Sisters Mery Quintana and Amparo Pereanez are hoping to bring a Spanish-American restaurant to East Boston, but neighbors worry about noise, trash, and late-night activity.
According to a report from Universal Hub, the duo has applied for a food-serving license to open El Parche at 636-638 Bennington St, but the Boston Licensing Board this week ordered a second hearing after heated pushback from residents.
Quintana, a longtime bartender, and Pereanez, a local entrepreneur, say their vision is to create a small, family-style restaurant offering Spanish and American cuisine.
Though they initially planned to include a bar, Quintana agreed to forego alcohol after neighbors objected, citing the nearby Brooke Charter School and Boys & Girls Club. Instead, she hopes to serve mocktails and may eventually apply for a limited BYOB license. She also moved the restaurant’s closing time to 10 p.m.
At the hearing, residents argued the space lacks adequate trash storage and worried deliveries would clog the streets. Quintana countered that she has a contract with a trash hauler and plans to shop for supplies herself rather than rely on large trucks.
She emphasized that her goal is simply to support her family with the quiet neighborhood spot, playing only soft background music. She added that she has already invested $200,000 of her savings to transform the former beauty salon into a 20-seat restaurant.
Still, neighbors remain unconvinced. The Licensing Board has asked Quintana and Pereanez to revise their license application with additional background information and to meet again with both direct abutters and the Harbor View Neighborhood Association before the proposal moves forward.
