Attorney Richard Lynds pitches Charbel Rizkallah’s proposal for a high-end wine, cheese and fine spirit store on Saratoga Street in Orient Heights. The Orient Heights Neighborhood Council voted in favor of the plans Monday.
The Orient Heights Neighborhood Council unanimously approved Charbel Rizkallah’s plans to put a high-end wine, cheese and spirits shop next door to his Domino’s Pizza franchise at 1144 Saratoga St.
Rizkallah and his family have successfully run Dominos since 2003 but recently branched out into the fine wine and spirit business in Watertown.
His attorney, Richard Lynds, said Rizkallah wants to mirror his success in Watertown here in Eastie.
The plan calls for the construction of a one-story building next door to Dominos that will serve as a completely separate business with a different entranceway.
As part of the proposal, Rizkallah has agreed to undergo a complete overhaul of the Dominos Pizza façade and create a more historic look with gooseneck lighting, a main streets-type wood sign and awnings. The Dominos Pizza façade, which was changed a few years back, has been a source of contention among neighbors because it doesn’t fit in with the look or charm of that section of Orient Heights.
The liquor store will also have the same look so the two buildings will compliment one another.
According to Attorney Lynds, Rizkallah has had no licensed premise violations at the Watertown location.
The owner will also make the high-end liquor store a presence in the community by possibly holding regular wine and cheese tastings.
Rizkallah also agreed to become a regular at Orient Heights Neighborhood Council meeting in order to ensure an open dialogue with the community and neighbors.
With support from the community the proposal will go before the Boston Licensing Board in the summer and the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission will make final approval.