Back in December, when Natick’s Select Board voted 4-0-1 against granting Mile 10 Spirits an all-alcohol license to set up shop in a former convenience store space, prospects didn’t look bright for applicant Neel Patel. But a flicker of hope remained, as Board members made clear that Patel was free to return with a clearer plan and would be given another fair hearing.
Indeed, Patel got his license application approved by a 4-0 vote at the March 6 Select Board meeting (starting about 90 minutes into the recording) following a continuance of February’s hearing, when the Board was left wanting for more detail on how the proposed Market 10 Provisions would serve the public need. With two package stores within about a half mile each of the proposed Market 10 Provisions site at the Rte. 135 plaza where Shanghai Tokyo and Bill’s Pizzeria operate, the Board wanted clarity that this wouldn’t just be more of the same at the 1,600 sq. ft. space.
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Going lawyer-free during his presentation for the second straight meeting (after doubling up during his December debut), Patel made a concise plea for an off-premises wine and malt beverage license. He had submitted a revised floor plan, plus lists of proposed grocery items and wines that would differentiate Market 10 from nearby package stores. “I want to emphasize that this is going to be a specialty food store with beer and wine,” Patel said in opening remarks. The aim is to have meats, cheese, fudge, bread, and more, with an emphasis on local suppliers and unique products.
“We’re going to be a small business supporting other small businesses,” said Patel, who has retail experience at his family’s package store in Hopkinton. In an earlier meeting, Patel referred to his concept as being like “a smaller version of Whole Foods.”
Board member Kathryn Coughlin, who formerly owned Sherborn Wine & Spirits, has taken in the lead in much of the questioning during Patel’s licensing bids. She pointed out that only two of the wines on Patel’s list could also be found at nearby Dion’s, helping his argument of differentiation and public need. She recognized a lot of the products Patel listed from her time running the Sherborn shop.
Coughlin noted that assuming the store opens and comes back for its annual license renewal, that decision will be based in part on whether the store is operating according to its stated plans and not simply as a package store. Such license renewals aren’t automatic, she says.
There were questions from the board and public about some business challenges that Patel might face given limited space at the site for refrigeration, and the trickiness of negotiating minimum orders from suppliers. He acknowledged these challenges and said he has plans to address them.
Board of Health and other approvals remain, but with the alcohol license okayed, Market 10 Provisions is now well on its way to becoming reality at the long-vacant space.
Current signage at the space where Market 10 Provisions looks to openKnow of Natick businesses coming, going, or doing something new? Let us know: natickreport@gmail.com
I had my doubts this would happen after the last 2 attempts, but congratulations to Me. Patel on the presentation and the awarded license
Now whether he can execute the plan and stay in business still needs to be seen. Economics is a harsh mistress