Licensing Board Approves Keno, Later Hours for Pittsfield Eateries
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An old name will soon open in the former Tahiti Takeout on Wahconah Street.
On Monday, the Licensing Board approved a Keno license for Hudpuckers and the owner reported that they plan to open in about a month. The name is a nod to Bobby Hudpuckers, a popular eatery that closed more than 10 years ago.
"Formerly, Tahiti Takeout was one of the most popular Keno spots in Berkshire County so we’ve got to have Keno, we’ve got to bring it back," manager Justin Martin said.
"So that's that's a goal to try and kind of revitalize the Keno there and hopefully we can make it bigger, if not what it was before."
Martin has previously explained that the owner of Bobby Hudpuckers was a relative and the name is in honor of him.
He reported that they began working on the venue last week and things are "moving quickly." The new owners hope to open in the next month or so.
The eatery is planned to be a quick-serve restaurant with food like hamburgers and sandwiches with a bar. Hours of operation are planned for 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Earlier this year, the former Tahiti Takeout's license was transferred to Hudpuckers Inc.
The board also approved a change of hours for Tito's By La Fogata, which can now be open until 2 a.m.
Manager Daniel Gomez explained that, after requests for later hours, the eatery would like to adjust its operating times from 11 a.m. to midnight to 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The last call will be at 1:30 a.m.
"We just have more customers asking for us to stay open more late-night and we have people asking to cater events and stuff and hold events," he explained.
"And the restaurant is trying to bring more revenue to the restaurant and to the business.
Police Lt. Marc Maddalena asked when food service will stop and if the purpose of the extension is for musical entertainment. The owners reported that they will be seeking an entertainment license in the future and were asked to discuss the extended food service with the board when they do.
"I’m just trying to plan for the future really," Gomez said. "Because I could see that this business has a lot of potential and see what kind of avenues we can go down with the restaurant industry with this business."
The owners of La Fogata on Tyler Street revived the shuttered Tito's Mexican Bar and Grill last year after it abruptly closed and the liquor license was abandoned. The new owners secured a liquor license from Eleventh Pin Restaurant, which operated in the former Ken's Bowl, after Tito's original license was rescinded.
A Keno license was also approved for Pizza Works on Tyler Street, which received a seasonal wine and malt license last year.
The eatery has been in business for 15 years and expanded its footprint into an abutting storefront, providing more room for on-premise consumption. The owner explained that he needs to bring more business into the establishment.
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