By Michael Coughlin Jr.
During an abutters meeting hosted by the city last week, several residents voiced concern about a proposed Taco Bell opening at 10 Maverick Square.
As part of this proposal, Cantina Hospitality LLC — doing business as Taco Bell — is seeking a common victualler license and to open a Taco Bell location at 10 Maverick Square, which would be open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
“Taco Bell offers affordable food options in a unique setting — the concept and offerings have evolved over the years,” said Tom Miller, an Attorney with McDermott, Quilty, Miller & Hanley LLP.
Miller also noted that Cantina Hospitality LLC is a franchisee of Taco Bell and has opened restaurants in South Boston, Allston, and Brookline.
According to Miller, the proposed Taco Bell would move into a space around 700 square feet with about 10 seats in a newly built building on the corner of Sumner Street and Maverick Square.
Gary Sadler of Upland Architects discussed the proposed design of the restaurant and indicated that the only exterior work would be signage.
“Our intent always with any signage that’s proposed is that we are aiming to meet any by-law or signage regulations,” said Sadler.
Further, Sadler highlighted floor plans and interior designs. Specifically, he noted the small space, the aforementioned number of seats, utility areas, and more.
In terms of design, Sadler emphasized that Taco Bell has shifted over the years to a more contemporary feel. While the design is not final, some renderings were shown to give attendees an idea of what it might look like inside.
Miller concluded the presentation by making a statement about Cantina Hospitality LLC: “They’ve operated in Boston for more than four years now—I think four or five—without incident. They are a clean operator. They come with a large group of people because they really try and connect with the community, run a clean operation, and really become a member of that community.”
Residents were welcomed to make their voices heard after the presentation, and there was evident concern.
One resident who indicated they lived on Sumner Street noted the large Hispanic population in the neighborhood and how the proposed Taco Bell could negatively impact local small businesses serving similar types of food.
The same resident also raised concerns about the closing time, traffic, adding another food chain in the area when there is a Dunkin’ and Burger King across the street, and more, which many in the Zoom meeting chat agreed with.
In response, Miller argued that Taco Bell differed from the abovementioned fast-food chains because of the restaurant’s menu and food customization. “It’s not just another fast-food chain that has french fries and burgers and items like that,” he said.
Regarding the closing time, Miller indicated that Cantina Hospitality LLC has managed other restaurants in and around Boston with similar closing times.
“They’re very good at it. They manage their orders and customers and restaurants in a way that it doesn’t actually have a negative impact on the community.”
Regarding traffic concerns, Jim Rooney of Cantina Hospitality LLC noted that the restaurant will use a delivery system currently employed at its other establishments in and around Boston, which limits wait times and traffic in front of the buildings.
Rooney also discussed the late closing time and indicated that the business would be evaluated after 60-90 days to determine the best decision for employees and the community.
Another resident reinforced the previous speaker’s point that they were concerned with a chain restaurant coming in and offering the same type of food as smaller local establishments.
“I don’t really think we need another Mexican restaurant in proximity with the amount that are already a part of the community,” they said.
Later, adding, “By putting this restaurant here, you’re going to be cannibalizing business from already established family and local operated businesses.”
While Miller acknowledged the prevalence of local Hispanic restaurants, he said, “This is, for lack of a better way of putting it, a different style of food with similar inspiration.”
Moreover, Rooney said, “We’re not trying to undermine the local concepts; we’re just bringing in value, innovation, and marketing to our community.”
“We’re trying to be partners; we’re not trying to undermine the local businesses; we’re not trying to do anything of that nature.”
Another resident questioned how the project team would partner with the community and wondered if there would be increased traffic at later hours and how that might be mitigated.
As for partnering with the community, Rooney spoke about their work with the community at their Allston location to create a mural inside the restaurant to commemorate a bar that used to be there. Miller also noted a focus on hiring people from East Boston.
Regarding increased late-night traffic, Rooney said, “It is not an area where we expect any problems with security or gatherings of large numbers of people.”
As the discussion continued, more questions and concerns were raised about traffic with deliveries, community outreach, plans for trash, rodents, and more.
In speaking about community involvement, Rooney indicated that they try to support the community as much as possible and are open to “whatever we can do.”
He also responded to rodent concerns, mentioning that in Boston, their establishments are serviced twice a month and as needed.
Miller discussed the delivery traffic concerns, stating that the restaurant has a system used in the city that has yielded “extremely limited wait times with no complaints and no negative incidents.”
Ultimately, as the meeting ended, it was clear that several residents had concerns about a Taco Bell coming to the area.
In terms of the next steps for the proposal, Eva Jones, a Community Engagement Specialist with the city, indicated that the request for a common victualler license requires a community process.
Specifically, the project team will meet with the local civic organization and then go before the licensing board, which also has a community comment period.
“I encourage everybody to please contact me with any concerns, any support, any questions that you have, and I can be a liaison for you between the licensing board and the attorneys in this case,” said Jones.
To get in contact with Jones, email [email protected].