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Applicant for Elm Street barbecue updates Woburn commission; cites construction delays, targets March hiring
Summary
The owner of the proposed Smoke Shop Barbecue told the Woburn License Commission construction is underway but delayed by permitting and financing; he said the business aims to begin hiring and training on March 1 but did not set an opening date.
The applicant for Smoke Shop Barbecue provided the Woburn City License Commission a status update on construction and opening plans, telling commissioners the project is past demolition and actively in build-out but has faced permitting and financing delays.
Speaking to the commission, the applicant (identified in the record as the business representative) said the team had delayed large expenditures until leases and financing were finalized; they described obtaining a demolition permit shortly before Christmas, completing demolition and now performing interior work. “Our goal is March 1 to start hiring and training,” the applicant said, adding that the firm would update the commission with photos and progress reports so city staff would not continue to receive resident phone calls about the site.
Commission members expressed frustration with the length of time between approval of a license transfer and actual opening. One commissioner noted the business holds a license obtained about a month earlier and said the commission wants the owner to keep contractors moving and to coordinate with the building commissioner and health department. The applicant acknowledged the commission’s concerns and said the company has been self‑financing construction and will not invest additional personal funds until closer to opening.
The applicant also said the business intends to limit third‑party delivery and focus on in‑store service at opening; he asked residents and officials to sign up on the restaurant’s website for invitations to soft openings (training-oriented service days). Commissioners and the police liaison offered to stay in contact with building and health staff to expedite inspections where possible.
The commission discussed whether the applicant currently complied with state ABCC rules on license pocketing while not operating; the applicant said he would contact the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission if necessary to clarify the license status. Commissioners urged the owner to remain in regular contact with the building commissioner and the city clerk until the establishment opens.
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