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Miguel and Daniel Gomez stand before the Licensing Board

Licensing Board Approves Tito's New Liquor License

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With a new liquor license, Tito's Mexican Bar and Grill is staged to re-open under new management.

The Licensing Board on Monday approved a license transfer from Eleventh Pin Restaurant, which operated in the former Ken's Bowl, to the eatery located at 34 Depot Street.

At the previous meeting, the board rescinded Tito's former license after it was abandoned by the previous owner.  The restaurant closed its doors about six months ago and principal Felipe Perez had been unable to be reached by either the city or the new owner Miguel Gomez, who is also the owner of La Fogata on Tyler Street.

"I'm glad that you kept coming back and that everything worked out," Board member Kathy Amuso said, adding that she is happy the restaurant will be back in the community.

Chairman Thomas Campoli pointed out that Gomez's business has a good reputation in the city.

Son Daniel Gomez will be Tito's manager.  Aside from growing up in the restaurant industry, he has helped manage a dispensary in Sheffield and worked at a number of local eateries including No. Six Depot Roastery & Cafe in West Stockbridge, The Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox, and Mazzeo's.

They plan to be open six days a week --closed on Tuesday-- from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m and eventually plan to be open later on weekend nights.  The board approved the license for service from 11 a.m. to midnight.


 
Earlier this month, the eatery posted on Facebook asking customers to stay patient for a few more weeks until they can reopen.
 
"We have ran into some problems upgrading some things that needed attention to make Tito's even better!  But those things will be fixed soon," the post read.  

In other news:

  • The board approved an extension of East Street pizzeria Crust's seasonal wine and malt restaurant license and a transfer of al all alcohol license from the former Enso Asian Bistro, which was located on South Street across from Guido's.  An attorney speaking on behalf of the owner reported that they are having difficulty extracting a certificate from the Department of Revenue for the transfer and believes it is because the license holder's corporation has been dissolved.  
     
  • The board approved a new general on premise seasonal wine and malt license for Pizza Works, located on Tyler Street.  The eatery has been in business for 15 years without selling beer and wine and wanted to see how well it would be received.  It has expanded its footprint into an abutting storefront, providing more room for on-premise consumption.
     
  • An application for a new annual wine and malt license from Hot Plate Brewing Co. was tabled because the applicants are still working on getting state approval.  The brewery, owned by Brooklyn, N.Y., transplants Mike Dell'Aquila and Sarah Real and expects to open this winter.


 


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Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027

Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027.  Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026. 

"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members. 

"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity." 

Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action. 

Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district. 

The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation. 

The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure. 

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