. There's one entrance and two exits. Attorney Matthew Porter. Attorney Porter.
Thank you, Attorney Green. Uh thank you, chair and board. Apologies for the second call. I had this down for tomorrow some house. So, I appreciate your office reaching out. Um before the board, this is just the this is a transfer of the beer and wine license uh which is currently in use at 32 Bennington in East Boston. Um, Shri
Bmani LLC is comprised of Hatishkish Kumar who is joining me on the call today. He'll also be the proposed license manager. Uh, this is a fairly straightforward transfer. The convenience store location there. Uh, there'll be no major changes to the business whatsoever. No changes to the hours. Uh, Hishkumar comes with a wealth
of experience in the liquor industries, a part owner of a store in Kin. As of right now, no violations whatsoever. So, he certainly understands the rules and responsibilities that come along with the sale of alcohol. is also familiar with Boston's regulations. Um he's alcohol tip certified. All employees of
the store would be al be required to be alcohol tip certified as well. So fairly straightforward uh transfer the beer and wine license there. Uh Mr. Patel is a US citizen. Um so with that I can certainly answer any questions that the board may have. Uh thank you and the you were probably
correct that this was originally supposed to be tomorrow but due to my schedule we had to move it to today. So, thank you for understanding and thanks for joining us the last minute. Uh, you covered the manager record questions um as far as I can see. And, um, with that, I don't have any other questions. Um,
Commissioner Saxon or Commissioner Curran, do you? I do not. Thank you. None for me. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter, beginning with elected officials or their representatives? There any other individuals who would
like to testify on this matter? Seeing none, the board will take this under adisement. Thank you, Attorney Porter, for sticking around and Mr. Patel as well. Um, that those are all the items before the board this afternoon. This will adjourn this hearing. The board is set to vote on Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Notice
has been posted to the city's website. Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your day. Thank you.