Hot Dog Ranch Plans Move To Former Jimmy's Location in March
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Hot Dog Ranch is expected to open in the former Jimmy's Restaurant building in mid-March.
Manager Craig Benoit told the Licensing Board on Monday that the Linden Street restaurant will close on March 13 and as long as the certificate of occupancy is approved for the West Housatonic Street location, the Hot Dog Ranch will open there on March 17.
"We already had a number of pre-inspections," Benoit said.
Attorney Thomas Martin said a significant amount of renovations were completed. The new location has an occupancy of 99 people, a significant upgrade in space from the Linden Street location. Jimmy's closed in March of 2015.
The Linden Street Hot Dog Ranch location is up for sale and DBM Ranch Inc. now has liquor licenses for both locations. Martin said the Linden Street location won't be in operation in the immediate future. However, that gave pause to the Licensing Board because there are already five or so liquor licenses not being used currently.
"This is a problem we are having and the board is talking about taking serious action," Board member Richard Stockwell said. "We're going to be forced to do something."
One of those unused licenses is for 7 Winter Grille, which has been closed for nearly a year. Attorney Jeffrey Lynch said that restaurant is expected to open in May.
"They have some banquets that are booked for May and June," he said.
The restaurant was expected to open in the winter after renovations. However, in installing a new elevator, Lynch said structural issues were found and more work was needed.
In other business, the Licensing Board approved changes in management for the East Side Cafe from Paul Capitanio to Dolores Capitanio; and for the Pittsfield Suns from Kevin McGuire to Eben Yager.
Police Lt. Michael Grady also reported that security cameras had been installed at Lach's Lounge, which was required after the bar found itself in hot water over a recent shooting. Grady said there are four cameras now which will store footage for 45 days. Lach's still has to come back before the board to present a management plan before a 60-day hour reduction expires.
Tags: alcohol license, hot dogs, license board, restaurants, store opening,
