Peter Pappas, center, owner of the new restaurant at Barnes Regional Airport, joins Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik, left, in October at the site. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Southwick businessman Peter Pappas is one step closer to opening his latest venture, at Barnes Regional Airport.
Following a meeting of Westfield’s License Commission Monday evening, Pappas was granted an all-alcohol beverage license for Papp’s Bar & Grill, LLC., which is set to take over the former home of B’Shara’s at The Runway at Barnes.
The venue is around 1,800 square feet and includes a rooftop deck area complete with a bar.
Pappas worked in international business for three decades, and has significant experience in the restaurant business, having owned Onyx Fusion in Springfield, in the building that once housed the Basketball Hall of Fame on East Columbus Avenue.
Pappas said he is looking to invest $1 million and his considerable experience and knowledge to make the restaurant a success, and called his acquisition of the alcohol license for his establishment “a very important step.”
“We’re in full construction right now,” said Pappas Friday. “I’m really pleased with the support from the Mayor (Daniel M. Knapik), the Economic Development Director (Jeffrey Daley), everyone in Westfield.”
The license was granted under the condition that Pappas construct an alarm on an entrance on the side of the building that leads to the rooftop.
“We’re basically pushing the gate three feet away and building a sidewalk area so that food can be delivered to the deck, too,” he said, adding that patrons will be able to access the rooftop deck through the main lobby of the airport.
Pappas also mentioned that he will be constructing a retractable, motorized canopy for the rooftop, which is 28 feet by 26 feet wide.
“The whole area can be enclosed if there is inclement weather,” he said. “It has curtains on three sides, as well as sprinkler and heating systems. The rooftop will also have a full bar.”
“We’re still on track for a spring opening,” Pappas said, adding that he is looking to begin building a staff. “We want to start interviewing for positions, starting with a head chef. We’re looking for local people.”
Denise Carey, director of licensing for the City of Westfield, said Friday that the commission is “very happy” with Pappas’ decision to bring his business to Barnes and wish him the best of luck.
“The all-alcohol license will now be sent off to Boston, and it can take between three to six weeks to get a response.” said Carey. “But we’re welcoming Mr. Pappas with open arms. He’s an experienced businessman who has already begun construction work on the restaurant. It’s exciting.”
“He’s got the wherewithal and the business sense to make it work,” License Commission Chairman Christopher Mowatt said. “He’s putting a lot into that place. His plans look really cool, and I think the folks at Barnes are excited that he’s going to be bringing an upscale feel to that restaurant.”
