An off-premise liquor license permitting the sale of wine and malt beverages was approved for Stony Brook Market at a Select Board meeting on Aug. 31, with the stipulation that a petition for a full liquor license will be brought forward at the Oct. 16 Town Meeting. The new Stony Brook Market in Harvard will be located next to Dunkin’ Donuts on Ayer Road and could open next spring, if all goes according to plan.
Fadi Kassouf, the owner of Stony Brook Market, said he was humbled to be welcomed into the town of Harvard following the motion to approve, but emphasized that a license for all alcoholic beverages was a critical part of his business plan. “With the way things are going with the wages and expenses so high, it would make sense financially if we get the entire package in place,” said Kassouf.
With locations in Sudbury and Southborough, Kassouf said Stony Brook Market operates as a convenience store with a “country feel.” “We like to distinguish ourselves by providing things that are from local businesses and microbreweries,” said Kassouf, adding that the store serves as a one-stop shop for all community needs. Customers can find household staples like milk, bread, and eggs, among other snacks and prepackaged cold cuts in the store, but no fresh produce.
Quotas based on census data determine the number of liquor licenses that are allowed in each community, though a town can petition the state Legislature for additional licenses. Currently, Harvard allows two licenses for all alcohol off premise, meaning that businesses such as convenience stores and supermarkets can sell all alcoholic beverages. The Harvard General Store already holds one of these licenses. An expansion for a second full liquor license is now under review by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for The Grape Vine, a wine and beer store at 285 Ayer Road.
“The [Select] Board has the ability to petition the [Massachusetts] General Court to gain additional licensing from the state,” said Tim Bragan, the town administrator, at the hearing for Stony Brook Market’s liquor license. This process would require the Select Board to get authority from Town Meeting to request additional licenses from the Legislature. Now, Stony Brook Market will pursue approval for a full liquor license at the Town Meeting this fall.
Select Board member Alice von Loesecke remarked that Harvard should be encouraging businesses to locate in the commercial district. “It’s the kind of convenience type of place that we’ve been looking to offer,” she said. Kassouf said that his business mirrors the early opening times and late closing hours of nearby coffee shops or Dunkin’ Donuts sites, so that people can conveniently grab a snack with their coffee.
