• Tweet This!
• Share this on Facebook
• Blog this on Blogger
• Digg this!
• Share this on FriendFeed
• Share this on LinkedIn
• Share this on Reddit
• Share this on Tumblr
• Share this on del.icio.us

• Tweet This!
• Share this on Facebook
• Blog this on Blogger
• Digg this!
• Share this on FriendFeed
• Share this on LinkedIn
• Share this on Reddit
• Share this on Tumblr
• Share this on del.icio.us

Lavo Eatery hit with penalty

2-day suspension follows renovations

By Kathy McCabe, Globe Staff  |  August 15, 2010

Lavo Ristorante, (formerly ZAZA) which some Saugus residents believe has ties to the now-closed Tabu nightclub, is facing a two-day liquor license suspension next month, after the Board of Selectmen found the owners illegally closed the establishment for 10 days for renovations that included adding a portable bar and new DJ booth.

The board voted 4-0 to suspend the license, formally held by PAM Inc., on Sept. 9 and 10. “Something egregious happened here,’’ Selectman Michael Kelleher said.

The selectmen also scheduled a new hearing on allegations the restaurant was serving alcohol after 11 p.m. on its outdoor patio on July 3 and July 4. That hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7.

Christopher G. Fallon, a Malden lawyer representing the restaurant, declined to comment on either the suspension or the new hearing But he defended Lavo during a 90-minute show-cause hearing, moving to distance his clients from Frank Amato, owner of Tabu Ultra Lounge, a nightclub that had its license revoked after a string of violent incidents, such as late-night fights.

“Frank Amato does not have an interest in the business. He is not a stockholder. He’s known to my clients,’’ said Fallon, a state representative from Malden.

Amato, a Peabody resident who does not have a listed telephone number, could not be reached.

Paul Cucinatti, a Lavo owner and manager, said Amato is a longtime friend. “He’s got two kids, lives in Peabody, and coaches basketball and Little League,’’ he said in an interview. “He’s not the devil. Whatever happened in the past, I’m not responsible for.’’

A Saugus police officer testified at the hearing that Amato was at Lavo on June 17 when the officer made an unannounced visit to investigate reports the restaurant was closed. “I did speak [with] Frank Amato and with several other parties, just to ask if a [manager] was present,’’ Detective Lieutenant Ronald Giorgetti told the board.

Some residents feared that Tabu’s troubles could now turn up at Lavo. “I [am] very concerned,’’ resident Bob Cox told the board. “I would think the own ership would be key.’’

Residents have also presented selectmen with copies of business filings that show close relations between Amato and Lavo’s owners. Lavo’s manager is listed as Joseph J. Mazzochia of Middleton. A separate filing also listed Mazzochia as manager, along with Amato, at Tabu, according to a copy. The two are also listed as managers of a Beverly construction company, according to filings at the secretary of state’s office.

Mazzochia was also identified by Fallon as the contractor who did the renovations on the club. The selectmen had requested copies of documents, such as a contract or purchase orders, related to the renovations. But Lavo could produce few documents. “It was done, for the most part, on a handshake,’’ Fallon said.

Residents also presented a copy of an Internet domain registration form for a Lavo website that lists Amato as the site’s administrator. “I bring up again the question of the true ownership of this license,’’ Maureen Dever, a Town Meeting member, told the board.

But Fallon said Amato is not involved with Lavo. “He has, unequivocally, no financial interest in this business,’’ Fallon said, adding that Amato created the website on his own. “He had no authority to do that,’’ he said.

Selectman Stephen Horlick expressed skepticism. “Mr. Amato, as a patron, on his own, created a website,’’ Horlick said. “That’s a pretty good patron. I’d like to have him, too.’’

Paul Reppucci, a co-owner of Lavo, said in an interview that Amato is advising on advertising. “He’s helping us to market the place,’’ he said. “We just changed names. We wanted to create a buzz.’’

Lavo, which now has a DJ booth, dance floor, and outdoor seating, was called ZaZa Restaurant for 18 months until last spring. For eight years prior to that, it was Orzo Italian Trattoria, which also has a location in North Andover. PAM Inc., the legal entity that holds the licenses for Lavo, lists among its owners Reppucci and Cucinatti, according to state records.

Until 10 p.m., Lavo is a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seats. After 10 p.m, it turns into a ’70s-style disco, with most patrons age 30 and over, Reppucci said.

“We’re just trying to make a living,’’ he said. “We’ve never been aware of any problems.’’

But state law requires liquor license holders to inform the local authority about any change in business conditions, including renovations. “If a licensee were to close for renovations, it is supposed to contact the board and seek approval of that,’’ said Ira H. Zaleznik, a Boston lawyer who advises the selectmen on license issues. “It’s to ensure a smooth transition.’’

Fallon said the renovations were “all cosmetic’’ and that his client did not understand they needed the board’s approval. They were done to improve the business for a possible sale. “The renovations were done with the intent to spruce up the place,’’ he said.

Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com.

####################################################

Is it me, or is Saugus getting a little punchy about its Route 1 eating and drinking (and dancing) establishments? After all the fun they’ve had with the Palace, The Orchid, Tabu and Oasis (you know, the stabbings, shootings, that type of thing), some there are taking aim at Lavo, a new “Ristorante and Lounge” that features “classic tunes of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and old school Motown.” Watch out!

Granted, the restaurant drew some undue attention to itself recently by allegedly doing some renovations without a permit, and during the after-dinner hour the owner admits that the musical selections will shift from lounge to — gasp! — disco. Reports Wicked Local Saugus:

Disco selections will feature prominently in the entertainment at Lavo. For his money Cucinatti contended disco is perhaps the greatest dance music ever recorded.

Cucinatti also put to rest any rumors circulating that he and his partner actually have a hip-hop venue or strip club in mind for the location.

“They can take my license if I ever have one hip-hop or under-21 night here,” Cucinatti said. “I’m 58 years old, I don’t need that kind of aggravation in my life.”

You said it, brother! Now, where’s my white suit?

• Tweet This!
• Share this on Facebook
• Blog this on Blogger
• Digg this!
• Share this on FriendFeed
• Share this on LinkedIn
• Share this on Reddit
• Share this on Tumblr
• Share this on del.icio.us

• Tweet This!
• Share this on Facebook
• Blog this on Blogger
• Digg this!
• Share this on FriendFeed
• Share this on LinkedIn
• Share this on Reddit
• Share this on Tumblr
• Share this on del.icio.us

Flagship Motorcars – Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz and smart center, Route One Lynnfield, MA

Welcome to Flagship Motorcars, New England’s choice for Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

At Flagship Motorcars, we understand that there’s a special feeling sitting in the driver’s seat of a Mercedes-Benz and looking down the hood at the three-pointed star at the end. The three points of the star are meant to symbolize land, sea and air. But it’s also an emblem that stands for engineering integrity and a history that no other auto maker can match.

It serves to remind you that Mercedes-Benz cars have evolved through the ages rather than being radically altered to suit prevailing fads and fashion.

At Flagship Motorcars, our name symbolizes unparalleled service, follow-up, and value.

We hope to see you soon!

Mark Hoch
General Manager
mhoch@herbchambers.com

Flagship Motorcars in Lynnfield Massachusetts

Flagship Motorcars is conveniently located in Lynnfield Massachusetts, just minutes away from Boston, Boylston, Providence, Westwood, Haverhill, Hyannis, Boylston, Worcester, Westboro, Westborough, Peabody, Norwood, Northborough, Springfield, Framingham and Danvers as well as all of New England. Flagship Motorcars has the areas largest selection of Mercedes Benz and certified preowned vehicles from cars and trucks to vans and SUVs.

Mercedes Benz Vehicles on the North Shore

If you are looking to buy a new or used vehicle and need financing, Flagship Motorcars is the dealer for you. Our finance team can assist you with securing affordable options on any new Mercedes Benz B Class, C Class Sedan, CL S63 AMG, CL Class Coupe, CLK550 Coupe, CLK Class Convertible, CLK Class Black Series Coupe, CLS Class, E550, E Class Sedan, E 63 AMG Sedan, E Class Wagon, E63 AMG Wagon, G Class, G 55 AMG, GL320 CDI, GL550, ML 320, M Class, R63 AMG, R Class, S550 Sedan, S600 Sedan, S63 AMG, SL Class Roadster, SL 550 Anniversary Edition, SLK Class Roadster or SLR McLaren.

In the years we have been in business our clients have come from communities like Boston, Boylston, Providence, Westwood, Haverhill, Hyannis, Boylston, Worcester, Westboro, Westborough, Peabody, Norwood, Northborough, Springfield, Framingham and Danvers as well as all of New England.

Best of all, Flagship Motorcars has a great staff on hand to assist you with your all of your needs when it comes to Mercedes Benz parts, factory service and OEM accessories for your vehicle.

Visit our showroom today at:

Flagship Motorcars
385 Broadway, Route 1 North
Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940

Flagship Motorcars in Lynnfield Massachusetts

smart center Route One Lynnfield MA – Herb Chambers

BOSTON Massachusetts area Smart Cars

Smart Car enthusiasts in the BOSTON Massachusetts area have helped keep Smart Cars one of the most popular makes on the road today.

Whether you are a fan of the Smart Car Coupe or Smart Car Cabriolet, Herb Chambers Smart Car in Somerville and Lynnfield Massachusetts has the inventory you’re looking for.