Crabby Joe’s, 141 Congamond Road, Southwick, pictured in June 2019. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
SOUTHWICK – A change of manager for the former Crabby Joe’s Bar & Grill was approved by the Southwick Select Board Sept. 29.
The establishment closed two years ago and last year a purchase was planned by 141 Associates LLC, with Mark O’Neill as the manager. The purchase has since fallen through, and Crabby Joe’s owner Joseph Scuderi represented his family business during the Select Board meeting Tuesday.
The request to change the manager to Justin Scott Waterman was unanimously approved.
Southwick Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said it was “just a paper change” and that there were no plans to reopen Crabby Joe’s at this time.
“Correct,” said Scuderi. “We have someone interested in buying it.”
If, however, the sale does not proceed, Scuderi said they may open in the spring with the same hours on the license. Scuderi noted the license was up for renewal in December and if not sold, he would renew the license and open with the appropriate inspections.
Stinehart pointed out the steps to reopen were more involved than just inspections.
“Whatever steps we need to take would be taken,” Scuderi said, noting that selling the property “is the plan.”
Selectman Russell Fox said Scuderi is a longtime member of the Southwick community and has worked with the board on many occasions.
The building at 141 Congamond Road includes two levels with an extended dining room and three decks overlooking Congamond Lake.
