NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Grazie Ristorante was approved this week for its new location on State Street and for its alcohol license, and another eatery got the OK to serve wine and beer for a Valentine's Day dinner.

 

Matt Tatro, owner of the Italian restaurant on Marshall Street has been making plans to relocate to the former Hot Dog Ranch near Noel Field Athletic Complex. 

 

The building had a short period as The Ranch under new owners before it was purchased and renovated as the The Venue, which hosted events. Tatro purchased it last month as Jato LLC for $375,000.

 

The Planning Board approved his permit and signage on Monday, with hours Wednesday to Monday from 11 to 11. The License Board approved the transfer of the  alcohol license for Grazie North Adams LLC on Tuesday. Tatro anticipates opening in April. 

 

Michael Kelly was approved for a one-day alcohol license from the License Board. he is offering a Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner at 23 Eagle St. on Friday from 5 to 10. 

 

Kelly is part of a three-way partnership using the former Desperados, which operates during the day as Eagle Street Cafe. He operates under Fewd in the evening and on Friday will be working with the cafe owners on the dinner. 

 

While he was approved for beer and wine, the board members had some hesitation because the dinner was advertised as open to the public rather than being a ticketed event. 

 

"I would like to see this board put a stipulation that only alcohol is served with a meal, that someone can't just come in and order a beer," said board member Rosemari Dickinson, who was concerned of running afoul of state laws. "I'd like to see the alcohol be a complement to the meal, because that's basically what you're presenting this."

 

Kelly offered to remove chairs from bar area to deter patrons but board member Peter Breen didn't want him to give up seats if patrons wanted to eat at the bar. 

 

After discussing some past approvals, such as fundraising dinners at parishes and downtown events, Dickinson said she felt less uncomfortable about the approval — but cautioned that Kelly had to be careful about service. 

 

He said he is TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) trained, as is the bartender that night and another person working service. 

 

Also approved this week by was a change of name to Tilly's Tap and Tavern for Valley Park Lanes located on Curran Highway. The Planning Board approved an application by Alexis Rosasco to open Rosasco's, a fine art gallery at 12 Holden St.