NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The License Commission approved a beer and wine license Tuesday for State Food and Drink LLC at 508 State Road.

 

"We've been in business, I think, since November of last year, and what we're just trying to do is expand the options of our diners to have a glass of wine with dinner or a beer with dinner," said owner Matt Bertles.

 

Bertles and his husband, Tu Le, opened the restaurant in the space that had been occupied by the Break Room in Greylock Works.

 

He said service would be inside only and there would not be a dedicated bartender as the alcohol would be served from cans and bottles. He has some experience with alcohol service in running prior restaurants and said all the servers would be trained by the time the license arrives. 

 

"We're constantly looking for more help," he said. "Finding staff has been a big concern of ours, but we've got great staff right now. ...

 

"We have two months, I think, between now and when we possibly would have the license. So everyone will be up to date by then."

 

Chair Rosemari Dickinson said the state has been two months to approve licenses. 

 

"It is the turnaround. It is definitely it seems to be eight to 10 weeks for sure, and I'm not sure what's happening with the state, but every little question has to be answered," she said. 

 

Bertles acknowledged he was in no hurry to get the license and two months would not be an issue. The license will be from 11 to 11; Bertles said breakfast service is more pastry and coffee and dinner is 5:30 to 8:30, with closure by 10 but 11 would offer some flexibility.

 

"I don't know how summers are going to change the dynamic of people staying late, coming in later," he said.

 

The board also approved a one-day alcohol for Jared Decoteau as Howling Inc. for the Pride event on June 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. Service will be a contained area on Holden Street. 

 

Another one-day application was for a Berkshire Food Project fundraiser at Greylock works on Sept. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

 

Board member Elizabeth Mach said it will be a ticketed event with a "Chopped" style chef exhibition. Event chair and Casita owner Mariah Forstmann, also a board member, is spearheading the event with chefs coming from local restaurants.