By Meredith McCulloch
Dateline: January 5, 201
The Bedford Selectmen reviewed an application for an all-alcoholic beverage license from Red Heat Tavern, a restaurant which is being planned for Bedford Marketplace adjacent to Marshalls. Stephen Arakilian, the applicant, is currently general manager of a Red Heat Tavern located in Wilmington, MA and Burton’s Grill in Burlington, MA. The proposed floor plan would feature a 40-seat bar for eating and drinking, seating for 104 diners, and an enclosed patio for outdoor eating when weather permits. The restaurant is described as moderately priced with an eclectic menu. Several board members said there is a need for a restaurant of that type in town, citing the central location. The current schedule calls for it to be opened in the fall of 2015.
The application was filed on December 15, 2014. In addition, Ken’s NY Deli applied to expand its beer and wine license to an all-alcohol license on December 19. With only one full license available, the Selectmen would have to choose which restaurant, if any, would get the remaining full license. The board agreed to table the request and expect to vote at their next meeting on January 12. In addition to the alcohol license, the proposed Red Heat Tavern will need to obtain a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to build a new restaurant. With notice requirements for a hearing, that vote probably could not occur until February.
Based on population size, Bedford is allowed up to 14 all-alcohol licenses under Massachusetts General Laws. The possibility of increasing that number through special action of the legislature is being explored. The first local step would require that voters approve the request at Annual Town Meeting.
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