– License approval paves way for spring opening –
At their most recent meeting, the Reading Select Board voted to approve an all‑alcohol restaurant license for DiBlasi’s Food and Drink, clearing a key regulatory step for the new establishment planned for 42 High Street.
The decision followed a public hearing held during the board’s January 27th meeting, at which representatives for Trentino Enterprises LLC, doing business as DiBlasi’s Food and Drink, outlined their plans for the restaurant and answered questions from board members.
Attorney John Masciarelli, appearing on behalf of the applicants, described DiBlasi’s as a family‑oriented Italian‑American restaurant intended to complement the downtown area. The location will occupy the former Green Tomato space adjacent to the dry cleaners on High Street.
Co‑owner Ryan Patterson, a lifelong Reading resident, and partner Chef Greg Maganzini, who has more than 30 years of experience in the food industry, emphasized that alcohol service would be secondary to food and tightly managed. Patterson told the board that the license is intended to support dining, not create a bar‑focused environment.
Board members questioned the applicants about responsible alcohol service, staffing, and management oversight. Patterson explained that all employees will be TIPS‑certified, a manager will always be on duty, and both owners plan to be actively involved in daily operations.
The board also discussed DiBlasi’s community‑based financing model, known as a “Founders Club,” which allows local residents to contribute startup funds in exchange for recognition and future repayment once the restaurant becomes profitable. Patterson described the program as a way to involve the community directly in the restaurant’s launch while maintaining local ownership.
With no public comment offered either in person or online, the Select Board closed the public hearing and voted 3–0 to approve the annual all‑alcohol restaurant license. Co-Chair Chris Haley stepped aside from the discussion and vote after disclosing a conflict of interest stemming from his office’s direct adjacency to the DiBlasi storefront at 2 Haven Street.
DiBlasi’s owners indicated they are targeting a spring 2026 opening, pending final inspections and remaining approvals.
