2026-09-10 - License Commission
Summary
The three commissioners voted 3-0 on all recorded items (the vote line is missing for two items, noted below) and approved the August 20 minutes. Most of nine one-day requests were approved, including Our Lady of Mercy's annual festival (about 900 expected), the Canal Diggers race, a Pride after-party at 236 Franklin Street, and the Worcester Public Library Foundation; Ryan Majors' Oktoberfest request lists no vote. Six common victualer licenses were approved (Pida's Pizzeria, The Coop, Not Ya Mamas at the Worcester Public Market, Maaz's Chicken, Tropical Chicken Flavors) along with a lodging house license for a fraternity at 8 Elbridge Street, a restaurant all-alcohol license for August Coffee at 548 Main Street, and a package store malt and wine license for the Shell at 237 Cambridge Street. Several changes of manager were approved, with Sgt. Thomas Needham warning the new Mexicali Cantina manager about nightclub-designation notice rules, and Mexitown (105 Water Street) got a manager change and requested a new name, Casa Blanca. Worcester Vice, a new venue at 27 Pleasant Street, was told outdoor amplification must stop at midnight, with no vote recorded. Paku Paku, the Italian American World War Veterans Post 3 items and several status hearings were postponed to September 24; Hidden Gem Hospitality (97-101 Water Street) was continued to the first December meeting.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Mexitown Bar & Grill (105 Water Street), Paku Paku Entertainment License (215 Chandler Street), Italian American World War Veterans Post 3 (14 Itam Court)
Official Minutes
Posted on PrimeGov (summary of actions, not verbatim). Page headers, page numbers and boilerplate removed.
License Commission
Meeting Minutes
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
Attendance:
Commissioners
Present: Anthony Vigliotti, Chair
Charran Fisher, Commissioner
Maritza Cruz, Commissioner
Commissioners
Absent:
Staff Present:
Sgt. Thomas Needham, Worcester Police Department
Amanda Moran, Law Department
Deborah Steele, Licensing
Minutes: August 20, 2026
Upon a roll call the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the minutes of August 20, 2026.
Requests for Continuances, Extensions, Postponements, & Withdrawals
One Day Liquor & Entertainment Requests
1. Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Catholic Church, 341 June Street
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, live show, DJ’s
• Saturday-September 26, 2026-Noon-11:00 p.m.
• Sunday-September 27, 2026-11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Father Peter Frangie, participating remotely, stated that is for their annual festival. He stated that
they expected about 900 people throughout the event and would hire police details.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor and one-day
entertainment license.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one day liquor license received and dated August 13, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated August 13, 2026.
2. Canal Diggers, Inc., 19 Temple Street
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, amplification system
• Saturday-September 12, 2026-10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Brenda Moran, participating remotely, stated that this is for the annual Canal Diggers Race and will
be same set up as previous years and will have police details as well as security.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor and one day-
entertainment license.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one-day liquor license received and dated August 11, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one-day entertainment license received and dated August 11, 2026.
3. Worcester Public Library Foundation, 3 Salem Square
Request for one day liquor license
• Thursday-September 17, 2026-6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Christine Murray, participating remotely, stated that they are looking to have social event at library
and only expected 80-100 people and will have security present at the event.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day liquor license received and dated August 19, 2026.
4. Marc Guinette, 236 Franklin Street
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for dancing by patrons, amplification
system, light show, dj
• Friday-September 18, 2026-5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Larry Boyd appeared upon appeared upon behalf of the applications. He stated that they will be
hosting the after party for Pride event which they have done in the past and will have security.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted to approve the one-day liquor and one-day
entertainment license.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one day liquor license received and dated August 17, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated August 17, 2026.
5. Worcester Cycle Bar X 1855, 48 Green Street
Request for one day entertainment license for DJ’s, amplification systems
• September 12, 2026-10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. rain date – September 19, 2026
Cam Brigham, participating remotely, stated that he will be moving the event to the rain date of
September 19, 2026, so it does not coincide with the Canal Diggers run. He stated that there will be
no alcohol at the event and event should end by 2:00 p.m. Chair Vigliotti stated that they will amend
time to 2:30 p.m.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day entertainment license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one-day entertainment license received and dated August 17, 2026.
6. Khalid Karachi, 100 Institute Road
Request for one day liquor license
• Saturday-September 26, 2026-11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Khalid Karachi, participating remotely, stated that this is for a one-day liquor license and they will
have WPI security at event and the bartenders are liquor trained certificated. He stated that they
expect about 300 people, but not all will drink.
Upon a roll vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day liquor license received and dated August 25, 2026.
7. Ryan Majors, 85 Green Street
Request for one day liquor license
Request for one day entertainment license for live music, amplification system
• Saturday-September 19, 2026-4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Ryan Majors, participating remotely, stated that this will be for an Octoberfest event and they are
looking to sell some alcohol and food outside and expect between 200-250 people. They will have a
police detail and the street will already be closed down for the Woo Sox game and stated that there
are 7 restrooms in the building.
List of Exhibits:
Exhibit A: Application for one-day liquor license received and dated August 24, 2026.
Exhibit B: Application for one-day entertainment license received and dated August 24, 2026.
8. Woo Fest Block Party, City View Worcester
Request for entertainment license for DJ
• Saturday-September 19, 2026-3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Dr. King, participating remotely, stated that this is the second year doing and they will have porta
potties at event.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day entertainment license.
List of Exhibits: Application for one day entertainment license received and dated August 17, 2026.
9. Christpher Besaw, 30 Exchange Street
Request for one day liquor license
• Saturday-September 12, 2026-6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
• Friday-October 2, 2026-5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
• Saturday-October 10, 2026-Noon-11:00 p.m.
• Friday-October 16, 2026-4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
• Saturday-October 31, 2026-Noon-11:00 p.m.
Christopher Besaw, participating remotely, stated that this is request for extension of the dates for
their concerts, but these will be smaller events, but they will have security present as usual.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the one-day liquor licenses.
List of Exhibits: Application for one-day liquor license received and dated September 1, 2026.
Common Victualer Requests
10. Pida’s Pizzeria, LLC, 121 Millbury Street
Sunday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday Operating Hours*
Closed
Tuesday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Adam Khan, appeared upon behalf of the application. He stated that he will be operating a pizza
shop at location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated August 25, 2026.
11. The Coop, 275 Park Avenue
Sunday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Monday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Tuesday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Wednesday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Thursday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 1:30 am
Friday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 1 :30 am
Saturday Operating Hours*
11:00 am - 1:30 am
Angelo Tsetsos appeared upon behalf of the application. He stated that he will be opening a new
chicken restaurant at location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated September 1, 2026.
12. Not Ya Mamas Worcester, Worcester Public Market
Sunday Operating Hours*
11-8
Monday Operating Hours*
closed
Tuesday Operating Hours*
closed
Wednesday Operating Hours*
11-8
Thursday Operating Hours*
11-8
Friday Operating Hours*
11-8
Saturday Operating Hours*
11-9
Gary Young, participating remotely, stated that he will be opening new vegan restaurant at the
Worcester Public Market.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated August 6, 2026.
13. Maaz’s Chicken, 910A Main Street
Sunday Operating Hours*
10 am- 2 am
Monday Operating Hours*
10 am -2 am
Tuesday Operating Hours*
10 am- 2 am
Wednesday Operating Hours*
10 am- 2 AM
Thursday Operating Hours*
10 AM-2 AM
Friday Operating Hours*
10 AM- 2 AM
Saturday Operating Hours*
10 AM- 2 AM
Mahmood Awad stated that he will be taking over location and operating a new restaurant.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated August 31,
2026.
14. Tropical Chicken Flavors, 229 Canterbury Street
Sunday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Monday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Tuesday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Wednesday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Thursday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Friday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Saturday Operating Hours*
10:00 AM - 10:PM
Patrick Michel appeared upon behalf of the application and stated he will be operating a restaurant at the
location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the common victualer license.
List of Exhibits: Application for common victualer license received and dated September 1, 2026.
Alcohol/Entertainment Requests
15. Falguni Corp, 108 Canterbury Street
• Request for change of manager
Attorney Matt Porter, participating remotely, stated that they are looking to do a change of manager
for the location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the change of manager.
List of Exhibits: Application for change of manager received and dated August 17, 2026.
16. Nachos Dining, Inc. dba Mexicali Cantina & Grill, 225 Shrewsbury Street
• Request for change of manager
Lissette Rodriguez, participating online, and Adrian Taveras appeared in person appeared on behalf
of the item. Ms. Rodriguez stated that they were looking to change the manager to him.
Sgt Neeham stated that there was nothing in background that would preclude him from becoming
manager but expressed concerns about a recent posting regarding a promoted event and the rules
were not followed regarding notifying the WPD and License Commission even though Mr. Taveras
was provided a copy of the rules and WPD/Fire reviewed the rules when the location received a
nightclub designation.
Sgt. Needham reviewed the rules and what is required when a location receives a nightclub
designation with the applicant.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the change of manager.
List of Exhibits: Application received and dated August 17, 2026.
17. OM Harsh Corp dba A&B Liquors, 110 McKeon Road
• Request for change of officers/directors/stock interest
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
List of Exhibits: Application for change of officers/directors/stock interest received and dated August
25, 2026.
18. Dubai Restaurant & Lounge, Inc. dba Mexi Town Bar & Grill, 105 Water Street
• Request for change of manager
• Request for change of dba to Casa Blanca Restaurant and Lounge
Attorney Felici participating remotely, along with Dargely Mueces Rodriguez and David Bramilia who
appeared in person appeared on behalf of the item. Attorney Felici stated that they were requesting
to do a change of manager at the location.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the change of manager.
List of Exhibits: Application for change of manager received and dated August 25, 2026.
19. Interstate Management Company, LLC (dba Hampton Inn & Suites), 65 Prescott Street
• Request for change of officers/directors
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
20. Worcester Vice, LLC, 27 Pleasant Street
• Request for general on premises all alcohol license
• Request for entertainment license for jukebox, tv, radio, dancing by patrons,
dancing by entertainers, recorded music, live music, amplification system, play,
light show, theatrical exhibition, karaoke, DJ-Inside
• Outside-radio, recorded music, amplification system
Andrew Lapin appeared upon behalf of the application. Chair Vigliotti stated that the Commission
members had viewed the site prior to the meeting.
Mr. Lapin stated that he is looking to open a new venue at the location.
Chair Vigliotti stated that only issue that they had at view was the amplification outside which would
need to be shut off at midnight.
Patrick DiGregoriom, participating remotely, asked what side of the building the amplified music
would be played. Mr. Lapin stated that at the back of the building.
21. Moss Ventures, LLC dba August Coffee, 548 Main Street
• Request for restaurant all alcohol license
Allsion Moss, participating remotely, and Madison Martin, who appeared in person, stated that they
were looking to receive a liquor license as they have been requested by people in the area and they
are looking to arrange for more storage at location and all staff will be TIPS certified.
Chair Vigliotti stated the Commissioners view the site prior to the meeting.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the restaurant all alcohol license.
List of Exhibits: Application for restaurant all alcohol license received and dated August 15, 2026.
22. Metro Convenience Inc. 27 Shrewsbury Street
• Request for package store malt & wine license
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
23. 237 Cambridge LLC dba Shell, 237 Cambridge Street
• Request for package store malt & wine license
Chair Vigliotti stated that the Commissioners had viewed the site prior to the meeting.
Attorney Kevin Quinlan and Shruibiten Patel appeared upon behalf of the application. Mr. Quinlan
stated that the applicant is looking to apply for a package store malt & wine license. He stated that
the policy of the store that no more than 4 customers will be allowed in store at a time. All
employees will be TIPS certified. Attorney Quinlan reviewed the Ballarin factors with regard to the
location.
There was no public comment.
Chair Vigliotti stated that the Commission members are satisfied with the presentation of the
Ballarin factors and what they saw at the site view.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the package store malt & wine license.
List of Exhibits: Application for package store malt & wine license received and dated August 27,
2026.
24. Punta Cana Bar & Grill Restaurant, Inc., 795 Main Street
Request for change of manager
Request for change of officers/directors
Jose Palunio and Alexandra Rodriguez appeared upon behalf of the application and stated that
they looking to do change of officers and change of manager as the old manager has resigned.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the change of officers/directors and
change of manager.
List of Exhibits: Application for change of officers/directors and change of manager received and
dated August 6, 2026.
25. Paku Paku, Inc., 215 Chandler Street
Request for entertainment license for tv, amplification system, karaoke, DJ
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
26. Italian American World War Veterans of the US Inc. Post 3, 14 Itam Court
Request for change of manager
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
Lodging House
27. PSI Theta Nu Fraternity, 8 Elbridge Street
Request for Lodging house license
Nick Palumo appeared upon behalf of the application and reviewed the proposal.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to approve the lodging house.
List of Exhibits: Application for lodging house license received and dated August 12, 2026.
Status Hearings
28. Italian American World War Vets of The US, 14 Itam Court
Failure to file amendment paperwork
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
29. Chen Ye Worcester Inc dba BBQ Chicken, 102 Shrewsbury Street
Attorney Chung Le and Tong Chen appeared upon behalf of the item. Attorney Le stated that
they are sorry for delay but they have been working with the building department as they have
specialized equipment that they were putting in and they are working with the building
department on a final inspection.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to file the item.
30. Hidden Gem Hospitality LLC, 97-101 Water Street
Mark Tiller, along with representatives from the property, appeared upon behalf of the item. Mr.
Tiller stated that they have finished their demolition but have been waiting for a building sign off
since August 13, 2026. Ms. Steele stated she would follow up after the meeting with the applicants.
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to continue the item to the first meeting in
December.
31. Seabra Restaurant, 333 Pleasant Street
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
32. The Broadway, 100 Water Street
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
33. SMG/DCU, 50 Foster Street
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to file the item.
34. JMAC, 20 Franklin Street
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24, 2026,
License Commission meeting.
35. Hinoelia Rivera dba El Coqui Liquor, 184 Chandler Street
36. Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to postpone the item to the September 24,
2026, License Commission meeting.
Communications
1. Aelux Lounge communication dated August 21, 2026-Business has closed-Filed
2. Mexicali Cantina, 225 Shrewsbury Street-Notice of manager’s resignation-Filed
Adjournment
Upon a roll call vote the Commission voted 3-0 to adjourn the meeting at 11:16 a.m.
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).