THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 24, 2020 Page 5 Night Shift Brewing shares post-pandemic proposals By Christopher Roberson L ooking beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew Eshelman, Quality and Facilities manager of Night Shift Brewing, recently went before the Board of License Commissioners to request a wine and malt pouring permit as well as authorization for an alteration of premise. As part of the pouring permit, Eshelman said, he would also like to produce wine onsite. Regarding the alteration of premise, he said he would like the patio to be a permanent serving location and that renderings have already been submitted to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). However, Eshelman acknowledged that large scale events would not be happening anytime soon. “We’re not going to throw any events until the coronavirus crisis is over,” he said during the board’s July 20 meeting. “We’re looking forward to 2021, 2022.” Although Chairman Philip Antonelli did not object to Eshelman’s requests, he said Night Shift needs to do a better job communicating with the board. “Anytime Night Shift Brewing has an issue or a problem, I find out about it after the fact,” said Antonelli, adding that the lack of communication has made it challenging to have informed conversations with the ABCC. “Anything you guys do, please let us know.” The board did not vote on either request as they have not yet been properly advertised. In addition, Eshelman said a number of restaurants in Boston are allowed to serve beers from a centrally located patio table. Therefore, he began asking if the same arrangement would be possible at Night Shift. However, Antonelli cut him off at the pass. “Matt, we can stop right there,” he said. “All beers have to stay where they are; we’re not making exceptions to the rules right now. This is still a gray area; if I allow you then I have to allow other people, and I don’t want to open a Pandora's Box.” Patio needed at Tres Gatos In other news, Chef Ozzie of Tres Gatos Restaurant and Bar was reminded by Antonelli that he cannot use his patio because of recent complaints from neighborhood residents. Although he agreed it would be easier to keep customers inside, Ozzie said there is a growing need to have the patio open. “Customers come in and they ask for the patio; it’s been so tough,” he said. “I don’t want to use the patio but it’s not an option for me – we cannot survive without the patio.” Ozzie said the patio is 43 feet long by 10 feet wide and can accommodate four tables. In response, Antonelli said that to comply with social distancing requirements, no more than three tables could be on the patio. Although the patio will remain closed for the time being, Antonelli said the board would review the matter further and get back to Ozzie about allowing outdoor dining. Al Borgonzi retires from City Hall O n July 20, Mayor Carlo DeMaria presented Al Borgonzi with a citation after he officially retired from serving the City of Everett. Borgonzi personally contacted DeMaria in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and volunteered to retire in order to save someone else’s job during the city’s layoffs. “I don’t know too many people who would do what Al did,” DeMaria said. “His selfless act blew me away. I want to wish him a retirement filled with happiness. Our doors will always be open to Al.” Borgonzi worked for the city during Mayor On July 20, Al Borgonzi was joined by Mayor Carlo DeMaria and his City Hall colleagues to receive a citation after retiring. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Everett) David Ragucci’s administration and for all 13 years of DeMaria’s tenure. His most noticeable work is his behind-the-scenes effort with renovating the city’s parks.
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