Business Closures in Berkshire County

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A number of businesses have closed or are closing their locations. Here are some recent closures in Berkshire County you might have missed.

Last week, the Pittsfield Marketplace Cafe announced on Facebook that it was closing the North Street location after 15 years.

"From our heart to yours — it truly has been a pleasure to get to know each and every single person that has come through those doors," the post stated.

"We are honored to have had such an amazing group of people around us to help make this place what it was. Every staff member through the years, and every person that has worked on North Street. The theatre community and those just stopping for a bite on a drive through."

It also noted gift certificates will be taken at other locations, including the Sheffield Cafe at 8 Elm Court in Sheffield and the two Great Barrington locations at 240 and 265 Stockbridge Road.

Market Cafe was located at 53 North St. and opened late in 2010.  

Phoenix Theaters Beacon Cinema then posted on its Facebook that a "new and exciting use" for the space will be announced soon.

"We want to thank Marketplace for the many years they spent here in downtown Pittsfield. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and appreciate the partnership along the way," said Cory Jacobson, owner of the Kinnell Kresge building and Beacon Cinema.

In South County, Shire Donuts decided to close its Lenox location at 51 Church St.

Owners Heather and Jeff King explained on Facebook that they want to focus on their other shop in Dalton at 813 Dalton Division Road.

"After a great deal of thought and reflection, Heather and I have decided to close our Lenox shop in order to focus more time on our Dalton shop and our real estate clients. We will miss our Lenox and south county donut-loving customers but we hope they'll come see us at our Dalton shop."

Their shop in Dalton opened in 2022, not long before closing their Adams location on Summer Street.

You can visit the Dalton location Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Lastly, Big Elm Brewing decided to close the brewery after more than 13 years of operation. The business posted on its Facebook how hard the decision was.

"The decision to close has not come easily. It has been one of the hardest choices we’ve ever had to make," the post states.

"We cannot fully express the gratitude and love we feel for your unwavering support as we step into a new chapter of our lives."

This decision comes just months after closing the tap room in Great Barrington.

The brewery will be celebrating Feb. 28 with a Cabin Fever Party; it will be open through the end of March or until the beer runs out.

According to their website, the owners, Bill Heaton and Christine Bump started their own brew in Pittsfield in 2005; after five years, they closed in Pittsfield and opened the brewery in Sheffield in 2012.

You can visit them at 65 Silver St., in Sheffield from Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.


Tags: brewery,   business closing,   

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Lanesborough Passes FY 2027 Budget, Warrant Articles

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles. 
 
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
 
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours. 
 
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
 
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. 
 
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
 
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
 
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