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Northampton licensing panel approves CoffeeChat victualler license; Berry and Batter will not offer on-site service
Summary
The Northampton Licensing Commission unanimously approved a common victualler license for CoffeeChat at 71 Pleasant Street while hearing that Berry and Batter at 76 Main Street will not seek on-site service after a building inspection found no public restroom.
The Northampton Licensing Commission on March 27 approved a common victualler license for CoffeeChat Incorporated, doing business as the CoffeeChat, and heard that another applicant, Assai and Beyond LLC d/b/a Berry and Batter, will not offer on-site consumption after a building department inspection found the property lacks a public restroom.
The vote on CoffeeChat was unanimous, 3-0. Commissioner Jennifer Ewers moved to approve the application and Commissioner Natasha Yakovlev seconded. Commissioners Natasha Yakovlev, Amy Cahillane and Jennifer Ewers all voted yes.
Kareem E. Herante, the CoffeeChat applicant, told the commission the business will sell coffee, tea, sandwiches and other takeout items and hopes to open in early April. "We are opening a coffee shop, or at least we plan to, with the city's grace," Herante said. He said the team is targeting April 5 and that final opening would require approval from the Board of Health.
Commissioner Jennifer Ewers, who moved the approval, said, "The paperwork's complete. I'm excited to see you open." Commissioner Natasha Yakovlev later told Herante, "You are all set, Kareem. Can't wait to see this space." The commission's formal motion approved the application as presented on item 4 of the agenda.
Separately, Fatima Abdu, representing Assai and Beyond LLC d/b/a Berry and Batter at 76 Main Street, said the business initially believed it needed a common victualler license because of plans for indoor seating. Following a recent building department inspection, Abdu said the property does not have a public restroom, and therefore the business cannot offer on-site consumption and does not require a common victualler license.
The meeting included no additional licensing actions. A fire captain and the building commissioner were present on the call but did not offer comments. The commission adjourned after completing the special meeting agenda.
The CoffeeChat approval is subject to any further inspections and permits required by the Board of Health and other local departments before the business opens to the public.
