Sweetgreen cleared for Framingham location; board notes questions about delivery‑driven traffic

The Board of License Commissioners voted 5–0 April 28 to approve a common‑victualler license for Sweetgreen Boston LLC at 1 Worcester Road, Unit 524, authorizing operation Monday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., subject to payment of fees and completion of required inspections.

Patrick Dowd, representing Sweetgreen, said the company plans 18 indoor seats and 12 outdoor seats (weather permitting), will not serve alcohol and projects an opening in October. “We are proposing 18 seats inside with 12 seats outside, weather permitting, and, we're projected to open currently in October,” Dowd said.

Commissioners used the hearing to discuss whether board review should consider the growing online‑ordering and delivery model. One commissioner asked whether the city’s inspectional services or planning offices assess the traffic impacts of fast‑casual restaurants that generate substantial delivery activity. Audra Shaw, the board administrator, explained that the common‑victualler license covers in‑store seating and that take‑out‑only businesses without seating do not require board approval; parking and traffic are reviewed by inspectional services, zoning and building departments during plan review.

Dowd said the Sweetgreen location had been omitted from an initial application and that the company is taking over a space previously used as a restaurant; he confirmed the seating plan and hours. The board’s motion to approve the license included the standard condition that fees and inspections be completed before issuance. A roll‑call vote recorded five “aye” votes and the motion carried.

The board noted no specific parking or traffic analysis for delivery activity appeared in the site analysis report supplied with the file; staff said departments would flag traffic or parking concerns during the plan‑check process if they existed.