image description — Dottie's Coffee on North Street is expanding into the adjacent Mission Bar, which closed last fall.

Dottie's Plans Expansion to Former Mission Bar and Tapas

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:56PM / Wednesday, April 26, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A North Street staple is expanding to the former Mission Bar and Tapas.

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved a transfer of premise, license, and pledge of license from On A Mission LLC to Dottie's Coffee LLC. Owner Jessica Rufo plans to reopen the eatery as "Dorothy's," an expansion of the business that is open later.

The wall between the two spaces will be taken down to allow access between them.

"Initially we're going to keep our regular hours from 7 a.m. until 2 o'clock then our hope once the liquor license transfers is that will be open later until 8 or 9 o'clock," Rufo said.

"Our current offerings at Dottie's, we do dinners occasionally with entertainment, but we're not sure that we're going to start that right away. It might be something that we grow into once we feel what this variation feels like."

Dottie's is open from 7 a.m. (8 a.m. on the weekends) until 2 p.m. and after that time, Dorothy's will offer a light dinner option.

Rufo opened the coffee lounge and eatery 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.

It was known for having regular music — often jazz — as well as its unique menu offerings and cozy atmosphere. Originally opened by Jenny Benson in 2007, it was bought by Mill Town Capital during the pandemic.

Abutters have been notified of the construction that will occur to connect the two spaces and will need a certificate of inspection due to the increased capacity.

Chairman Thomas Campoli said he understands Dottie's is a "wild successful business."

The board also approved a change of stock interest for Crossroads Cafe on Onota Street as well as an application from Zuke's Soups and Variety LLC, doing business as Bei Tempi, for the transfer of license, pledge of inventory, and pledge of license from C.T. Colvin Inc. doing business as Crossroads Cafe.

Manager Elizbeth Zucco said they plan to make some interior changes to be more suitable for dining.

There is also a name change proposed.

Crossroads had been open for more than 20 years and was a popular place for live music.

Tags: license board, business changes,

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:28PM / Monday, December 22, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor.

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024.

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email.

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility."

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks.

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day.

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted.

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!"

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