1.4 min readBy Published On: May 4th, 2016Categories: News2 Comments on Starbucks Saga Continues

UPDATE: The common victualler license was denied.  More to follow. 

The outlook does not look good for Starbucks getting their common victuallers license. Mayor Marty Walsh, City councilors Michael Flaherty and Michelle Wu and State Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry all stated opposition to a Starbucks at L Street and Broadway at the hearing on Wednesday morning.  The reason?  There are already too many coffee shops in that neighborhood. Other reasons for opposition ranged from traffic, double parking and potential to hurt small independent coffee shops.  City Councilor Bill Linehan showed support for the Starbucks. 

The licensing board will decide on Thursday if it will grant Starbucks a common victualer license. So we shall see Southie.

This past Monday night,  a meeting was held to discuss this license from the City of Boston for the space at 749 East Broadway aka Starbucks.  The space has already been approved for zoning for a restaurant but needs this license to operate.  According the city’s website“Every food service establishment in the City of Boston with capabilities for cooking, preparing and serving food is required to have a Common Victualler License.”   

Backstory:
Mike Norton, Southie resident and owner the building had tried for over a year to put a restaurant in the spot but could not obtain a liquor license.  A month ago, Norton went before the  Boston Licensing Board to request a coveted unlimited liquor license. Norton was hoping to be teaming up with known restauranteurs Brian Poe and Gordon Wilcox of Parrish Cafe and Rattlesnake Bar and Grille fame.  Unfortunately, Norton’s request for license was deferred.  So therefore Grande Non-Fat Lattes all around! Starbucks hopes to open by June.  Southie free-standing Starbucks Count will be 3.

2 Comments

  1. Andrea Flahert May 5, 2016 at 5:58 pm - Reply

    1.Michael Norton sold a Beer and Wine License in the last few years.

    2. Michael Norton also told the community He would put an Italian Resteraunt in The L & Broadway location. November 2013 article(Boston .com)By Michael himself. (with or without a Beer and Wine License).

    4. Michael can afford to buy a Liguor License if he wants one with all the development he has going on.

  2. Barry k Sullivan May 12, 2016 at 1:17 am - Reply

    Good luck Michael. I wish you all the best in your new ventures. Stevie the “Lep” has a great resume for the bar and restaurant business. We trained him and you in Clarkes.
    All the best
    Barry Sullivan

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