Oh boy, nothing in Cambridge is simple. I would just comment that competition usually leads to better food and more customers for all concerned. Ruth -----Original Message----- From: psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of John Howard Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 3:28 PM To: Porter Square Neighbors Association Subject: Re: [PSNA] Ex-KFC-Ex-TacoBell-Ex-Banjos Here is an update on the Darul Kabab license application (ex-Banjo's): The license commission heard the case on Tuesday night, and took it under advisement. There is no telling which way they are leaning. Despite the fact that the hearing has already occurred, the new owner, Mr Monir Saji, will present and take questions at the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee tonight. I should note that Mr. Saji never approached PSNA about this at all. The owner of the Annapurna restaurant just across Walden Street is quite upset. He believes that Darul Kabab has appropriated most of his menu and will destroy his business, and so he has started gathering signatures on his own letter. He also argues that Annapurna is completely locally owned and not a chain. I am led to understand that that Mr. Saji lives in Burlington (not quite local) and owns several concessions at Logan Airport. As a properly advertised public hearing has already happened, the License Commission will not take any more testimony. Also, they do not consider competition between neighboring businesses as a reason to deny a license. Nevertheless, I suspect that they would read further messages or letters from the neighborhood, especially since our opinions were not solicited in advance. If you agree that Darul Kabab looks like a bad idea, you might want to drop by Annapurna and sign their letter, or write your own. John Howard On Oct 12, 2010, at 2:22 PM, John Howard wrote:

If you've walked past the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Walden Street in the last couple of days, you may have noticed that the Banjos' signs are gone from the windows of the old KFC/Taco Bell, and that it was being repainted and refurbished yet once again. The new plan calls for a Bangladeshi-Indian-Bakistana kabob, curry, and rice dish halal eatery. The license commission is will be hearing the application tonight. Quoting the application:

...

Darul Kabab, Inc., d/b/a Darul Kabab, Monir Saji, manager, has applied for a common victualer license to be exercised at 2072 Massachusetts Avenue. Said license if granted would allow food and non-alcoholic beverages to be sold, served, and consumed on said premises with a seating capacity of 37. The hours of operation will be from 8:00am to 10:00pm Monday through Saturday and 8:00am to 8:00pm on Sundays.

For the full License Commission agenda see http://www.cambridgema.gov/calendar.cfm?id=30345

The new manager is also presenting at the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee. That meeting is at the North Cambridge Senior Center from 7-9 PM tomorrow night.

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