Selectmen approve liquor license for Iron Town Diner; K&D Auto Repair license; appoint Cultural Council members

By Tara Vocino

SAUGUS – Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a liquor license for wine and malt beverages and cordials/liquor at Iron Town Diner Inc. during their meeting at Town Hall on Tuesday. Iron Town Diner Inc. Manager George Athanasopoulos said he got many requests for alcoholic beverages that would be low alcohol by volume.

Selectman Jeff Cicolini said it’s a great restaurant that does an amazing job. He asked what hours the license would be in effect for. Athanasopoulos said it would be in effect from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Vice Chair Debra Panetta said she frequents Iron Town at least once or twice a week with friends and family. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants in town,” Panetta said. “I want to support your business.”

Selectman Corinne Riley asked why they cut back their hours. Athanasopoulos said operating hours used to be from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., but that required overtime for 23 staff members, which got expensive.

After the vote, Athanasopoulos said he recognizes selectmen who frequent the fast casual dining American restaurant with a Greek flare. Customers have asked for orange juice with champagne, coffee mixed drinks, and adult milkshakes, to name a few. “I was hoping there wouldn’t be any opposition,” Athanasopoulos said. “It now goes to the state for final approval.”

Elizabeth Pisano, Esq., of Upton Connell & Devlin, LLP, said the public hearing went great since selectmen voted in their favor.

Athanasopoulos said he will have owned the diner at 327 Main St. in the Village Plaza Shopping Center for a year on Tuesday, Aug. 29. George Varelas previously owned the diner for nine years.

“We were met with a welcome,” Athanasopoulos said.

Selectmen also approved a license to operate a general automotive repair and Class II auto dealer’s license for K&D Auto Repair at 74 Hamilton St.

“Chairman Cogliano visited the property and guided us through every step of the way,” K&D Auto Repair property owner Anapayan Satchi said. “It has improved so much.”

Business owners Denilson Harizaj and Kelmend Deliu are mechanical engineers who earned their degrees in Albania.

“It feels very good to have been issued the license,” Harizaj said.

The property was formerly known as Saugus Auto Repair and Empire Gas.

Selectmen also approved to appoint David Colarossi and Mary Kinsell to the Cultural Council, a volunteer position. Colarossi is the Health and Wellness Director at the Saugus YMCA, and Kinsell has worked for Mystic Valley Elder Services in Malden.

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