Framingham's New Alcohol License Attracts 3 Different Applicants

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Three businesses are competing to get Framingham tipsy.

Framingham received a new and coveted all-alcohol license due to a population increase after the 2020 Census. The license is available for store-based sales only, and three business owners have applied to get it.

At Monday's Board of License Commissioners meeting, the three businesses each made their case about why they should get the license.

Makari’s Market along Hamilton Street is the only existing Framingham business to apply for the new license. The store has a license to sell wine and malt beverages, but wants the all-alcohol license to add liquor to its lineup.

Dan Newcomb, of Marshfield, pitched the board on his Wine & Market concept, a "modern, boutique liquor store" with existing locations in Cambridge and Lexington. The store would be located in the Shoppers World area in a plaza next door to the Boston Market and Nzuko restaurants.

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The third applicant was Samir Soliman, who wants to turn the former Cracking Crab restaurant site at 288 Worcester Road into a store called Metro Market. The store would be a general convenience store with alcohol sales. Soliman previously operated pizza restaurants in Ashland and Wayland that served alcohol.

There is the possibility that two of the stores could get approved. If Makari's Market got the all-alcohol permit, its existing wine and malt license would be available. Newcomb, however, said he would not be able to support his concept with that restricted license.

The Board of License Commissioners heard presentations from each applicant on Monday, but did not make a decision. The board will take the issue up again at the next meeting and potentially pick the new license holder.