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Dave Atwell owned Desperados for 19 years before trying a new venture with his package store.

Restaurateur Switches Up Career With Dave's Package Store

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Dave's Package Store was freshened with new paint and siding, the addition of craft beers and wines, and a popular drive-up window. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Dave Atwell is celebrating a successful year in his new business venture.
 
The longtime owner of Desperados decided he wanted to get out of the restaurant business and after selling his business over a year ago came upon another opportunity.   
 
"Nineteen years of being in the restaurant business and I was looking for something different," Atwell said. "I’ve always liked this location. It has always been a liquor store and I thought I could clean it up and make it successful."
 
Atwell spruced up the package store that had been located on the corner of River and Eagle street since 1959. It was for decades known as Lopardo's but also had a short life as River Street Package Store before Atwell purchased it and opened in late February 2018.
 
"New everything," he said. "New roof, I painted the outside, new carpeting, and new coolers."
 
Atwell said he made it a point to carry more craft beers and unique products.
 
"We carry a much bigger selection of craft beers and wines than the last owner," he said. "Craft beer is really growing … people ask about specific beers so I actually brought on a third vendor to get some stuff I couldn’t get before."
 
Dave's Package Store also has a drive-through window that he said has been a huge hit. 
 
"It is super popular and a lot of people just get a kick out of just the novelty of using it," he said. "People pull up and can get scratch tickets, a quick six-pack, or a pack of cigarettes without having to get out of their car."
 
Dave’s Package store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m .to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 to 9. 
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Village Pizza in North Adams Closes After 40 Years

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A pizzeria that's anchored the north corner of historic Eagle Street closed indefinitely on Wednesday.
 
Village Pizza owner Christina Nicholas took to Facebook to announce the closure with an emotional goodbye, explaining that medical issues were forcing her hand. 
 
"Since 2022, I've been dealing with back and spine issues," she said. "Unfortunately, it's gotten worse and the sad news is effective immediately I have to close. I am no longer able to perform the work to keep this business going and I have to concentrate on my own health."
 
Nicholas later said Village had been her "whole life," working there since she was 14 and buying it in 1991. 
 
"It's not the way I wanted to think about retiring," she said, at the door of the empty pizza place. "It's probably the hardest decision I've had to make my whole life."
 
The closure came on the heels of her most recent medical report and the reality that she was facing a long recovery. 
 
She hopes that a buyer will come through and continue its pizza legacy. "It's a good business and I'm sad to make this announcement," Nicholas said in her post.
 
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