Sagra Owner Seeks Only Pool Table in Dedham

“Dedham doesn’t do pool tables.”

That, according to selectmen, is the popular belief in Dedham – and part true.

The town hasn’t seen an establishment with a pool table in decades, but that could all change next month

The Board of Selectmen will take the next three weeks to decide whether to allow Sagra owner Rafael Beamud to place up to three tables in his restaurant.

“I can’t compete with . When you go shopping there, there is no need for you to get in your car and go to Sagra,” Beamud said.

At first, selectman Michael Butler opposed considering granting permission for the tables.

“There are no pool tables at any establishment in town. That is my recommendation the way we keep it,” he said.

But after discussion amongst the board, Butler backed off, stating he would be open to hear what the community has to say.

“The good time for that restaurant was before Legacy Place came in,” Beamud said. “Other restaurants haven’t survived. I most certainly won’t survive [without a change].”

Beamud received the OK to put arcade games and a bar top video game in his new restaurant.

“I’m trying to fill an establishment with some type of entertainment,” Beamud said.

Beamud announced that he would rename the restaurant Grumpy Cactus Bar and Grill, and switch concepts and menus, but he didn’t give a timeline.

“I know the bridge [construction] has hurt you tremendously,” selectman Carmen Dello Iacono said. “I understand your need for a new approach.”

Selectmen will take up the pool tables at their June 9 meeting, when Beamud hopes they approve pool tables in Dedham for the first time in reportedly more than 40 years.

“I have to bring in something that no one else has to be competitive,” Beamud said.