Avery Family Begins Transformation At Former Peno’s Bar
Scott Avery and family are moving forward with renovations to the property at 139 Ashland St. in North Adams. Renovations to the building began officially the morning of Wednesday, April 4, when Mayor John Barrett III to the first swing at an interior wall of what will soon be operated by the Averys as "Canteen." Canteen will be a restaurant featuring American regional comfort foods and cocktails in a Mission-style inspired interior."Mayor Barrett, and the entire staff at City Hall, have been very encouraging and helpful with this process from the beginning," said Walter W. Avery, who with his wife Anita is helping Scott Avery with this venture. "We thought it only appropriate that the mayor take a "first swing" at what will be one of many new restaurants he has worked hard to bring to North Adams."
The Averys purchased the building last October from Robert Pontier.
"Bob operated Peno's for many years in North Adams," Avery said. "He was ready for retirement at the same time we were looking to invest in a downtown North Adams location. The timing couldn't have been better."
Scott Avery, perhaps best known as a local caterer and restaurateur at the former Savories of Williamstown, will operate Canteen.
"I am very excited to be involved with all the new growth here in North Adams. We will have a facility that will not only house a state-of-the-art kitchen for both catering and a restaurant, but a comfortable and welcoming environment for our guests," he said. "Architect David Westall is to be congratulated on his interior and exterior designs for the building. Once finished by Kip MacDonald and Jim Secor of MacDonald-Secor Associates of Bennington, Canteen will surely be a North County destination."
Canteen is planning a construction party in the near future. To be added to the Canteen mailing list for information about this and other opening events, contact Scott Avery at 663-8656 or by email at chefscott@att.net.
