Politics & Government

With No Answer on Pool Tables, Sagra Owner Closes Restaurant for Good

Selectman Jim MacDonald said the board was prepared to discuss the issue at a meeting earlier this month, but the owner didn't show.

Less than a year after opening on Washington Street, Sagra Ristorante auctioned off everything inside the property - from tables and chairs to fridges and ovens.

Owner Rafael Beamud told Dedham Patch Thursday that he couldn't afford to pay for his lease while the town decided if they would allow him to have a . 

"In the delay in the process of the change of the name, and the approval of pool tables, I couldn't afford to keep the place with the high rent and the expenses. I couldn't keep it closed waiting for that change over," Beamud said.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Beamud went in front of the Board of Selectmen on May 19 asking for permission for the tables, but selectmen balked and said they would seek input from the community, and said they would take the matter up at their June 9 meeting.

But, as selectman Jim MacDonald said, Beamud didn't show, so the board didn't take up the matter.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"My understanding was we told them that we would take that up at our following meeting.  That was pretty clear," chairman MacDonald said.

MacDonald also said town officials were unclear of the plans for the Italian restaurant as it closed to the public soon after Beamud appeared in front of the board.

"Clearly it was their decision to close their doors the next day. They made no mention of that intention when they were at our board meeting," MacDonald said in a phone interview Thursday.

The Sagra owner contended he waited for a response from the town, but never got one.

"They never called. They never said anything. I have no idea what they did," Beamud said as he ripped wood beams out of the wall. "It was too long."

The board should've gauged public opinion on possible pool tables when the Sagra owner first requested to be put on the agenda, the owner said.

"Why make me wait? When are you going to tell me? At Christmas?" Beamud said.

But MacDonald said the selectmen were waiting on a response from Sagra.

"If they had showed up, we would’ve discussed it," MacDonald said. "If he is putting it back on the BOS, that is not an accurate portrayal."

No resident spoke in support or opposition at the May meeting, and Beamud said that was the community's opportunity to be heard.

"It was too long of a process," he said. "I have to pay bills everyday."

Beamud had put plans in motion to change the restaurant to a Tex-Mex-style establishment called the "Grumpy Cactus Bar and Grill." He even sent out coupons in the mail.

"I always thought that if they are relying their business on a pool table, what is the sustainability of that?" MacDonald said.

Beamud and the owner of the building, Finz Dedham Real Estate LLC, reached an early termination agreement, the Sagra owner said.

With the restaurant empty, Beamud said he will try to sell the liquor license. The Board of Selectmen must approve any transfer of the license in a public vote.

"Not knowing when the decision is going to be, I have to make a determination before they sit for 30 days again [...] and I'll be more in the red. Not worth it," Beamud said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here