Massachusetts Businesswoman Opens Nightclub Against the Odds
As reported on The Berkshire Eagle Online
by Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff
A Pittsfield businesswoman wants to convert a troubled downtown restaurant site into what she calls “a place to relax and feel secure.”
And the city’s Licensing Board on Monday backed Christine Langlois’ plan, by transferring the liquor license from the former Sabor Bar & Grill to the new night club called “Groove Lounge.”
The 25-year-old Langlois — who will be the sole owner of the night club — told the board it is replacing Sabor at 17 Wendell Ave. Ext., which closed a month ago due to the economy. During its three years of operation, Sabor had several liquor license violations, noise complaints and other late night problems — continuing a legacy created by several previous establishments at that location.
“This is a troubled place and a troubled venue,” said Board Chairman Carmen C. Massimiano.
Langlois quickly replied, “We’re hoping to turn it around.”
Langlois and her attorney, Thomas J. Hamel of Pittsfield, outlined to the board how they will install surveillance cameras, hire an off-duty police officer to manage security, use metal detectors to prevent weapons inside the club, and require a dress code.
“We see a potential for an upscale lounge in the downtown,” contended Hamel. Langlois’ safeguards to prevent trouble drew high praise from the board.
“This is the most extensive approach to a liquor license since I’ve been on the board,” said Massimiano.
“I commend Miss Langlois for your courage,” added Robert Quattrochi, “It’s a monumental task you’re taking on.”
Langlois — who previously managed a local restaurant — also scored points with the board by saying she will be the full-time manager, since her name will be on the liquor license. Langlois is spending $20,000 to buy outright the license from Dana Carpenter of Northampton, who was an absentee manager; he held the license for Sabor owners Digna Gonzalez and her husband, Paul Saldana, because they were not American citizens.
Carpenter owns the building at 17 Wendell Ave. Ext., and Langlois has an 18-month lease there for the night club.
Groove Lounge, which Langlois expects to open by mid-May, will welcome patrons Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. with pop, rock, reggae, disco and other music, delivered by a state-of-the-art video disc jockey system.
Langlois told The Eagle after the meeting that she will have five other employees and be “spending a lot of money” to sound-proof the basement space — which has a capacity of 120 people — so as not to disturb the apartment-dwellers living in the upper floors.
Massimiano was pleased, saying some residents have felt the “quality of life was diminished” when Sabor was in business.
While the former Sabor Bar & Grill has a fully equipped kitchen, Langlois told the board she is not operating a full-scale restaurant, but rather offering simple comfort food such as “burgers and hot wings.”
Langlois wouldn’t say how much the entire project is costing her, but Massimiano commended her for starting a business now.
“You’re swimming against the tide of the economy,” Massimiano said.
Nevertheless, Langlois said after the meeting she felt this is the time to create a place where “all are welcome.”
Click here for the link to the article on The Berkshire Eagle Online.
