August 2019
In this issue...
  • Upcoming Industry Events
  • Articles:
    •  Cannabis Update
  • Marketing Corner
  • Industry Trends/News
  • Client News
  • Events & Participation
  • Restaurant Trends Seminar Recap

Upcoming Industry Events

Boston Magazine "Battle of the Burger"
August 14, 2019 | Flynn Cruiseport - Boston, Massachusetts
RIW is a sponsor of this event.
More info.

National Retail Tenants Association Conference
September 15-18, 2019 | Marco Island, FL
RIW's Adam Barnosky and David Robinson will present at this conference.
More info.

Cannabis Trends

Massachusetts adult-use cannabis industry is nearing full swing, with over twenty Marijuana Retailers opened in the state or licensed to sell and dozens of other companies in the queue. Here is a rundown of the latest developments in the industry.

State Regulators Create (Eventual) Pathway for Cannabis Cafes
While voters in Massachusetts approved “cannabis cafes” as part of the successful 2016 adult-use ballot initiative, social consumption regulations were put on hold while the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) focused on other facets of the industry (namely, cultivators, retailers, and testing facilities). Now the CCC has created a pathway for the eventual regulation and licensure of social consumption establishments. Last month, the CCC approved a pilot program that will allow companies, through event licensing, to serve cannabis-infused food and beverages onsite to consumers. That said, lawmakers are likely months away from finalizing regulations and the City of Boston will not be participating in the program.
Disclaimer: The content contained herein may include information regarding cannabis and its legality under Massachusetts law. While certain activities related to cannabis are lawful pursuant to Massachusetts laws, such activities remain unlawful under federal law. It is strongly advised to seek independent legal counsel regarding the differences between state and federal cannabis laws.
Full Article

Adam Barnosky is a member of the firm's Commercial Real Estate, and Hospitality & Retail Services Groups. He can be reached at arb@riw.com, 617-570-3519, or on Twitter at @adambarnosky.

Marketing Corner

Press 1 for . . .

A front line of your business and often the first point of contact for your customers is your telephone. As obvious as it seems, the first order of business is to make sure it’s working correctly. I have called many a restaurant to be sucked into a 'mailbox is full message,' confusing options, and even simply no answer. Once the phone is answered, it's imperative that any employee who has the responsibility or ability to answer the phone can answer almost any questions or quickly obtain answers. From basic information as to what days and hours you are open, to entertainment schedule if any, reservations etc., as well as information about other restaurants you operate.

Industry Trends/News


Food Entrepreneurs Shift Their Focus to Software to Help the Industry Thrive
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/05/05/food-entrepreneurs-shift-their-focus-software-help-industry-thrive/qbez7kPKNeleAQR2zIFhbO/story.html

New England Loves Wine, and the Supreme Court Could Uncork Even More Sales
https://bit.ly/2VJsv5Z

RIW Client News


Congratulations to RIW client 6 String on the opening of their new location at Patriot Place. 
Congratulations to RIW clients Café Landwer, Little Dipper, and Adelita on making the Boston Globe Best New Restaurants List for 2019. Full article.
Congratulations to RIW client Wit's End on their write-up in the Boston Globe as being named a favorite bar for a First Date. Full article. 
Congratulations to RIW client The Emory, one of the newest restaurants on Beacon Hill in Boston.  The Emory is a modern American neighborhood restaurant, run by Andy Kilgore (Broad Street Riot, The Merchant, No. 9 Park, Stoddard's).  Derek Robert of the now-closed Townsman is heading up the kitchen.  The Emory is located at 21 Beacon Street in the former Scollay Square restaurant. 

RIW Events and Participation


Click here to request more information about any event. 

RIW attorney Adam Barnosky participated as a judge at the MRA/ProStart Student Invitational, on February 12, 2019 at Gillette Stadium. 

With numerous high school teams competing in management and culinary competitions the winners from the event eventually compete at the national competition. 
RIW attended the Lovin' Spoonfuls Chef's Table event on April 3, 2019 at the Drydock Hall at the Innovation & Design Building.

In attendance from RIW were Lou Katz, Adam Barnosky, Chris Agostino, and Catherine Rossetti.  
RIW attended the MRA's Annual Awards Dinner on March 4, 2019 at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. 

In attendance from RIW were Lou Katz, Adam Barnosky, Kelly Caralis, and Chris Agostino.
Adam Barnosky and Chris Agostino of RIW attended the Boston Magazine
Best Fest at Boston City Hall Plaza on July 18, 2019. The event brought 
together 1,500 people, including Best of Boston winners, celebrity chefs,
local tastemakers, and select media.

The evening featured live music and delicious food served by 20 past and current 
Best of Boston winners.  
Center photo:  Adam Barnosky (left) and Chris Agostino at the 2019 Best Fest.
27th Annual RESTAURANT TRENDS SEMINAR  
Best Practices in a Changing Restaurant Landscape

On Monday, May 13, over 200 guests joined together at the Boston World Trade Center for the 27th Annual Restaurant Trends Seminar. The yearly educational and networking industry event is organized by Ruberto, Israel & Weiner and The Boston Restaurant Group, and features some of the area’s most notable operators, chefs, and owners.

This year, notables included Charlie Perkins, the Boston Restaurant Group, Inc.; Joe Piantedosi, Radio Talk Show Host “Breaking Bread” on NorthShore 104.9FM. WBOQ, and Executive Vice President & Co-Owner, Piantedosi Baking Company Inc.; and Steve DiFillippo, Chef and CEO, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. Piantedosi moderated the first panel, which included Nate Berkowitz, Director of Finance at Clover Food Lab; Marty Bloom, Owner of Burro Bar, Mission on the Bay, and Mission Oak Grill; and Patrick Renna, President of Wahlburgers. DiFillippo moderated the second panel, which included Andy Husbands, Pit Master/Owner of The Smoke Shop; Eric Papachristos, Co-Owner & CEO of Saloniki, Trade and Porto; and Kathy Sidell, Owner of Saltie Girl, Met Bar and Stephanie’s on Newbury. 

Net proceeds from the event went to benefit Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a food rescue organization. 
Left: Panelists Nate Berkowitz, Marty Bloom, and Patrick Renna discuss millennials as customers and employees. 
Center: Steve DiFillippo, moderating an all-star industry panel including Andy Husbands, Eric Papachristos, and Kathy Sidell.
Right: Over 200 guests from all areas of the restaurant industry attended the 27th Annual Restaurant Trends Seminar. 
Left to right; Lou katz, Nate Berkowitz, Patrick Renna, Kathy Sidell, Andy Husbands, Steve DiFillippo, Joe Piantedosi, Eric Papachristos, Charlie Perkins, and Marty Bloom.
Left; Russ Stein, Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, Patrick Renna, Wahlburgers, Christian Sierra, The Briar Group, Austin O’Connor, The Briar Group, Kelly Caralis, Israel & Weiner. 
Right; Guests from the event attend the post-seminar networking and cocktail reception which included a live jazz band.
Photo Credits: Cheryl Richards 


Stay Connected

Attorneys in RIW’s Hospitality and Retail Services Group have provided legal services to industry clients for over 30 years. Our attorneys organize seminars, lecture, write articles, participate in trade associations, and serve on Boards of Advisors for retail, food and hospitality industry companies.

For a full description of our Hospitality and Retail Services Group, including a list of representative clients, click here.

Hospitality & Retail Services
Industry Group Attorneys

Adam Barnosky, Liquor Licensing, Zoning, and Permitting, Co-Group Leader
arb@riw.com
Kelly Caralis, Mergers & Acquisitions and Leasing, Co-Group Leader
kac@riw.com

Bradley Croft, Construction Law
blc@riw.com

Bethany Grazio, Mergers & Acquisitions and Financing
bag@riw.com

Louis Katz, Mergers & Acquisitions and Leasing
lck@riw.com

David Robinson, Litigation, Employment
dwr@riw.com

Michael D. Rosen, Commercial Real Estate; Zoning; Land Use;
Leasing & Financing and Green Initiatives

mdr@riw.com


Catherine Barton Rossetti, Trusts & Estates
cbr@riw.com

Russell Stein, Mergers & Acquisitions and Leasing
rns@riw.com


Archives

Click here for past articles on a range of issues including: Finance; Leasing; Liquor Licensing; Data Security; Succession & Estate Planning; Disputes; Construction; Employment Law; and Trademark/Branding.

Published by Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.

Adam Barnosky , Esq., Editor.
Subscribe to our email list.