Quincy board approves all‑alcohol license for 95 Franklin Street restaurant after neighborhood pushback

The Quincy Board of License Commissioners voted to approve an all‑alcoholic‑beverages restaurant license for the restaurant at 95 Franklin Street, granting the license to the applicant with a 5‑0 roll‑call vote on Sept. 9.

The application listed Zhi Wen Zhu as the proposed manager and the premises as a street‑level, 2,100‑square‑foot restaurant with dining area, sushi bar, kitchen, restrooms and prep/storage. Attorney Chung Lee, representing the applicant, told the board the business sought alcohol service to complement its food offering and said the ownership change earlier this year kept the same on‑site management.

The license matters to the applicant, Lee said, because it could help stabilize the restaurant’s finances: “We are not a bar. This is to be complementary to the foods that we serve,” Lee said. Residents who live above and near the restaurant raised concerns about on‑street parking, notification and the potential for later hours or nuisance activity. Tom Tai, a resident of President’s Cross condominium, said, “I think we should deny this application.” Maureen McLaughlin, another nearby resident, asked, “Is it gonna stay open later?” and expressed concern that neighbors had not been consulted before the filing.

Board members discussed parking and neighborhood impacts and noted the site has five dedicated parking spaces next to the restaurant. The applicant told the board there would be no change in operating hours and that the restaurant would close at 10 p.m., with last call at 9 p.m. The attorney said the application originally sought beer and wine but that adding cordials required the all‑alcohol classification.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the license. The board conducted a roll‑call vote: Inspector Joe Bolen, Director Conlon, Chief Kennedy, Chief Smith and Chair Crispall voted in favor. The board also requested a six‑month follow‑up inspection; staff said inspectors would return in six months and could bring the matter back to the board if neighborhood impacts materialize.

The board noted a mechanism exists to review the license if complaints arise and encouraged the applicants to work with neighbors and the ward councilor to address concerns.

Details recorded in the meeting: the applicant said seating capacity is about 20; dedicated, on‑site parking of five spots; primary busy hours about 6:30–9:00 p.m.; closing time proposed 10:00 p.m.; last call 9:00 p.m. The board approved the license by roll call and scheduled the six‑month inspection.