##VIDEO ID:UzdhDzNcUEE## good morning good morning thank you all for joining us we will get started in just a moment as a reminder for those entering from the waiting room please do remain on mute unless or until you are presenting or providing testimony before the board good morning this is a hearing before the licensing board for the city of Boston today is Wednesday January 15 2025 today's hearing is being held pursuant to tempor 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 morning my name is Kathleen Joyce I'm chair of the Boston licensing board and today I'm pleased to be joined by commissioner Liam curan and commissioner Kiana Saxon thank you please ensure that your audio and visuals are working properly if you are presenting or providing testimony before the board I will call each item in the order that it appears on this morning'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 questions there will be an opportunity for Testimony beginning with elected officials or their representatives for members of the public wishing to testify please limit your testimony to two minutes and please state your name address and affiliation if any begin with the first item on this morning's agenda calling item number one mother ship Al wife LLC doing business as Revival Cafe and Kitchen located at 15 Neco Street has applied for a common VI license to be exercised on the above 1,84 Square ft single floor space with four tables and two high high top counters with seating located on the base floor of 15 Neco street with lab and office space on the floors above there's one bathroom at the back of the cafe and the kitchen is located in the rear manager Liza sherazi hours of operation 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. who's present on behalf of the applicant hi there elza Shi here my business partner Steve postal great thank you both for being with us if you could please briefly present uh the proposed concept to the board sure yes thank you for having us um so we are looking to open uh Revival in this location um we are currently in Cambridge Boston Somerville Watertown and Lexington and we're excited to join the Fort Point Community as well um as you said there's 14 seats um we're in the base floor of 15 Neco which is uh Eli Lily's headquarters um we're on the the front side of the building um and we'll be serving a same menu as we do at our other locations it's primarily coffee tea breakfast lunch um all homemade items um that what we're making in our Cambridge um production kitchen um and we're we're just excited happy to be here and happy to answer any questions you may have thank you thanks for joining us how close are you guys to opening we hope to open next week we're we're at the final stages we after this just need a Board of Health um and then we're ready to go great thank you I appreciate that um sounds like a an exciting Venture there um I have no questions Commissioner Karen or commissioner Saxon I have no questions thank you none from me thank you thank you are there any individuals uh who would like to testify on this matter beginning with elected officials or their representatives yes Madam chair members of the board Conor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services at this time the mayor's office to defer to the Judgment of this board some background information the community process on had hosted a Butter's meeting on December 18th uh it was LLY attended uh but those in attendance had questions just regarding the relationship with the harbor walk uh type of food being served and just general concepts uh regarding the space that the applicant was able to uh answer and address uh we're unaware of any ser serious concerns at this time and 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 advisement thank you very much thank you thank you thank you calling item number two day and night exotic serial Bar Boston LLC doing business as day and night exotic serial Bar Boston LLC located at two Tremont Street in Brighton holder of a common vict license has petitioned to change the corporate name of the license business from day and night exotic cereal bar Boston LLC to Sweet and comfy Brighton LLC has also petitioned to change the DBA of the licensed business from day and night exotic cereal bar Boston to Sweet and comfy and lastly the applicant has petitioned to change the operating hours of the business from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. who is present on behalf of the applicant how's it going it's me LS elvas U I'm the owner great thank you for being with us Mr elious if you could please uh just walk the board through the uh proposed changes uh for sure um just to Echo what you said um the corpin name is changing from day and night exotic serial Bar Boston LLC to Sweet and comfy Brighton LLC and the DBA is changing from day and night serial bar to um sweet and comfy and the hours of operation is also changing I've also met with the um the community and I agreed to CH to reduce the hours um the closing hours from 3:00 am to 2 am um and I was told I would get their vote if I had done so because there is also a neighboring business that closes at 2 am. and um yeah so I'm I'm open to doing 2: am as well as a closing time thank you um thanks for joining us today so tell me about what kind of business do you expect to get from 11: pm to 2 A.M oh you said from 11: p.m. to 2: am. well you currently have 11: p.m correct oh yep for sure tell me about the need your need to stay open till 2 am uh well given that we're 10 about 10 minutes from Boston College we do expect to get an increase of uber and door Dash orders um joining those late night hours and we also um are going to extend our menu a little bit and that further goes into uh getting that late night crowd um yeah and there's also like a local so there's a local bar down within our community like a down the street pretty much and um we've had like we've spoken to some of the customers like the patrons from that bar and some of them do say it would be great to have something open like after especially if they can get something sweet like a dessert um or maybe something like a sandwich okay so I'm not familiar with your menu so it's mostly sandwiches and desserts is that what it is uh what's the dessert so it's ice cream um they're ice cream inspired desserts so there shakes bowls and we also plan to introduce um dessert sandwiches as well okay um what is the you said there another business that has 2 am closing nearby which one is that um I believe it's called New Hong Kong it's the Chinese food restaurant okay so you're I'm just trying to see where you are you're um sure right in Oak Square uh yep um all right so tell me a little bit about the community meeting or the neighborhood meeting have uh the neighborhood meeting was pretty good um I got a lot of support uh even for those closing hours but there were a couple people who live in the community who were a little worried about um pushing for 3:00 a.m. and they said they were fine with 2 am but uh they believe 3: a.m. May set a precedent like of other businesses wanting to extend to that to those hours um but aside from that it was pretty good and they agreed to supporting if I did 2 2 am. instead of 3: Okay so um oh I see where you are yeah um and you're relying on a lot of uber and door Dash late at night correct uh for sure is there any where do you where did door Dash in Uber Park and stuff so this limited street parking yeah oh go ahead it looks like a very busy intersection know if there was plan oh for sure so especially during those hours we don't expect a lot of traffic between well after after 10 p.m. we don't expect a lot of foot traffic to be coming in or a lot of traffic in that area in general it normally calms down by the night time so I think parking will be a lot more easy and um freej those hours but also there is uh there's a good amount of street parking as well so like on our side and even across the street there's enough space for drivers to put on their hazards if they have to if there's no like physical parking to stop but there's enough space to I guess allow to quickly get their order and move themselves so that's something I think you're going to have to be really conscious of as the owner of people double parking leaving their hazards on and running in at night um sure transport the transportation department will take issue with that and then you'll be back before us for to for reconsideration of those hours because you have to have a plan for these third party pickups um and let them know where they should Park um because it's not okay it's a pretty wide street but we don't want to be encouraging people to leave their hazards on and running in sure for sure that's not a norm but um I guess like during the busier hours like not just for my shop but in general for that area let's say around 56m um that is something I've seen where they don't park any area that can cause an accident but there are some parts that um say no you know parking but I understand exactly what you're say yeah but there that might become an issue especially if mod as fast food third party deliveries um just because it's being done doesn't mean it's something we're going to be permitting moving forward so you have to really be concerned by that we have okay for sure other parts of the city um and oftentimes Transportation will weigh in so I'm just making you aware of it that you may want to instruct your um door Dash and Uber drivers um exactly where they should Park so they're not leaving their hazards on and running in in the middle of the street that's sure um and I might I think I'd like to request for you to submit a plan in writing for us to consider for that um okay that would be helpful so we have that on file um commissioner car commissioner Saxon do you have any questions uh I'm just wondering do you have any access to the space in the back of your building or is that for other people uh this like when you say the space in a back give me like the like it's like it's kind of like a garage area so there's no parking in the back but there are there's a street on the back as well that people can park in so like a I'm not sure if you're looking at the maps but there's a street at the satellite so you you have nothing off street that I just wanted to confirm um when you say nothing off Street could you like reiterate that what does that mean uh well be looking at the satellite at the back of your building there's black top uh that's you know just north and west of non Nom Street that's that's nothing that you have access to right uh yeah it's nothing we have access to well this like a side street that anybody could come down anybody could park on but directly behind us like if we open our back door it's like a little um parking lot but that's used for trash for the businesses okay thank you should no problem no additional questions 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 Conor 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 in the community process so on had hosted an abutters meeting on November 21st uh it was lightly attended uh from my understanding no concerns were raised uh in the abutters meeting uh as you heard the applicant met with the Brighton Alon Improvement Association there were concerns raised in that meeting uh where some of the members worried about uh noise from folks congregating or being in the establishment potentially uh disturbing uh those who live in residential areas at the rear of the property um they were not supportive of 3:00 a.m. I understand that they wanted the applicant to go uh lower with their closing time which the number I heard was 1: a um and I think the applicant thought that maybe 2 am would be a compromise in the middle of that uh to my knowledge the bright nson Improvement Association has not written a letter in support or opposition at this time I don't think they took a formal vote uh since they last met with this applicant so um with that information 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 advisement as well thank you calling item number three masteran corporation doing business as Burger King 944 Bennington Street in East Boston holder of a common vict license has petitioned to change the operating hours of the business from 6: a.m. to 2 a.m. to 24 hours who's present on behalf of the applicant hello uh Bret Kohler uh president and owner of masteran Corporation and I'm joined by my regional manager Ron dimik and my district manager Angelo martinetti great thank you very much uh Mr ker Mr z Mr maretti if you'd like to um present the proposed concept and the reasoning board uh yes we are seeking the approval of the board uh to move from uh closing at 2: am. to 24 hours as you stated um uh we we met with the board um just a few months ago to um move to to 2 am. and at that time we um we were looking for 24 hours but we're waiting to complete the remodel um so we are starting the remodel in February so we're just finishing up the permit process now um with scheduled um construction to start in February and then upon completion of that remodel uh the plan would be to go 24 hours okay um how long ago was that I remember that but I just don't know if the top of my head how long ago gosh I don't have the date in front of me Ron do you have the date there was a there was a confusion on the license um that hadn't been updated uh properly for the hours so we wanted to get like the the current hours which were 2 am to to be reflected on the license which we did and at that time um we weren't prepared to go 24 hours so the suggestion was just to stick to 2 am and then when we were prepared to go to 24 hours to meet back here with the board um like I said upon completion of the remodels when we'll be ready that was in June of 2024 okay thanks thank you yeah are you requesting 24 hours um in the dining room as well or just 24 hours in the Drive-Thru uh no ma'am we we'll close the dining room at 11m just as we are today um so all that stays the same it's just um the the drive-through and the delivery um from 2: a.m. to to 6: a.m. okay [Music] um so the the condition on the license Danny is the dining rooms closed at 11 is that um current condition says dining room shall close to the public at 10 p.m. 10 that's what's on the license currently it is 10m yes oh my my mistake thank you Angela okay thanks um appreciate that explanation I don't have any questions Commissioners do you not at this moment thank you no questions 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 Conor Newman with the mayor's office of Neighborhood Services this time the mayor's office defer to the Judgment of this board some background information the community process on had hosting a Butter's meeting on April 30th um I understand they are also in contact with the Orient Heights uh neighborhood Council as well uh the community is supportive from what I understands uh they understand it with proximity uh to the airport uh that people need options uh later than other parts of the city um and that overall uh we did not hear any serious concerns regarding this proposal for 24 hours uh for the drive-thru 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 then the board will take this under advisement as well thank you thank you thank you calling item number four tusin kitchen of Boston LLC doing business as tuskin Kitchen located at 53 Northern a a holder of a common vict or 7-Day alcoholic beverages license has petitioned to change the manager of the license business from Charles Wright to dearis CET who's President on behalf of the applicant that's myself the mayor reset thank you very much for being with us chair thank you thank you for joining us um Miss saret are you um a citizen I am citizen yes you a resident of Massachusetts I am yes what is your experience in the food and beverage industry I've been in the industry for about 34 years I was a restaurant tour for about 14 of those years in my early 20s I was director of operations for carabis uh family or restaurants for maybe about 8 to 12 years years and my last um job which I held for about 10 years I was a director of operations for the Houston Astros and their Hospitality groups okay um are you familiar with the rules and regulations of our board the abcc and the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the Salem service of alcohol I have made myself familiar yes okay thanks um I have no additional questions Commissioners do you I do M thank you none for me thank you thank you are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter board will take this under advisement thank you for being with us misset thank you so much for having me calling item number five Bennington 104 LLC doing business as Renegades Pub located at 104 Bennington Street in East Boston holder of a restricted common victual or 7-Day all alcoholic beverages license has petitioned for a change of ownership interest attorney Kristen scanland attorney scanland good morning Madam chair members of the board attorney green Kristen scanland for the the lensey uh this is a small housekeeping matter there's a change of ownership interest to remove Katie daily and add valer OK Conor as the 49% LLC member Miss o Conor has been an employee and uh or since 2017 and the manager of record for the past two plus years uh Peter Akerman here Remains the majority shareholder and other than that there are no changes proposed to this license thank you for that explanation I have no questions commissioner do I do not thank you no questions for me thank you thank you are there any individuals who would like to testify on this matter board will take this under advisement thank you thank you calling item number six Manina Cafe Inc doing business as minina Cafe located at 432 Geneva Aven Dorchester has applied for a common victual or 7-Day Wines in Mal everes license to be exercised on the above a single story building on the first floor two rooms with table seating in front capacity of 16 and Kitchen in rear entrance in front and ENT and exit in rear total 640 sare ft manager alahandra Rosa Closing Time 10m Attorney Jennifer Ellen attorney Ellen thank you good morning Madam chair and members of the board uh Jennifer Allen on behalf of minina Cafe and its application for the wines and Malt Beverages license as well as a CV for the existing license um Alejandra Rosa is also logged in as well our application is for a going concern which had both prior licenses inadvertently expire and to bridge that Gap until a decision is rendered we are also applying for a temporary CV so the business can remain open and not lose its Goodwill um I'd also like to make note that the prior license was an all alcoholic license that they carry my client Alejandra Rosa the majority stockholder and proposed manager and logged in for any questions after Yanina Cafe has been serving authentic Dominican food for almost a decade now and Alejandra has been working in the store since its Inception where her parents owned it she has now taken over and seeking to be able to offer her patrons beer and wine instead of all alcohol which is a far less ambitious Endeavor working at the cafe for so many years now and owning it she is well qualified and has plenty of experience she's also tip certified a Massachusetts resident US citizen she's familiar with the rules of the abcc and the City of Boston licensing no violations have been recorded against minina Cafe during their tenure uh public convenience has also been established for the prior license and arguably continues to exist for the Lesser license as nothing has really changed on the ground or in the neighborhood giving these unique circumstances of this application and urge the board to approve it uh we are happy to answer any questions that you have regarding this request thank you for your time okay um just take a look here so seating for 16 correct all right um I think our records show that the previous license was beer and wine as well but okay it's fine um just to let you know that sure so it's Dominican food Miss Rosa is second generation owner yes okay and um she'll also be the manager of record is that correct correct all right and the closing time will remain 10 p.m. correct not looking to change any other operational uh details okay great thanks um I have no questions thanks commissioner cion Saxon I have no questions that's fine 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 Conor Newman with the mayor's office of Neighborhood Services this time the mayor's office defer to the Judgment of this board our office is unaware of any concerns uh for the many years that this establishment has been operational uh with those previous licenses as stated uh with that will defer to the board thank you thank you are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter seeing on the board will take this under advisement as well thank you following item number 7 cholo Brothers LLC doing business as Peruvian Taste Restaurant located at 78 Arlington Avent Charlestown has applied for a common VI or 7-Day wines and Mal veres license to be exercised on the above 1,00 ft total in one room on ground level with one main dining area for seating and small bar with seating for three kitchen and rear storage and basement main entrance exit on Arlington a one additional emergency exit in rear of premises manager Yanna ples Closing Time 10 pm. attorney Kristen scanland attorney scanland good morning again Madam chair members of the board attorney green Kristen scanland for the applicant signed on with us this morning morning is Jose vranka who is the owner of provy and taste at 78 Arlington AV in Charlestown um as an initial matter between the time of filing the application and today the proposed manager of record no longer works for the applicant entity U Mr villafranco will now be the proposed manager of record and we will revise the application accordingly just for the record he is a US citizen a Massachusetts resident and is familiar with the rules and regulations and has experience in the industry including his ownership of this restaurant since 2020 um by way of background the application before you this morning is for a new uh beer and wine license uh Mr vilafranco was born in Lima Peru he initially came to the us as a student and uh came with a dream to open his own restaurant as a young boy he grew up learning to cook from his grandfather who worked for Chinese immigrants making chifa which is also known as Peruvian Chinese food it's a fusion of Cantonese cooking and traditional Peruvian ingredients and flavors it's an incredib incredibly rare flavor profile that you really cannot find in many other places in the entire New England region let alone the Boston area um in the 1800s there was a huge Chinese immigr immigration to South America Lima actually has the biggest Chinatown in South America this type of food is very much a part of their culture uh for instance there's over 3,000 Peruvian Chinese restaurants in Lima alone and as Jose told me it's like Dunkin Donuts in Massachusetts um Jose opened this particular restaurant in Charlestown in September of 2020 where he makes fresh dishes using authentic Peruan products imported um from various farms and markets uh I'm going to turn it over to Jose in a few moments to talk a little bit more about himself and his concept but it's worth noting that since open opening Peruvian taste has been the recipient of numerous Awards and accolades including multiple features in Boston magazine the food lens and most recently inclusion in get connected's um uh 25 be best ethnic restaurants list uh the restaurant itself is quaint in size at approximately 12200 square feet with 24 seats and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. serving breakfast lunch and dinner one of the leading reasons um he's seeking the new license is due to the fact his customers have repeated L been asking to have beer or wine with their meals he wants to add these offerings which of course is Common Place in many restaurants these days especially for dinner and may also uh bring in a few specialty Peruvian Brands to round out the true authentic experience with the existing menu items that are offered the majority of people who visit this restaurant are coming for the intent to sit down and eat as this is a family oriented and affordable restaurant as mentioned it is there is limited seating so the focus is on people sitting down to eat with their family and friends as the board knows Charlestown is one of the zip codes contemplated by the um 2024 legislation there are not many licenses generally speaking in Charles toown as a whole but in this area in particular there's pretty much nothing it's it's a little bit of an odd location it's a bit secluded but has become a little gem and destination spot once people learn about it uh they're still struggling a bit with traffic because of the location it's somehow close to everything because it's right off the highway but at the same time no one really thinks of this area as a restaurant there are a lot of regulars however including those that work um for the MBTA because of the nearby Charlestown garage um otherwise most if not all other Charlestown restaurants are on the other side of the expressway uh there wasn't a Butters meeting with uh one supporter in attendance that date the date of that meeting was October 7th 2024 we've also submitted to the board a support petition with upwards of 40 signatures and just for the we did reach out to the Charlestown neighborhood Council in the fall but never heard back from them um regarding the requests to meet or if they wanted to hear more about the proposal I'd love to turn it over to Jose just for a few minutes to to um introduce himself to the board and talk a little bit more about the concept morning everyone um thank you for having us um just basically um Kristen cover all theas but just um the one thing is you know we're we're very hidden um but we're struggling to you know get known um and we have heard that you know having the lies will benefit our food traffic and it also is part of the culture um berubians like to have their meals with you know one glass of wine or uh you know a small beer something like that you know that's why we thinking that it was this will benefit us and and since we're you know a restaurant that struggles to stay uh in business to to our location in how small uh we are hoping that this could um this could be good for us so we you know really thank everybody if anybody has any questions for me thanks so much um your attorney did a great job explaining um you may have submitted it but if not could you submit a copy of your menu to the board for our so we could take a look at it yes I don't think I did so I will thanks um I'm just up like five or 10 feet Block in my driveway thank you okay um I'm just taking a look exactly where it is on the map and I can see where you're saying it's not near other restaurants um I don't think I have any other questions at this time Commissioners do you I don't thank you no questions 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 at this time the mayor's offic defer to the Judgment of this board as you heard from the applican representation on as hosted in a Butter's meeting that was lightly attended uh there was a resident that was on there that was uh was curious and supportive of The Proposal um as you've also heard uh a petition has been submitted with further signatures um identifying residence Center in support um we're unaware of any concerns this time with that we'd like to refer to the board thank you thank you are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter seeing n the board will take this under advisement as well thank you calling item number eight CJ Corporation doing business as El Centro located at 474 shamid AV in Roxbury has applied for a common victual or 7-Day alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the above 1,600 ft total on first floor with one main dining area and bar seating kitchen and rear one main entrance exit on corner of shamad Av in West conquered street with additional emergency exit in rear basement for storage and office two seasonal outdoor seating areas made to October located on public property with seating for 40 closing hour 10m manager rabul Islam Closing Time 11: PM attorney Kristen scalin attorney scalin good morning again Kristen scanland for the applicant signed on with us this morning from the restaurant our owners Alan Rodriguez and Robie is who is also the proposed manager of record the application before you this morning is for a new all alcohol license um by way of background Allan who was originally born in Mexico and Robbie who's originally from Bangladesh collectively have been in the restaurant industry for 30 years they also own a second El Central location in deam um Allan also owns Lanetta on Newberry Street as well as Sab MZ caleria um on Newberry Street as well uh this particular El Centro location on Shaman Avenue opened in 2011 where Robbie also owns the property here since opening they've really been a staple Neighborhood Restaurant offer offering an array of authentic Mexican food anywhere from tacos to fine dining they currently have a wine Mt and cordal license um since they've been a license holder they've been an exemplary licy with no issues uh to speak of they are open from 11:00 to 11: every day serving lunch and dinner and they also serve brunch on the weekends over the years El cental has been recognized by features like the best of Boston and Boston's best really highlighting um what they offer not only to the neighborhood but the city as well uh the restaurant itself is smaller in scale only about 1500 sare F feet total uh with dining area seating which includes a 10 seat bar for uh 45 seats they also have seasonal outdoor seating which is situated they on they're on the corner of Shaman and conquered um on both sides of their property which is nice for seasonal outdoor seating that it's separated there and they can really activate the streetcape um because this is an application uh for a new license of course public uh discussion of public need is warranted uh in particular this is the exact type of restaurant contemplated by the legislation I believe it's actually the first zip code 02118 indicated in the 2024 legislation it's a small restaurant and like I said has really become the fabric um part of the fabric of this particular Community um in the South End there are several longtime patrons that are asking for the upgrade and have been asking for it uh for years um in order to um add certain Tequilas and mezcals to their food offerings as we heard in both the abutters meeting which was held on October 30th um and a meeting with the Blackstone and Franklin Square neighborhood association which was on November 19th several folks including immediate Butters pointed out that it's a quiet neighborhood corner and El Centro really brings life to the neighborhood and that they are excited for the additional flexibility that the new license could allow um when they closed for renovation somewhat recently neighbors um and many echoed the sentiment said they really felt the void of the restaurant not being an operation one resident also commented that he's lived within 500 feet of them for uh the past nearly 15 years and that they continue to be um a great part of the neighborhood and everyone that works there is friendly and they can't think of a better restaurant to get one of the new licenses so it's a very well recognized restaurant um but they also want to be competitive with other restaurants and are currently Limited in doing so uh oftentimes people either leave um their place or not come at all depending on what they're seeking to drink with their food so again they'd really like to add good Mescal to kila Brands and have had a lot of customers over the years requesting certain brands as well um as the board is aware there um we submitted upward of 50 support letters and 50 separate signatures on a support petition um and while there are nearby restaurants this particular restaurant's located um as previously indicated in more of a residential area there aren't many in the immediate vicinity like there are in other stretches of streets around the south end the closest Mexican restaurant is about a quarter mile away which does have a full liquor license um and I believe the closest restaurant is longtime uh restaurant uh Toro down there other closest are flower Bakery and Ana all that offer a wide variety of different options not similar to what Al Centro has uh lastly and when they started the restaurant they did obtain a four value license which they hold now as the board is aware these licenses um are unrestricted and carry value and since they've had the privilege of being a license holder they've also been able to use the business asset for necessary collateral for various improvements over the years at the restaurant like their recent Renovations we just mentioned a few moments ago uh the license value in and of itself is often times as the board is aware the most important asset of the restaurant not only for operations but for Value um in the event of a future sale as well um we we've discussed this with the board previously so I I could incorporate by by reference the comments um made um but it looks like you know if we look back at one of the 2014 or at the 2014 legislation one of the the main unintended consequences was was lack of delineation to licenses to specific neighborhoods and while this 204 2024 legislation has um seem to resolve that um there's still a question of whether or not people who are otherwise in restricted areas could still be considered um eligible for unrestricted licenses due to the existing license that they have being unrestricted as well uh so we would simply ask that at a minimum they be considered for an unrestricted license during deliberations and the just because they could be eligible for a restricted license given their zip code doesn't uh otherwise eliminate them from consideration for an unrestricted license however if the board is nevertheless inclined to Grant a restricted license we would respectfully request um consideration that the leny is able to transfer or sell their license um for instance they have planned to recently start a new business on trayon street and could potentially transfer the license there as well so we'd appreciate um any consideration that could be offered to that subject matter given the nature of their existing license being uh a value license that being said happy to answer any questions or concerns the board might have thank you appreciate that explanation where is this new Venture there starting it's on traymon street I believe 570 Robbie can you confirm the address you've got to unmute just asking to a mute something should have popped up on your screen if you're with us Robbie or Allen if you could comment too I think they just applied for a CV and are about to but let me yeah I think it's the correct advis 70 trim yeah yeah right in the corner to used to be the old Bostonian Market okay so and you'll be running that restaurant as well yes okay um so you would like I'm just making sure I summarize um what your attorney said um should you be considered for an unrestricted license should you be considered for a restricted license with no value you would like to either be able to sell or transfer your current unrestricted beer and wine um in one of the places you'd be consider transferring it to as your other restaurant at 570 trumon Street yes yes okay um all right thank you I have no other questions Commissioners do you I do not thank you no questions 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 madame chair members of the board Conor Newman with the mayor's office of Neighborhood Services this time the mayor's office defer to the Judgment of this board some background information the community process as you heard from the applicant representation on host in a Butter's meeting on October 30th uh those in attendance were in support uh they also went on to meet with the Blackstone Franklin uh neighborhood association um which voted on November 19th uh to support I believe it was almost unanimous um we're unaware of any concerns um with regarding this proposal with people citing uh the the brilliant operation that's existing there right now uh with that defer to the board thank you thank you Connor are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter or will take this under advisement as well thank you thanks item number nine alamira Banquets LLC doing business as meito Orient Heights located at 964 Saratoga Street in East Boston has applied for a common vict or 7 days all alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the above 4,974 ft total 1,158 ft in one room on the first floor with one main dining room and Lounge area with bar for eight seats 954 ft Kitchen in rear of premises 2,112 ft basement level consists of function room with bar for seven seats storage rooms located on basement level approximately 750 s foot seasonal outdoor patio on private property April to October weather permitting with SE seating for 40 closing hour 11:00 p.m. one main entrance and exit on Saratoga Street two additional exits located on Saratoga Street at rear of premises uh manager altimir Carpio Closing Time 11m attorney Kristen scanland attorney scanland good morning again Kristen scanland for the applicant with us this morning is altimir Carpio who's the owner and proposed manager of record along with her daughter who works besides her Jacqueline aretta uh the proposal and application before you this morning is very new all alcohol beverage license this particular applicant is currently a beer wine and cordials license holder at this location uh by way of background they opened in 2015 uh and purchased the license with that business uh they've been an exemplary leny since that time never any violations to speak of at this location um alamira has been in the hospitality industry for 30 years in and around Boston she purchased this business in 2015 herself and purchased the building as well approximately four years after that so property owner as well and she's really created a restaurant in the last decade that's become uh part of the fabric of this Orient Heights neighborhood it's family oriented uh dining restaurant with Central American influence with uh alamir being from Guatemala menu items are unique in the area um again with Central American in influences as well as um from her Guatemalan Heritage and also Salvadoran influences it's really a beautiful uh family oriented and affordable restaurant all the staff there are welcoming making you feel at home which is their home with touches of their culture added down to the handcarved chairs brought in especially uh for the restaurant from Mexico uh they are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. serving breakfast lunch and dinner in the neighborhood and the only change being requested here is the inclusion of spirits uh nothing else will change in the restaurant which is approximately um or has 70 70 seats up stairs with 79 downstairs uh downstairs has a banquet room they have approximately two events per month and the restaurant also includes a bar with eight seats they currently have a patio as well on private property which we're adding which isn't on their existing license now but we'd like to add permanently with 40 seats that they they hold and host patrons seasonally out there um as far as public need is concerned one of the leading reasons they're seeking the new Li is due to the fact that their customers have repeatedly asked for certain cocktails Tequilas and mezcals over the years which they currently do not obviously and cannot carry given their existing license they want to add these new items um uh along with other others in order to create drinks for those specific spirits and to expand offerings that are complimentary to their menu items this again uh similar to the ones that uh have gone before this morning is the exact type of business contemplated by the legislation uh in addition it's obviously female minority and immigrant owned and again the restaurant has really become part of the fabric of the neighborhood the owners have invested in the property making substantial upgrades uh when they eventually purchase the building as well we did he in the abutters meeting which was held on November 25th how great their reputation is um that they're extremely hardworking people and including positive commentary and support um from an immediate immediate of butter um people noted there are not a lot of drinks to choose from current ly so they'd look forward to the expanding offerings expanded offerings um and many people again echoing the sentiment that the people that work there are very wonderful and the service is always great and make people feel welcomed another noted as well that it's a very safe place to go in the neighborhood so allowing this applicant to have a full license will enhance everyone's experience um again they've been open for almost a decade never any issues to speak of um which all neighbors also noted there um and that they're just um a Class Act restaurant operation we did also meet with the Orient Heights neighborhood Council on November 18th who voted to support um this application as well uh within the Orient Heights neighborhood of East Boston there are a lot of fast casual and takeout restaurants but is somewhat limited to dine in and sit down restaurant options in this area of the neighborhood uh there's only one other nearby restaurant that provides Mexican options but the menus really influence from different parts of Central America than from what meito offers other offerings with um various licenses whether beer and wine or all alcohol include Italian and Latin offerings and uh Colombian food are more of an American Bar concept um as far as character and fitness is concerned in addition to the reasons we've already mentioned and the support they've garnered in the neighborhood um they were recognized in 2024 by the state senate for their hard work dedication and perseverance in the neighborhood and they're also um over the years um very supportive of local schools and hotels um for schools they host the annual graduation dinner for the Bradley School in Orient Heights and um regularly do deliveries for both Excel schools in East Boston as the board is aware that we also submitted um over 80 signatures um on a support petition plus uh multiple letters in support of this application lastly again and if I may incorporate much of the commentary from the previous applicant by reference uh for many of the same reasons this applicant is similarly seeking to exchange their unrestricted value license for an unrestricted value license when they purchase the business again they purchase the license and they too have used it as collateral in particular when they purchase the real estate for this location uh for similar reasons as the previous applicant they' ask that at a minimum they be considered for an unrestricted license but if the board is not inclin to vote in that way and decide that perhaps a restricted license is more appropriate for this applicant should they meet all the qualifying um standards that the board would consider we would respectfully request that um the board considers allowing the applicant to sell the existing license to capture their investment uh so that they aren't forfeiting it uh other than that happy to answer any questions or concerns the board might have thank you um there is a private event space I can see our function hall how many events do you guys host in a month or season do usually do one one to two a month that's helpful um commissioner car commissioner Saxon do have any questions I do not thank you no questions 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 good morning my name is k Garcia and um I'm one of the customers that has been going to UMO for the past um eight years um I know the owner and I'm just going to Echo some of the stuff that uh the attorney mentioned uh it's a family owned business and when you visit the restaurant is it's you know from the kitchen staff all the way to uh Alam the daughter that works there all the time um you feel welcome um and having a limited uh liquid license is is is an issue for a lot of us that we bring our families to join have a good meal and enjoy a good time uh so I appreciate if you you know that can be considered as well um a great outstanding environment uh with great service and the uh the minute you step in the door uh you feel embraced and welcome so thank you Madame chair members of the board Conor Newman with the mayor's office of Neighborhood Services this time the mayor's office defer to the Judgment of this board some background information on the community process as you heard from the AF representation ons hos in the butters meeting uh with which occurred on November uh 25th uh it was a positive meeting the applicant went on to connect with the Orient Heights neighborhood Council where they receed their support in a nine to1 vote uh with those in support citing uh the positive and amazing character of the applicant uh we're unaware of any major concerns with that will'll defer to the board thank you good morning Madame chair members of the board Gabriel rir is here on behalf of councelor Keta sapata at this time the council would like to go support of this proposal thank you very much I see a hand rais from a Miguel uh you will have two minutes to provide your testimony yes good morning how are you um yeah I'm here also to support Meo I'm being a a customer and a client for many years uh great service great food um they always supporting the community uh community events uh every time there is a coffee uh coffee um morning uh they help out with the community and then being involved with the community 100% so I really support um that they Bo really considered to apply um their license thank you thank you very much are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter or will take this under advisement as well thank you thank you calling item number 10 jigu LLC doing business as Cafe jigu located at 102 Meridian Street in East Boston has applied for a common or 7-Day alcoholic beverages license to be exercised on the above a 1500t restaurant with one entrance and two exits on one floor to include dining area with seating for 28 bar seating bar with seating for eight restroom food prep and storage area manager Paula Osorio Closing Time 1: a.m. Attorney James Costello attorney Costello good morning Madame chair members of the board Mr Green uh my name is James Costello and I am the attorney for Cafe gigo located at 102 Meridian Street in East Boston uh the manager and owner is Paula aerio she's hopefully on this morning with us uh a little about her she was born in mine Columbia she came to the United States in 2001 she started working at Cafe gigo in 2011 and quickly became the manager uh after a lot of hard work and saving a lot of money she purchased the business in August of 2023 um currently they have uh beer wine and C juice license that was a part of the the private seal um her restaurant small very clean modern the food is excellent it has a Colombian flare to it um the service is great the coffee is outstanding as well I can attest to that the atmosphere is an artistic Lounge type environment that is by Design uh Paula always has been an admirer of the Arts she supports the local M uh Music Academy she supports the local artist Paula has an art exhibition in her restaurant every 90 to 120 days for the local artist what she does is she provides a buffet she invites all of her patrons to attend and displays the art until the next exhibition is held I submitted a video uh to the board um hopefully you got a chance to watch it because it's really incredible what she does here um and I and I hopefully we're going to have one of the artist um that had an exhibition at Paul is testified today I truly believe the art gallery is what separates Cafe gigo from any other restaurant in East Boston um we submitted 88 letters of support we have a letter of support from the Maverick Central neighborhood association Cafe gigo is a hidden gen and an asset to the community as far as the public need is concerned um I don't believe there's a Colombian restaurant in the area that has a full liquor license and there definitely isn't any col uh restaurant in the area with the concept of an art gallery uh I believe last laender is the closest but that's a Mexican restaurant there's a dense Colombian population in the area loyal to Cafe gigo and her clientele is constantly asking her where when is she going to get upgraded uh and serve alcoholic drinks uh this is evidenced by the 88 letters of support uh she's a hardworking Colombian woman's owned small Neighborhood Restaurant with an O Gallery which is exactly the type of business that was contemplated by the legislation for the for these full Liquors um unlike what we heard in the present she has a private unrestricted uh be wine and cordales uh if she's fortunate enough to get the full liquor license she's willing to turn that in that's how much she wants the full liquor license um she does not even want to be considered for one of the unrestricted full license cuz she'd be happy just to have a a restricted uh full liquor license um she's a US citizen she's a resident of the Commonwealth she's familiar with all of the rules and regulations of the city of Boston licensing board in the abcc and she's has experience in food and beverage extremely hardwork in person um all of the residents in in the area say it's a Hidden Gem you have to see it it's a modern incredible place with all the paintings on the wall and all of the artists uh have gotten a leg up over the last couple of years since she implemented this and hopefully you you you view that video because it's incredible it's only about a minute and before the board votes I would hope that each and every one of you members view the video that I submitted thank you did you did you submit the video to Wendy yesterday today or when did you yes you I saw you in the office yesterday I submitted it yes yes she said she put it in the file it's about a minute long it's just it's just incredible the video it shows all the ad on the wall it's it's it's really really impressive it's in the application file okay okay um thanks very much um and I I actually don't have any questions so just to confirm um she has a four value beer wine and cordial license which she purchased herself two years ago that's correct year and a half about year and a half and she's willing to surrender that should she be granted exactly that's how bad she wants the full liquor license okay and she doesn't even want to be considered for one of the un uh unrestricted uh full alcohol license she'd be happy and content with this thanks very much thank you uh Commissioners do you have any questions I do not 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 Conor Newman with the mayor's office of Neighborhood Services this time the mayor's also to defer to the Judgment of this board regarding the community process on condu in a Butter's meeting on December 2nd was a positive meeting I understand that the applicant was in contact with the Maverick Central neighborhood association R aware of any concern this time regarding this proposal uh with that we'll defer to the board thank you good morning Madam chair members of the board Gabriel ramire here on behalf of counselor Gabriella k sapata at this time the councelor would like to go in support of this proposal good morning my name is Miguel Vargas I also support uh jigu this is a great restaurant very great environment uh I love the fact that they always supporting a local artist uh I've been there for many years since they open up since day one and I support and I hope she um she gets a license thank you I see a two hands rais the first is from Debbie raso you will have two minutes to provide your testimony to ask you to unmute now hi good morning my name is Debbie raso I'm the president of Maverick Central civic association and as Mr Castello has stated we are fully in support of this thank you great thank you very much much I see a hand raised as well from the denos SOS Foundation I'm going to ask you to unmute as well and you may please provide your testimony thank you so much U my name is Nelson Korea and I'm a director of the noos foundation and nonprofit that works with the community here in East Boston and I just want to say that Cafe j is a community supporter always being supported of our youth leadership group also always is being supported every event that we have with the community and also is part of the one of the business that is part of the activating Boston this is a program that we have with the community to activate the Central Square here in East Boston also Cafe jigo is like a a art place for H which is welcoming everybody this is with the local exhibitions and also it's a community networking for the all the artists and the community around East Boston and also I want to say the cafe jigu is like a home for everybody because um the families and friends always uh being there join together and also it's like a for the working class Community they always being there after work the night time and we will be happy because if jigu is doing well our community also is doing well thank you thank you very much the next hand I see raises from Cesar you may please provide your testimony good morning how are you my name is is Cesar Garcia I'm director the moad Music Academy uh jig Cafe have been and fundamental support for the promotion and the cultur and AR developed and artist in the East Boston area they always willing to offer the cafe space to graphic artists painters singers promoters and people on the all a thank you thank you very much the last hand I see raise is from Filipe I'm going to ask you to yeah there you go you may WR your testimony as well good morning uh as an arst I can tell you guys that finding places like this finding places like this is hard for us because we have to do all by ourselves we have to look for the people who want to purchase our art and caig go do that for us for free they don't share nothing to the artist if we sell something there they just let us take the money they they don't ask for nothing H to change for the for the thing they do for the artist you know what I mean and the place is extremely good the food is pretty good and so I think they deserve the the license thank you very much for your testimony are there any other individuals who would like to testify on this matter who have not yet done so board will take this under advisement as well thank you very much those are all the items before the board this morning the board is set to vote tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. notice has been posted to the city's website that will adjourn this morning's hearing thank you all and please do enjoy the rest of your day thank you