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The Break Room opened in Greylock Works during the pandemic.
Updated September 06, 2024 08:20AM

The Break Room at Greylock Works Will Not Reopen

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— According to a statement released by Break Room Chef and Co-owner Brian Alberg, the restaurant will not reopen after an extended Labor Day break.
 
"The diversity of the arts and the ever-growing culinary scene of North County is awesome.  I'm so proud to have been a founding partner in the culinary program at Greylock WORKS - a project that has become an anchor and destination for the Northern Berkshires," he wrote.  "I wish the very best for their continued growth and welcome the next chef to be lucky enough to work in such an incredible place."
 
The Break Room LLC was permitted by the North Adams Planning Board in 2020 as a joint venture between Greylock Works, owned by Salvatore Perry and Karla Rothstein, and Main Street Hospitality Group, which operates the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge among other eateries and hospitality offerings in Berkshire County and beyond. On Friday morning, Main Street's "chief development and brand officer" reached out to say that business is not a partner in the Break Room.
 
"Opening the Break Room at Greylock WORKS during the Pandemic was simultaneously the biggest challenge and the most life-affirming experience," Alberg said. "Customers still speak of the joy that our food and our staff brought to their lives as they slowly ventured out in the Berkshires. We all share a commitment to this region, and our team has loved creating top-notch food and memorable experiences in this tight-knit community."
 
The Break Room originally announced that they would be closed from Sept. 9 through Sept. 15. Thursday, Alberg announced this would not be the case.
 
Alberg did not give a specific reason for the closure but wrote that he now has the opportunity to "make more space to be with family and friends, and plan my next chapter."
 
"When I started working in kitchens at 14, my passion for putting out great food supported by a community of farmers, purveyors and guests was born," he said. "The business of food is intense, and I've had the honor to work with an incredible group of people. More than four decades later, my passion burns just as strong."
 
He did tease that there are "exciting openings" planned on the Greylock Works Campus. 

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Letter: Let's Celebrate Diversity in the Northern Berkshires

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

With the Jan. 1 swearing in of our city of North Adams mayor and City Council, we have an opportunity to celebrate diversity. For the first time in North Adams history, we have a woman for mayor, a woman majority council, and a council which is at least one-third LGBTQIA-plus. I believe this is something which should be celebrated, openly.

Despite a worrying national conversation which advocates that diversity equates weakness, the opposite is true, and has been proven time and time again. McKinsey & Co., a global consulting firm, has conducted a series of studies, which have made a strong business case for diversity, showing it is a competitive advantage for organizations, linked to innovation, financial success, and social benefits. It is indicated that it's especially beneficial to have diverse leadership teams.

I think North Adams is well-positioned to leverage fresh ideas and innovate. Our diversity will help set us up for a more successful future.

Like many of you, I have noticed negative reactions to the news of the diversification of our city's leadership in social media posts, and in overtly homophobic and transphobic comments. I wish for the Northern Berkshires to maintain a culture which is respectful, accepting and uplifting of people of all backgrounds, and I suspect the majority of our residents share this goal.

If you are reading this and feel similarly to me, please join me in helping to uplift people, and celebrate diversity. Let's share success stories, hopes for the future, and accept people of different backgrounds.

Andrew J Fitch
North Adams, Mass. 

Andrew Fitch is vice president of the North Adams City Council. 

 

 

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