Milford Liquor License Sparks Moment Of Harmony Between Restaurateurs

MILFORD, MA — The limited number of liquor licenses in towns in Massachusetts usually breeds competition between restaurant operators. But in Milford this week, there was a rare moment of harmony between two restaurants seeking a single license.

At Monday's Select Board meeting, Maria Vacuna, the new operator JR's Diner, 296 Main St., and Yasai Bowl operator Tarik Miranda were both seeking a wine, malt and cordials beverage license for their respective restaurants.

Vacuna has expanded JR's offerings to include lunch and dinner, and wants to serve alcohol for customers who eat later in the day. Miranda, meanwhile, opened his Yasai Bowl shop in 2021 in a very small space downtown — but now he wants to move and begin offering more than acai bowls, including sandwiches and burgers.

In March, the Select Board approved new all-alcohol liquor licenses for the local restaurants Isabel's and Casa Brasil. Those two restaurants gave up their wine, malt and cordials beverage licenses, giving the town three total to give out.

With more wine, malt and cordials licenses available, Miranda said he would be OK waiting to get his license until later since he hasn't moved his business yet. That allowed the Select Board to give the license to Vacuna, with Miranda expected to return at a later date for his turn.

"I applaud the both of you; I applaud [Miranda] for having the foresight to see that it's not about me, it's about what can I do to make this community a better place for everyone," Select Board member Paul Mazzuchelli said.