Acton select board approves several licenses, temporary business-hours change and appointments

The Acton Select Board on Sept. 8 voted on a series of licensing and administrative items, closed two public hearings and approved a temporary amendment to a special permit for a retail business.

Votes at a glance

- Santa Fe Burrito Grill (297 Main St.): The board approved a request to pledge one Acton liquor license as collateral for a loan to Northern Bank and Trust Company. Dawson Cooper, attorney for the applicant, said the bank would take possession of pledged licenses in a default but the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) process remains required for any transfer. The board closed the public hearing and then voted to approve the pledge; the motion carried with one abstention.

- Wonder (HDR Holdings d/b/a Wonder, 145 Great Road): After a public hearing, the board closed the hearing and approved a common victualler license for the food-hall concept. Daniel Brennan, who handles permits for Wonder, said the Acton site will be roughly 2,500 square feet with 13 seats and is geared toward takeout and delivery. The motion passed unanimously.

- Let's Roll LLC (930 Main St., Suite 10): The board approved a temporary expansion of operating hours for up to 60 days while staff and tenants work toward a longer-term agreement. The temporary hours keep the already-approved Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot and add Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The board directed staff to facilitate discussions among the landlord, Let's Roll and neighboring tenants to reach a durable schedule.

- Consent agenda and minutes: The board approved committee appointment of Robert Jackson as a full member of the Economic Development Committee (term to 06/30/2028); authorized one-day malt and wine licenses for local organizations; and approved the Aug. 25, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (the minutes were amended to clarify that retirees will be covered under a new Aetna contract the town will sign in January, rather than signing the contract themselves).

What applicants said and next steps

Dawson Cooper, an attorney representing Santa Fe Burrito Grill Acton LLC, told the board the company is pledging six liquor licenses as collateral to secure refinancing and support a new location. "They wouldn't cut you guys out," Cooper said, explaining that the bank would need to follow ABCC procedures before transferring a license to a new holder in the event of default.

Daniel Brennan, representing Wonder, said the restaurant intends to open by December and will emphasize takeout and delivery in the 2,500-square-foot space at 145 Great Road.

Andrew Kucher, appearing for Let's Roll, said the business has expanded operations since receiving the original special permit and sought more flexible hours. The board approved temporary expanded hours for 60 days and encouraged the landlord to convene the relevant tenants and staff to agree on lasting hours.

Other housekeeping and announcements

The board also heard updates that included: a public Sept. 11 ceremony at the public safety facility; the town manager's update on roadwork in Kelly's Corner and Powder Mill; an upcoming DPW facility presentation planned for the building committee on Sept. 24 with Select Board discussion expected at the Oct. 6 meeting; and a reminder about town restaurant week in October.

The meeting adjourned after approving the consent items and several motions to close public hearings.