Selectmen OK Brewpub

Having a brewpub will allow Owen O’Leary’s Restaurant and Pub -- known for its fresh food -- to be competitive in Westborough, owner and manager Kevin Gill told selectmen Tuesday night.

After a public hearing, selectmen unanimously approved the transfer of the Piccadilly Pub Restaurant's all alcohol liquor license at 17 Connector Road to Oscarita West LLC, which is Owen O'Leary's company.

Selectmen also granted a common victualer permit to the new restaurant.

“Our forte, really, is fresh food. I think we’ve been successful due to the fact that the high quality of food generally surprises people. They just think they’re going to get pub-style food. We want to maintain that," Gill said, noting that he employs "a very talented chef."

“The main reason for the brewpub is to try and attract people at dinner. We feel that Westborough is a great area for restaurants,  but it’s extremely competitive."

The Piccadilly Pub closed in February.

A memo posted on the front door, dated Feb. 6, read in part, “Piccadilly Pub Restaurants have temporarily closed. Currently, a date has not been set for a re-opening.” Restaurant chain owner Elephant & Castle filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2011.  

“This is very nice to hear, that somebody wants to take this over,” Selectmen Chairman Leigh Emery said.

Gill has said he plans to open there in late February or early March, before St. Patrick’s Day.

The move will end a four-year search for a new home for the brewpub that was at the Hampton Inn in Natick. The Natick location closed in 2008, ending 12 years there, he has said.

Owen O’Leary’s restaurants are at 50 Turnpike Road, Southborough and 1280 Belmont St., Brockton, on the Easton line.

Attorney Jon Aieta, representing Gill, said the Westborough restaurant will add “two showcase brewtanks," with the rest of the brewpub in the basement.

Gill is applying simultaneously for state and federal approval for a brewpub license, Aieta said.