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Sandra Lopez Nieves and Joseph Bevilacqua of Vermont, with chef Chris Bonnivier of Adams, took over Desperados on Eagle Street in September.

Desperados in North Adams to Close

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — After opening under new management in September, Desperados will soon be closed. 

 

A post on the restaurant's Facebook page cited financial difficulties for the closure.

 

Chris Bonnivier of Adams and his partners Sandra Lopez Nieves and Joseph Bevilacqua took over the Eagle Street restaurant from Pete Oleskewicz, who owned it for the previous five years. The restaurant was originally opened by David Atwell who sold it to Oleskewicz.

 

"Unfortunately due to the lack of business even through the 'busiest months' of the year we are having to quickly close," the post said. "After also receiving several notices that all of the furniture fixtures and equipment are on potential repossession from both the state and private vendors it just seems that there are far too many financial obstacles that have been bestowed on us to overcome at this present moment."

 

In November, License Commission told the restaurant it would have to reapply for a new license after Oleskewicz surrendered it to the commission. Commissioner Rosemari Dickinson said the property no longer had a valid license, and the liquor in the restaurant had to be sold or removed. 

 

The Facebook post thanked those who supported the restaurant under new ownership and said Oleskewicz would honor gift certificates from when he was owner of Desperados at his other restaurant, Miss Adams Diner. A follow-up post said to send a direct message for a refund. 

 

"We truly thank those of you that loved and supported us. Please we respectfully ask to keep the negative comments away," the post said.

 

Update on Dec. 28: This story has been updated to clarify that Miss Adams Diner is only accepting gift certificates from when Oleskewicz was owner of Desperados.


 


Tags: closure,   restaurant,   

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McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. 
 
In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire.
 
"We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires."
 
In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc.
 
"Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy."
 
The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. 
 
"Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state."  
 
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