By Michael Coughlin Jr.

      During the Jamaica Pond Association’s (JPA) monthly meeting earlier this month, its board voted not to oppose a request from Bluefin at 660 Centre Street for a common victualler license.

      Michael Bullock, Bluefin’s director of operations, provided some background on the establishment, which originated in Somerville, is owned, and was founded by Jason Tucker.

      Bullock described Bluefin as a “locally sourced seafood restaurant/market” that eventually moved to Jamaica Plain, partly due to its participation in the Centre Street Farmers’ Market.

      He further explained that the request for the common victualler license is intended for its chef’s dinners and its dine-in concept, which they would like to “really let take off.”

      Bullock also highlighted the current operating hours, which are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

      However, he mentioned that they would like to be able to operate “between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. overall” for things like special events, holidays, and more.

      “No super late hours, no bar program aside from some light drinks for our chef’s dinners; otherwise, we are focused on non-alcoholic beverages for our general day-to-day service,” said Bullock.

      Tucker then clarified that they are currently focused on the common victualler license but could pursue single-day special event permits with beer and wine in the future.

      Following the brief presentation there were some questions and comments from those in attendance.

      Michael Reiskind suggested that Bluefin ask for take-out zoning relief from the community because they may have a sizable take-out business if they secure the common victualler license. He also indicated that requesting this would be a good idea because they could avoid returning to the community to ask for the take-out relief if the Inspectional Services Department determines they need it down the road. 

      Bullock indicated they are in a gray area and have “been doing their take-out menu.” He also mentioned that they have instructions within their third-party delivery profiles with places to park and pick up food, among other things.

      “Our CV (common victualler license) has been so far determined we need it to have our dining-in model—our take-out model was not required for certain community expectations,” said Bullock.

      He later added, “Our priority right now is the CV for dining-in. We have not yet run into any headaches regarding take-out.”

      Reiskind then discussed parking and third-party drivers in the area. Bullock noted that there is parking for drop-offs, pick-ups, and deliveries on Seaverns Avenue, which Bluefin currently directs drivers to.

      Tucker also indicated that the take-out/food delivery business would have a “pretty low” impact on traffic, saying that their great nights have about five orders while other establishments in the area, like J.P. Licks, can have around 100.

      Ultimately, after the discussion, the JPA Board voted unanimously not to oppose Bluefin’s license request.

                 For more information about the JPA, visit its website at https://www.jamaicapondassociation.org/.