The long and complicated saga surrounding Maverick Marketplace Cafe’s seating capacity has finally been solved.
Last week the City of Boston approved the Cafe’s request to increase the restaurant’s seating capacity from 24 inside to 60 and from 28 outside to 55 for a total of 115 seats.
“We are beyond excited that our capacity increase has been approved,” said Maverick Marketplace Cafe’s majority owner Dan Lyons. “It will allow us to fully take advantage of the space we have instead of turning people away from a room that’s less than half full. People can now come here without worrying if all their friend will be able to get in. Now we can accommodate everyone.”
Last year the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) signed off on the plan and voted 41-6 in favor allowing Lyons to increase capacity. Lyons said the request to increase capacity is to reflect the current layout of his establishment on the first floor of 154 Maverick Street.
Lyons explained that after he took over a majority ownership of the cafe it was brought to his attention by City Building Inspector that the cafe’s capacity was based on old plans on file with the city. The old plans, dating back to when the 154 Maverick Street building first opened, showed the first floor layout depicting a small cafe and a series of small shops. However, the building owned by Melissa and John Tyler underwent a slight transformation after the original cafe, Salamander’s, failed.
The Tylers acquired a neighborhood restricted liquor license from the city and removed one shop and relocated another on the building’s first floor in order to expand Maverick Marketplace Cafe into a full service bar and restaurant. A year later the Tylers received support from the JPNA to expand the cafe’s hours from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. when they were majority owners of the cafe.
The Tylers sold 80 percent of their interest in the cafe to Lyons, but Lyons said he was unaware there was a capacity cap of 24 based on the old layout of the building.
The cafe has become a popular neighborhood spot and draws large crowds on the weekends with live music and other events. With a capacity of only 24 for the inside, and 28 for the outside Lyons has been forced to turn people away once the cafe reaches capacity.
“It’s also great for the building as it will create more walkthrough traffic for all the other business within. It’s a big win for us and the community,” said Lyons. “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this tough time despite being repeatedly turned away at the door or having to wait in line. The support and persistence from the community is something we would not be here without, and that is something I will never forget.”
Lyons said it’s been a long road but now it’s time to move forward and have an amazing summer.
“Keep an eye out for events as we will be launching a ton of new ones this summer including block parties, cookouts and even a battle of the bands with live music outdoors on our patio,” he said. “If you were previously turned away due to our lower capacity we apologize and simply ask that you give us another shot, there’s plenty of room for you now.”