Restaurant Update: A Red Heat Tavern to be Located at the Bedford Marketplace

By Joan Bowen

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) opened its meeting on March 26 with a continuation of an earlier hearing to permit the Red Heat Tavern to build a restaurant within the Bedford Marketplace.  The Multi-purpose Room was used to accommodate the more than 35 residents who wanted to attend the hearing. The decision to be made by the ZBA was whether or not to grant a Special Use permit for a restaurant operation in the proposed location and to determine if there would be any additional conditions.

Attorney Pam Brown introduced Ross Hamlin of Hamlin Development, developer of the Bedford Marketplace. He briefly described the new building which will be located adjacent to Marshalls.  Red Heat will occupy approximately one-third of the building with an outdoor patio dining area.  Stores will occupy the remainder of the building.  The current large parking lot will be reduced in size from parking for 125 cars rather than the current 225.

Hamlin introduced Kevin Harron, CEO of Burton’s Grill which also operates the Red Heat Tavern.  He stated that Bedford was identified as a good location for opening a Red Heat Tavern because of its potential to provide a high quality menu with a price range attractive to middle income diners.  Locating in Bedford will require a significant investment, he said, indicating that he is interested in establishing a responsive relationship with the Town and its residents.

To provide information on the menu that will be offered, Harron introduced Alan Frati, Executive Chef of Red Heat.  Frati described the oven that is used to prepare food, a Jasper Charcoal Broiler which permits a variable high heat and smoke control.  Menu pricing will mean that a family of four will be able to dine at Red Heat for less than $50, excluding alcohol.  Not only will Bedford’s Red Heat Tavern offer kid friendly options but will also provide options to meet the needs of those with food allergies.  Both the food and the atmosphere of the Red Heat Tavern are based on the motto “fire, flavor and friends.”

Angelo Colasante, Chair of the ZBA, stated his concern about the potential impact on abutters, with specific reference to the outdoor patio. He agreed that eating outside is an option desired by diners. He asked for more information on how the patio will be used, pointing out that the proposed location is not on Middlesex Turnpike but in the heart of the community. Todd Crowley, another member of the ZBA, expressed his concern about music in the outdoor area.

Harron responded that the Red Heat Tavern in Wilmington is located in closer proximity to houses. There have been no complaints.  When asked if he would accept a restriction on the use of the patio to certain months, Harron responded that he would.  He stated the Red Heat Tavern would be responsive to complaints as part of a commitment to being a good partner to the community

At this point the hearing was opened to comments from the public. Supporters, including the Selectmen, Planning Board and many individuals, stated that they favored granting the Special Use permit. Many deemed the location ideal in terms of creating an accessible, family-oriented, town gathering place that will fuel a sense of community. Others were excited at the prospect of a Bedford restaurant where they could be confident there would be menu options for diners challenged with different food allergies.

Not all comments were in support of the Special Use permit. Betty Tenwolde, the property manager of Bedford Village Apartments, stated her concerns about the noise from the outside seating as well as the garbage compactors.  Joe Morgan, a Bedford Village resident, said that the noise would impact on his ability to sleep given the proximity of his bedroom to the proposed site.  A Hillside resident said that he has a major concern regarding music for the outdoor dining area and with deliveries.

Jeff Cohen, speaking as a resident, not as a member of the Planning Board, provided the results of some research he had done about potential noise levels and their impact on abutters.  Noting that he is not an acoustical engineer, he reported his conclusion that the impact of noise generated by the outside seating area would not be substantially more adverse than the existing use.

In addition to the comments of meeting attendees, ZBA Chair Colasante read multiple letters and e-mails into the record.  The majority of the written communications were in favor of granting the Special Use permit.   Attorney Brown presented a petition of support with 60 signatures.

The ZBA began its deliberations.  The central issue was whether or not the Red Heat would be more injurious to the neighborhood than the current usage. Carol Amick stated her opinion that the Red Heat Tavern is a bar that serves food, add to that the multiple televisions, it is a sports bar.  The Bedford Marketplace, in the center of Bedford, surrounded by residences is not the appropriate location, she said.  Amick suggested that a more appropriate location would be in the building formerly occupied by Staples.  Other members expressed their support of the location at the Marketplace.

Prior to calling for a vote, Chair Colasante stated his opinion that a sports bar at this location is not a problem.  He pointed out that public support is overwhelming at a ratio of 10:1. It is only the outdoor patio that he identifies for potential restrictions of months or hours of operation. The consensus of the ZBA members was that there was no need for special restrictions at this time.  It will be more productive to respond to problems when and if they develop.

By a vote of 4-1, the ZBA granted a Special Use permit without additional restrictions to Red Heat Tavern, LLC, to construct a new restaurant at 150 Great Road to operate Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. The formal opinion will be provided within 14 days.