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Board OKs Bella Costa ownership transfer and bank pledge; police training, Board of Health clearance required
Summary
The board approved the transfer of Bella Costa's all-alcohol, common victualler and entertainment licenses and allowed a pledge of the license to the purchaser's bank, subject to filing corrections, Board of Health clearance and any police-recommended alcohol training for managers.
The Board of License Commissioners approved the change of ownership and transfer of Bella Costa's all-alcohol restaurant, common victualler, and entertainment licenses to Meerpatt Restaurant Corp on Jan. 28, 2025, and approved a conditional pledge of the license to the purchasers' bank to secure financing. The motion — amended on the floor to add hours and identify proposed manager and assistant manager — passed 4–0 with one member absent.
Attorney Matthew Porter, representing the purchasers, said the new owners are Framingham residents with experience in the restaurant business and that most of the current staff would remain in place. "They'll certainly bring their own expertise into it," Porter said, adding that the entertainment license relates to piano music and that the purchase was expected to be a "straightforward transfer." Porter also said the purchasers provided a draft pledge and promissory-note package for the board to review and that the pledge would be executed at closing.
Commissioners discussed police and Board of Health recommendations. Commissioner Cerniola noted a police recommendation for additional alcohol training for one proposed manager; Porter said the purchasers would complete any Framingham-required training. The applicants said the seller will remain on site for a transition period; the purchasers said the overlap would be two months and that the training would include alcohol-service responsibility.
The board accepted a friendly amendment adding hours of operation and naming the manager and assistant manager. Conditions recorded in the motion include payment of taxes and fees, departmental inspections and Board of Health approval; licensing staff also received an updated pledge document for the file. The board noted that a pledge of license secures the bank’s loan but that the bank cannot transfer or operate the license without the board’s approval.
Licenses approved by the board will not be issued until all paperwork and department approvals are on file, including the municipal DBA if applicable and any outstanding Board of Health items.
