The Launch owners Jessica and Marc Robling speak to the Select Board. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – The Select Board approved the official transfer of a new restaurant in town during their meeting on Tuesday night.
The Launch, located on 81 Point Grove Rd., was previously known as Legends of the Lake until the owners closed the business in May. Marc and Jessica Robling of Barkhamsted, Conn., purchased the building on August 22.
The transfer on Tuesday evening allowed the Robling’s to have beer and wine on the premises. At 4,900 sq. ft., restaurant space has a full dining room that holds 74 people, along with an outdoor patio looking over Congamond Lake that has a capacity of 40 people. There is also a smaller dining room that has an occupancy of 30 and can be used for private parties.
The new owners informed the Select Board that they will be a breakfast and lunch establishment and the hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sundays, the business will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Preceeding that, Select Board Chairman Joe Deedy did announce that the town’s hours for liquor are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the weekdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. Live music in Southwick can be played from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekdays and from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends.
Jessica Robling told the board that they’re looking to just offer bottled beer and mimosas with some light acoustic music in the morning and afternoon.
“We’re not planning to do any liquor,” said Robling. “We know we’re in a residential neighborhood, that’s why we chose the location.”
Robling added that they’re not looking to extend their hours at this time and don’t intend on being a late-night establishment.
People in attendance for the hearing were given the chance to speak on the new business in town.
James Jones lives right across from The Launch and hasn’t had any issues when the property was Legends of the Lake.
“The hours didn’t seem to be an issue,” said Jones. “We see the activity because we live across the street.”
Mike Panella also lives close by and doesn’t see the new business being much of a problem, knowing the previous owner, Patrick Smith.
“As long as they keep it up like Pat did, we have no problem with it,” said Panella.
Another neighbor, Fred Bohn wasn’t necessarily against the business, but wanted to make sure the establishment wouldn’t get out of hand.
“I was just concerned it would progress to larger noise,” said Bohn.
Prior to acquiring the building on 81 Point Grove Rd., the Roblings ran a food service for the Westminster School, a boarding school in Simsbury, CT, making hundreds of meals per day. The couple also ran a catering business on the side and will be continuing that at The Launch, making it accessible for people to host brunches.
