New Menu, Alcohol Coming To French Press Bakery and Cafe

NEEDHAM, MA — Changes are coming to the French Press Bakery and Cafe and that includes a glass of wine with your meal.

The Needham Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 to approve a beer and wine license for the restaurant following a lengthy discussion over the size of the building and concept.

Raji Spencer, the owner of the restaurant, said he is renovating the space to include a kitchen and provide what he calls a “fine casual” experience.

The application provided a new challenge for board members, who were initially wary about issuing a beer and wine license to a 25-seat restaurant without a discussion about issuing liquor licenses to smaller businesses.

“We may be faced with other applications for other small sandwich shops as well. We have an actively growing commercial district which will be a source for restaurants. This town has a finite amount of licenses available. I want to keep them available for future use,” Selectman John Bulian, the lone dissenting vote, said.

Spencer said the changes at the bakery reflect the change that is happening around town.

"What I can tell you as an owner for 10 years is that the town is changing significantly. It's changing in a way that the expense base is growing far more than the revenue base. We have to bring in things that our clientele wants but also the new folks that are coming into town," Spencer said. "People have been asking us for a larger offering and to stay open later, in turn, they have asked for some liquor."

Selectman Matthew Borrelli initially wanted to see a trial period before granting the license but turned after a discussion about the concept of the business.

"I think this has enough interesting characteristics to move ahead," Borrelli said.

In addition wine and a new menu, the restaurant will be allowed to stay open until 8 p.m., pending approval from the planning board.

Spencer said he is about three weeks away from completing construction.

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