Matunuck Oyster Bar, Others Win Liquor Licenses

Next summer patrons will be able to enjoy a chilled cocktail outside while they wait, thanks to the Zoning Board’s approval to expand the restaurant’s liquor-service license.

Owner Perry Raso asked the board for relief last month from parking ordinances so he could add 40 seats outside and serve alcohol and appetizers to waiting customers.

“If he loses parking spaces in the state right-of-way, he loses seats,” said Robert Toth, board vice chairman.

Per town ordinance, the number of on-site parking spaces a restaurant offers affects the number of seats it can serve. Raso would needed parking relief for 14 spaces. On-street spots and space along the shoulder of Succotash Road will provide enough room for patrons.

Although some Zoning Board members argued the parking lot is tight, Raso said he employed valet service during peak season last summer at no cost to patrons, which maximized parking spaces.

“It’s in his best interest to have valet because he can fit more cars in there and do more business,” said John Bernardo, board member.

In peak season, the restaurant’s 128 seats would fill and Raso said he would lose customers waiting in long lines without refreshments.

In other business:

The Zoning Board approved a request by owner John Russo to include liquor sales at an eat-in restaurant next door to the current prepared Italian food retail venue.

Russo is said he is expanding his business after five successful years on Old Tower Hill Road after space became available next door.

“I would like to bring to town something that the community would desire and people would appreciate,” said Russo.

Open tentatively from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, Russo said he would offer locals traditional Italian foods and pizza with a twist. Instead of forking over Friday’s paycheck to pay for dinner, Russo said he would offer a menu of “little bites” where patrons could order smaller portions for $5 - $6 a plate.

It’s the kind of thing a nice glass of wine or craft beer would complement, Russo told of the board.

“The man is an artist in pasta,” said Ellen Liberman, of Robinson Street. “If he is going to bring good food to Wakefield, you should support it.”

Wood House Fire N Coal Pizza, which opened on Main Street in October, will also begin serving alcohol to patrons, after unanimous approval by the Zoning Board on Wednesday.

As the restaurant sits beside Sweeney’s Wine and Spirits and within blocks of several other full-service restaurants, the Zoning Board granted owner Paul Kay’s application, citing no change to the character of the neighborhood.

Woodhouse is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on the weekends.

“As far as traffic goes, that’s the business district,” said Ernest George, the board’s chairman. “We there is more and more traffic.”