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Miguel and Daniel Gomez stand before the Licensing Board

Licensing Board Approves Tito's New Liquor License

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With a new liquor license, Tito's Mexican Bar and Grill is staged to re-open under new management.

The Licensing Board on Monday approved a license transfer from Eleventh Pin Restaurant, which operated in the former Ken's Bowl, to the eatery located at 34 Depot Street.

At the previous meeting, the board rescinded Tito's former license after it was abandoned by the previous owner.  The restaurant closed its doors about six months ago and principal Felipe Perez had been unable to be reached by either the city or the new owner Miguel Gomez, who is also the owner of La Fogata on Tyler Street.

"I'm glad that you kept coming back and that everything worked out," Board member Kathy Amuso said, adding that she is happy the restaurant will be back in the community.

Chairman Thomas Campoli pointed out that Gomez's business has a good reputation in the city.

Son Daniel Gomez will be Tito's manager.  Aside from growing up in the restaurant industry, he has helped manage a dispensary in Sheffield and worked at a number of local eateries including No. Six Depot Roastery & Cafe in West Stockbridge, The Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox, and Mazzeo's.

They plan to be open six days a week --closed on Tuesday-- from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m and eventually plan to be open later on weekend nights.  The board approved the license for service from 11 a.m. to midnight.


 
Earlier this month, the eatery posted on Facebook asking customers to stay patient for a few more weeks until they can reopen.
 
"We have ran into some problems upgrading some things that needed attention to make Tito's even better!  But those things will be fixed soon," the post read.  

In other news:

  • The board approved an extension of East Street pizzeria Crust's seasonal wine and malt restaurant license and a transfer of al all alcohol license from the former Enso Asian Bistro, which was located on South Street across from Guido's.  An attorney speaking on behalf of the owner reported that they are having difficulty extracting a certificate from the Department of Revenue for the transfer and believes it is because the license holder's corporation has been dissolved.  
     
  • The board approved a new general on premise seasonal wine and malt license for Pizza Works, located on Tyler Street.  The eatery has been in business for 15 years without selling beer and wine and wanted to see how well it would be received.  It has expanded its footprint into an abutting storefront, providing more room for on-premise consumption.
     
  • An application for a new annual wine and malt license from Hot Plate Brewing Co. was tabled because the applicants are still working on getting state approval.  The brewery, owned by Brooklyn, N.Y., transplants Mike Dell'Aquila and Sarah Real and expects to open this winter.


 


Tags: liquor license,   

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates. 

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more. 

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said. 

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.” 

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1. 

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council. 

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