By Michael Coughlin Jr.
Last week, an abutters meeting was held regarding a proposal from Green T Coffee Shop, located at 873 South Street in Roslindale, to obtain an all-alcohol license and extend its hours.
Braden Armstrong, the owner of Green T Coffee Shop, shared his vision regarding the license request and emphasized that the establishment would not become a bar.
“My vision is to offer people a place to have draft beer and wine in a quiet atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon coming back from Fallon Field,” he said.
“Pop in, have an IPA or an ale, and just enjoy the scene.”
He reiterated that the coffee shop would not turn into a bar and that there are no plans for live music or televisions. “The whole purpose is to give people a nice quiet place to have a pint, [converse] with their person and just enjoy the evening,” said Armstrong.
As for why Armstrong is pursuing an all-alcohol license instead of a beer and wine license, he indicated that he wants to have the option to offer hot toddies in the winter, Irish coffee, and potentially have adult game nights and scotch tastings.
“I don’t have any plans to bring in any bottles aside from possibly a bottle of whiskey for Irish coffees, hot toddies, that sort of thing,” he said.
He also provided preliminary plans for an appetizer-based menu that may include fried pickle chips and charcuterie boards.
Armstrong also responded to potential noise concerns he heard from neighbors and noted that there would not be any noise from the coffee shop itself or things like music; the only noise would be from patrons inside.
“I can’t imagine it would be any louder than a busy Saturday afternoon, which you really can’t hear outside the building anyway.”
Regarding the proposed increase in hours, Armstrong explained that the establishment is currently open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The newly proposed hours are to retain those aforementioned hours, Sunday through Wednesday, and be open from 6:00 a.m. to as late as 11:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
However, it should be noted that even though the application for these changes requests an 11:00 p.m. closing hour, Armstrong indicated that he would like to stay open until 10:00 p.m. and requested 11:00 p.m. since it’s easier to close earlier than to request a later closing time.
Following the presentation, those in attendance offered comments and asked questions.
One resident supported the idea and asked a couple of questions. The first question pertained to the requested license, and Armstrong explained that it is a non-transferable license that stays with the business and would return to the city if the business were sold.
The same resident also wondered when alcohol would begin being served, and Armstrong was unsure of what was allowed but said he could not picture it being sold before 1:00 p.m.
An abutter on Walter Street shared some concerns, mainly about potential parking increases. Specifically, the abutter noted that patrons already block their driveway routinely.
Armstrong noted that he spoke with the city and got 20-minute parking for his customers to help alleviate the issues. He also did not foresee an increase in parking at the site due to the sale of alcohol.
Another abutter on Hewlett Street seemed concerned about the proposed hours, saying he preferred having them earlier but acknowledged that it might not be an issue.
The abutter also seemed to like the idea of starting with the 10:00 p.m. closure and adjusting it if there are issues.
“My plan is to close at 10:00 p.m. and just give that hour for time for people to finish their drinks and leave, but no serving or no letting anybody else in after 10:00 p.m.,” said Armstrong.
“Again, that can go to 9:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., I really don’t want to turn that into a bar.” He also mentioned that the drinks would be priced appropriately and that the offerings would not be something that would attract a college crowd, such as pitchers of beer.
As the discussion continued, other residents voiced their support for the proposal. Additionally, another abutter on Walter Street, who indicated they supported the establishment, had concerns about noise and potential congregation on the corner.
Ultimately, Armstrong said he appreciated the input from attendees as the meeting wrapped up. As for the next steps in this process, Jeremie Bembury, a city community engagement specialist who ran the meeting, indicated that this proposal will go before the local civic group and the licensing board after that.
To comment or ask questions about the proposal, email Bembury at [email protected].