Hot Eastern Inc. sought to change its corporate name from Hot Eastern Restaurant Inc. to Hot Eastern Inc. and extend its closing hours from 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to 2:00 a.m. daily. Attorney Carolyn Conway, representing the restaurant, explained that the name change was necessary due to an error in the original 2018 application. While the request to change the “doing business as” (DBA) name from Friendship BBQ to Orient was withdrawn after it did not resonate with the neighborhood, the restaurant remained focused on adjusting its closing hours to meet community demand for later meals.

The board acknowledged the request for a deferral of the vote pending an abutters meeting, which would be organized with the mayor’s office. Laura, a representative from Councilor Flynn’s office, articulated concerns based on feedback from neighbors, citing issues related to trash removal and existing noise complaints. She emphasized that extending the hours could exacerbate these problems, stating, “We were informed that the proponent never reportedly engaged in a community process with all the relevant civic groups.”

Conversely, Nicholas, a resident of Chinatown and member of the Chinatown Neighborhood Council, supported the restaurant’s proposal, praising Mr. Ting, the co-owner, for being a positive community member and participating in local meetings. Despite the support, the board members posed questions regarding the community engagement process.

The board expressed no further questions at that point and decided to take the matter under advisement.

Another item involved Corporate on Bonnie Limited, operating as Payal Market in Jamaica Plain, which sought to change its license classification from a retail package store for wine and malt beverages to a retail package store for all alcoholic beverages. Attorney John Ky represented owner Leis Guerrero, presenting his case by highlighting Guerrero’s long-standing business presence in the community and the vital role his market plays in the neighborhood.

During his testimony, Guerrero emphasized the market’s operation 364 days a year and its participation in community events. He assured the board that no mini bottles would be sold and that alcohol would be stored out of reach of children. Conor Newman from the mayor’s office of Neighborhood Services mentioned that an abutters’ meeting held on July 10 received limited attendance but highlighted positive neighborhood feedback regarding Guerrero’s character and business practices. The board took this matter under advisement.

In other discussions, the board addressed several petitions related to changes in management at various establishments. Yard House USA Inc. sought changes of managers at two locations: 126 Brookline Avenue and Huntington Avenue. Tristan Gaffney and Michael Hennessy were proposed as the new managers, respectively, both bringing extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. The board took both petitions under advisement following their presentations.

The board also considered several other licensing applications, including a proposal from Mana Grill Inc. for a fast-food takeout establishment in Dorchester and Da Vinci Gelato Inc. for a gelato and waffle shop on Huntington Avenue. Both proposals received support from the Mayor’s Office and local community associations, with no concerns raised by the board members.

A particularly notable proposal came from Naen and Sharie, who sought to open a new French-style bakery and café in Boston. Named Elephantine, inspired by their Egyptian heritage, the couple currently operates a successful establishment in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They expressed their ambition to bring a unique culinary experience to Boston, featuring Middle Eastern and French pastries, breakfast items, and evening pre-dinner drinks and small plates. The board noted the neighborhood’s need for new dining options and the potential for the establishment to create 35 to 45 new jobs, receiving positive reviews and support from the community.