Selectmen Approve Liquor License for Tavern in the Square

The Burlington Board of Selectmen approved a new alcohol license for JRS Restaurant, Inc., for a new Tavern in the Square during the Sept. 12 meeting. 

Attorney Mark Vaughn of Reimer and Braunstein spoke on behalf of the restaurant owners, who are looking to set up shop at 1 New England Executive Park. He said the restaurant group is currently working with the Planning Board to meet all its requirements and was looking to secure a liquor license to keep the project moving forward. 

Vaughn said the restaurant corporation currently has four locations in Salem, Allston and Cambridge and has a good record of alcohol law compliance.

"They are familiar with the town's liquor license requirements," he told the board. "Also, it's important to mention, they do have a track record at other restaurants that is exemplary with compliance in serving alcohol."

The board voted 5-0 to approve the new liquor license.

According to Director of Operations for Stephen DeSousa, the Tavern in the Square in Burlington will have 314 interior seats and 60 seats in an outside patio to be used during the warmer months. The building will be fully handicapped accessible.

Tavern in the Square is a casual, full-service American restaurant. DeSousa said he felt the location in the New England Executive Park would work nicely for the restaurant. There are roughly 4,000 employees in the park and the location offers easy accesibility for other customers. There will also be a separate dining room for functions and business meetings.

"We have a varied clientele and we're very family friendly," DeSousa said. "We offer a Sunday buffet with an omelet chef and we have a sundae bar, especially popular with the kids. We have a low price point and hope to get people coming in a few times a week." 

"We would like to make Burlington our fifth home," DeSousa added.

An estimate of when the restaurant may open was not discussed at the meeting.