The Grand Coming to North Street, Bousquet Under New Food Management
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Grand has secured its liquor license, and the McNinch Restaurant Group now operates Bousquet Mountain’s restaurant, its third eatery in the city.
On Monday, the Licensing Board approved the transfer of all alcohol-seven-day liquor licenses for The Grand on North Street and the ski area at 101 Dan Fox Drive.
The former Iztac Mexican Restaurant has given way to a more subdued, moody facade as local Gordon Hebler prepares to open as an oyster bar and piano lounge with seafood options. Its liquor license was transferred to Chesnut Catering doing business as The Grand, owned and managed by Hebler.
He envisions following the theater and music programs in the county, closing for a couple of months at the beginning of each year. Seating was also reduced from accommodating around 100 patrons to 60.
"We're going to be pretty busy. I have that feeling anyway," Hebler said. "…If the foot traffic is any indication of what we're going to see, I'm very excited."
An entertainment license was also approved for The Grand. A piano and vocalist are planned for Wednesday through Sunday evenings; an opening date has not yet been set.
"It’s not just a run in and grab a quick bite and run out," Hebler said. "It's a little bit more involved."
The board also approved an all-alcohol seven-day liquor license transfer from Fresh Powder LLC to the McNinch Restaurant Group for Drifters Bar and Restaurant, located in Bousquet’s ski lodge, and the ski area.
The group is operated by father and son duo John and Tucker McNinch. They own and operate Patrick's Pub and the 101 Restaurant and Bar in the Holiday Inn; the partnership with Bousquet for all of its food and beverage services was announced in late 2025.
"They come with decades of experience in the restaurant business. John himself was the proprietor of the Old Heritage in Lenox for 21 years, and both John and Tucker have been operating Patrick's Pub and also 101 Bar and Grill in Pittsfield successfully," Attorney Jeff Lynch explained.
"So this is a lease arrangement and a concession arrangement."
They are essentially subleasing the space and have an agreement to do the catering exclusively. John McNinch is the manager; Lynch said his experience speaks for itself and both men are "capable and look forward to adding this to The McNinch Restaurant Group family of restaurants."
Bousquet Mountain underwent a multi-million dollar transformation after being acquired by Mill Town Capital in 2020, with a new lodge and mountain equipment.
Fresh Powder formerly operated the Drifters Bar and Restaurant on the second floor of the lodge. The McNinch’s told iBerkshires in late 2025 that no changes are planned for the space itself and the menu will change but remain pub-style fare.
The area licensed for alcohol is the ski area, which includes the lodge and most sections of the mountain. Lynch said that employees have been "very successful" in managing alcohol service safely and professionally
The mountain holds outdoor concert events in the summer, including on top of the mountain, as well as other events throughout the year.
Tags: license board, new business, alcohol license,
