FALL RIVER — Two new restaurants were granted the licenses they need to start operations following Wednesday’s Licensing Board meeting.
Members of the board voted unanimously to grant common victualler's licenses to The Island Buffet and Withny’s Restaurant.
Board members met with the owners of each restaurant briefly before making their decisions Wednesday.
The Island Buffet was described by owner Gladirys Verdejo as a “Spanish buffet” restaurant that will operate out of an existing storefront at 840 Bedford St. The property had last been used as the site of Blount Company Soup Store.
Verdejo told board members the building would not require any extensive renovations and said she hoped to have The Island Buffet open “as soon as possible.”
The restaurant would seat up to 25 customers and would be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Withny’s Restaurant was described by owner Ruthny Michel as “just a casual restaurant.”
“It’s basically going to be American food and some Haitian style,” Michel told the board.
Michel’s restaurant plans to open at 1335 Pleasant St., where board members said a series of local businesses have operated in recent years.
Like The Island Buffet, Michel said Withny’s Restaurant likely will not require major renovations beyond cleaning and painting.
Hours of operation for that business are expected to be 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The Licensing Board also voted Wednesday to deny a request by Berta’s Restaurant, 201 South Main St., to have outdoor seating. The restaurant, according to owner Joseph Perreira, planned to offer 16 seats at eight tables along the sidewalk outside the business.
While the City Council had previously taken a vote in support of the proposal, Licensing Board Chairman John Saulino said he would be unable to vote in favor after the Fall River Police Department opposed the outdoor seating expansion.
“The police have denied it due to public safety concerns,” he said. “It’s too busy and it’s too close to the main street.”