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Image courtesy of Doyle's Cafe
The Boston Licensing Board’s scheduled vote today on a liquor license transfer could clear the way for redevelopment of the F.J. Doyle’s Cafe property in Jamaica Plain. The cafe owners have agreed to sell the liquor license to Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse for $455,000 for a new Davio’s on the Fan Pier in the Seaport District.
“We are deeply committed to our neighborhood and to ensuring – to the greatest extent possible – that the next owners of the property understand the neighborhood’s history,” property owners Eddie and Joni Ross Burke said in a statement released this morning. “Since the property has not yet been sold, we do not know who the next steward of the Doyle’s legacy might be. However, our representatives will happily engage in constructive discussions with any viable party that comes forth in order to determine if a locally-owned tavern may be reborn in this location at some point in the future.”
The pending departure of the neighborhood gathering spot since 1882 has prompted patrons to launch a “Save Doyle’s” Facebook page and angst about the loss of another venerable Boston institution to changing lifestyles and rising real estate values.
The realty trust owns eight parcels on Washington and Williams streets totaling over 25,000 square feet, which will be marketed for sale. The restaurant is leased by Burke’s nephew, Gerry Burke Jr.
The marketing process is being conducted by Boston Commercial Real Estate Partners Managing Partner Peter Gori.
The existing building needs substantial upgrades to accommodate a new tenant, and prospects for a restaurant remaining on the site could hinge upon additional development, Gori said.
“We know what we think it’s worth and to maximize that value, that’s going to include some moderate neighborhood-scale development,” Gori told Banker & Tradesman on Tuesday. “We are firm believers in J.P. and we totally recognize what we own. We also recognize that we’re not in a position to be the investor or the operator.”
