Dottie's Nearing Final Permits for Expansion into Former MissionBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:19PM / Wednesday, June 28, 2023 | |
 Dottie's will be expanding into the former Mission restaurant and is awaiting a permit for outdoor service. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dottie's Coffee Lounge is getting its ducks in a row to expand into the former Mission Bar and Tapas and create a nighttime spot, Dorothy's.
The board approved a sidewalk cafe license, the transfer of an annual all-alcohol seven-day restaurant license, an alteration of the premise, and a pledge of license from On a Mission LLC for 438-444 North St.
The restaurant and bar is next to Dottie's and, after being awarded a building permit last week, a wall will be opened up between the two.
"I think it will be good, I'm feeling confident," owner Jessica Rufo said at Monday's Licensing Board meeting.
In April, the board approved the license transfer, alteration of the premise, and the pledge of license. It went to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, which requested a sidewalk cafe license to serve drinks outside.
With the new permitting, Dottie's Coffee LLC will be able to obtain the liquor license.
"The way that the sidewalk cafe permit is set up is that they want an approved alcohol license from the ABCC to have it run its course," Rufo explained.
"However, we can't get the liquor license until we have the sidewalk cafe permit so we're kind of missing the boat."
Dorothy's plans on utilizing the outdoor space that Mission used and a space along Maplewood Avenue that has previously held a seasonal beer and wine license. This will allow for more than 30 outdoor seats.
Board Chairman Thomas Campoli said the requirements to get a sidewalk cafe license in Pittsfield is "almost as rigorous as getting a top-secret clearance from the government."
"I understand it's serious," Rufo said. "It's a serious job to be on that street with alcohol."
Rufo opened Dottie's about 15 years ago. She also has experience working in the restaurant industry in New York City and has held a seasonal liquor license for at least one summer. Mission closed last fall after 15 years in business.
The business has submitted a permit to operate a food establishment through the Board of Health, a letter from the building owner that gives permission to have a sidewalk cafe, a zoning verification from the building inspector that the premise is properly zoned, a certificate of insurance, and a business certificate.
It has also been signed off by the Building and Fire Departments and Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales.
Campoli said that as far as he can see, it has done what is required to obtain a liquor license.
"It would be nice if this could be a smoother process for our business owners," board member Kathy Amuso said. "I'm glad you weathered through this but it's too bad it couldn't be smoother."
Rufo explained that the original public notice did not specifically say there would be outdoor serving so the ABCC wanted it advertised again with the addition of a sidewalk cafe.
The board also approved:
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An entertainment license for Pancho's Mexican Restaurant at 156 North St. for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The business would like to have a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.
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A transfer of an annual all-alcohol seven-day restaurant license from Barcelona Tapas and Bar, Inc. to The Rusty Anchor, which is located at 1451 North St., and a change of license type into a club license because the establishment is a private club.
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