Villa Mexico is Still Open, For the Moment

Villa Mexico is still open at Grampy's gas station and will remain so until at least the end of this month, possibly more.

Stoneham resident Julie King, the restaurant's owner, said Villa Mexico could stay open into February as she waits for the city to set a date to hear the appeal of her request for a zoning variance to open a store on Beacon Hill.

King said she's keeping her fingers crossed that she'll be able to stay on the hill. Meanwhile, she is planning to meet with neighbors to hear any concerns they may have about her relocating her place.

Grampy's gas station, which houses Villa Mexico, is slated for demolition later this year to make way for an office building. The gas station's owner had originally asked King to leave the building by the end of December but has granted her more time in the spot.

Last month, King did not win the support of the Beacon Hill Civic Association's Zoning and Licensing Committee in her request for the zoning variance needed to move into 12 Grove St., a location 80 feet from her current Cambridge Street location. 

Based largely on the concerns of some Grove Street residents, the board voted to oppose the variance. Although the board has no official power to grant or oppose zoning variances, its vote carries weight with the city's zoning board.

Still, it is up to the city whether to grant the variance. Although the city initally denied the request, King is hopeful that her appeal will be successful.