District Convenience 2 Months From Opening

District Convenience remains two months away from opening as the owner continues renovations that have closed the store since early May.

Perry Makarios answered questions from the Board of Selectmen Thursday night as to why he wasn't open yet despite receiving a liquor license from the town on June 8.

"I was led to believe you were opening sooner than this," selectman Carmen DelloIacono said. "I didn't think your opening hinged on the approval of that license.

Makarios said part of the delay in opening is he didn't hear word from the state alcohol commission that he received approval for the license until mid-August.

Selectmen awarded the liquor license – a type they said they don't dole out easily – because they believed Makarios had a thriving business in Dedham Square, and approved of changes and improvements Makarios had made in the past.

DelloIacono asked for Makarios to have the work done and the store open by Nov. 1, or he would be called in front of the board again.

"I just wish you were a little more open [about the timeframe]," DelloIacono said.

Delays have occurred in renovating the shop because of construction delays at Makarios' Norwood store, The Spot, which he is also renovating. In that store Makarios is installing a fresh bagel production system.

"My Dedham store hinges on my Norwood store being fully operational," Makarios said. The shop owner added District Convenience receives fresh baked goods from the Norwood store.

"Once you walk into the store, you will definitely see a huge improvement from what you saw before," Makarios said.

Selectman Paul Reynolds said he understood the hard times a small-business owner faces, and how difficult renovations can be. But, he understood the board's concern over executing on the coveted license.

"I feel your pain. I think it is a self-regulating issue here," Reynolds said. "One would think you were eking to make that license work for you to pay down the renovation."

Makarios said he is working with Dedham Square Circle to install a new rollout awning, and refinishing the outside of his store.

"I'm just trying to do things right and proper," Makarios said. "Trust me, each month that rent check goes out it hurts."