Liquor License Revocation and Restaurant Changes

On July 11, 1979, the Norwood Board of Selectmen officially revoked the liquor license for The Country Corner restaurant, located at the intersection of Guild and Central streets, which had ceased operations three weeks prior.

The board simultaneously took under advisement a request from the establishment’s previous owners, Peter and Charles LaRosa, who sought to reclaim the license and reopen the business. The LaRosa brothers, who had operated the location as the Village Inn for 13 years before selling it one year ago, argued that the foreclosure by Norwood Co-Operative Bank following the sale to Henry Y. Tawil and John Fraser necessitated their intervention to recoup losses. Attorney Frank Gardino, representing the brothers, expressed their desire to “restructure” the business and eventually find a new, reliable buyer. Acting Selectman Chairman Walter J. Dempsey questioned the legality of granting a license to individuals who are not yet the legal owners, resulting in the board continuing the hearing for two weeks.

In related business, the board addressed several other local establishments. Final action on a common victualer’s license for a new Friendly Corp. restaurant at 1496 Providence Highway (Route 1) was postponed pending final site plan approval by the building inspector and state officials. Additionally, the board approved the transfer of a common victualer’s license held by Paul McNally for Justin’s restaurant at 615 Washington St. to new owners George Vergakis and Nicholas Poulopoulos. The new owners announced that the restaurant will close temporarily for renovations before reopening as the Apollo restaurant, featuring an updated decor and a menu incorporating Greek culinary items.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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