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Date: 9/8/2021
SPRINGFIELD – Discussion revolved around liquor licenses for two new businesses during the Springfield Planning Board meeting on Sept 1.
Both potential businesses met with the Planning Board during their Aug. 18 meeting to introduce their concepts. The first was Rosé, which is planning to open at 555 Worthington St. in the former Lido Restaurant location. Owner Kristen Fiora presented the business as a vibrant and safe environment for patrons to enjoy creative dishes and specialty drinks in a modern atmosphere.
She explained that she wants the restaurant and lounge to serve as means of revitalizing the local neighborhood, as well as providing a safe nightlife space that downtown Springfield has been missing. “Downtown [Springfield] does have a stigma,” said Fiora.
Fiora envisions that Rosé will offer a medley of food and drink options for customers. The menu will be American-inspired tapas infused with a southern flare, while the cocktail menu will feature margarita towers, frozen mixed drinks and a slew of common bar staples, according to Fiora. Along with serving as a restaurant, she also plans to open the potential business up for special events like baby showers, holiday parties and political gatherings.
A point of debate for the Planning Board was Rosé’s planned hours of operation. Fiora said she wanted the business to remain open until 2 a.m. but Planning Board members resisted that idea in favor of a 12 a.m. close time. “I highly recommend throughout the city and the world for every bar and restaurant to close at midnight,” said member Rico Daniele.
Fiora said she believes the bar should be open late to include younger crowds who often work until nighttime. She also explained that the hours of operation won’t disturb residents, since the location is not near residential areas.
In a unanimous 7-0 vote, the Springfield Planning Board approved Rosé’s liquor license petition during the Sept 1. meeting. The board also approved conditions for the bar to be open past midnight, as well as enforcing all sign permits to be obtained prior to installation. Fiora said she hopes the business will open by early November, if all goes according to plan.
The other liquor license petition was from Shaking Crab, which plans to open on 1373 Main St. in the former JT’s Sport Pub location. Owner Minjie Li described the restaurant as a family-friendly restaurant that would serve Cajun-style seafood.
“[Shaking Crab] is not a bar, just a family restaurant,” said Li. He also said he hopes the business can open by December.
In regard to the liquor license request, Li shared that the business would not be dependent on liquor sales.
“We plan to only do about 10 percent of sales in terms of liquor,” said Li.
The business also won’t be open late, with Li stating that he plans for the restaurant to close at 11 p.m. on the weekends and 10 p.m. on the weekdays.
Shaking Crab’s liquor license petition request was approved in a unanimous seven to zero vote by the Springfield Planning Board on Sept 1. The board also approved the businesses’ planned hours of operation.
The Springfield Planning Board will meet again on Sept 15.