Voices of Franklin: Ann Williams responds on the proposed BJs license transfer

This letter is in response to Mark Lenzi’s Voices of Franklin post from June 17. I believe there were significant errors and inaccuracies in that document, and would like to point those out before the license transfer hearing on Wednesday, June 26.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Ann Williams. I own and operate Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, currently located at 835 West Central Street in Franklin. I founded the store with my former business partner in 2012, and have operated it as a sole proprietor since 2017. When Pour Richard's was first before Franklin Town Council (in 2012), we were represented by the late Neil Roche. Neil, an indefatigable booster of all things Franklin and also a wine lover, communicated with me that he was 'proud to help bring this type of store to Franklin, because it was time Franklin had a real fine wine shop.' I considered this opinion high praise, but also a standard to live up to. I was proud to count Neil as a customer until his death in 2015. I am also incredibly proud of the business and community we have built, concentrating on small producers, exceptional customer service, and education. In addition, we have donated an average of $5,000 per year to local and regional charities, and facilitated and hosted fundraisers which helped those groups raise even more.

But time marches on and life changes. After nearly 12 years in business, I want to sell my store and move on to the next phase. 

Mr Lenzi’s letter rather implies that BJ’s is asking the Town of Franklin to create an all- alcohol license for them. This is not true. The actual transaction being considered is the transfer of my current license to BJ’s, and the transfer of their Wine and Malt license to my current premises, where a new owner will take over.

These two licenses are located less than .5 miles apart, so the transaction will not change the footprint of licenses or service to town residents. Corey and Colleen Bunnewith, who are buying Pour Richard’s, want to continue the business substantially as it is, eventually replacing liquor with gourmet foods and other provisions.

The hard liquor business in Massachusetts is definitely moving toward consolidation and big box stores. When I started in the business, a single owner was allowed to control 3 stores. That total is now 9. Some companies (such as Liquor World) already own the maximum allowable. BJ’s fits that trajectory, and honestly, they will probably make more comprehensive use of the liquor license, stocking more mainstream brands than the boutique products I offer. They are a large corporation, but that doesn’t make them evil, or lazy about compliance, either. Searching through the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission records, I could not find a single charge against BJ’s Franklin, or even evidence of a complaint. Meanwhile, the Bunnewiths-with many years of beverage and hospitality industry experience between them- will continue stocking artisan wines and craft beers, holding tastings and fundraisers and engaging with the wonderful Franklin community at Pour Richard’s.

The Franklin Town Council did deny a license upgrade to Big Y in 2022, but that transfer request was substantially different than this. They were attempting to purchase the license controlled by Village Mall Liquors, significantly altering the footprint of licenses in town. The transfer would also have resulted in two all-alcohol licenses being located directly across the street from each other, perhaps not the best use of those licenses. 

The current transfer requests would extend BJ’s ability to serve their current customers and also help a young couple attain ownership of an established small business. Please consider these facts before coming to a decision.

Ann Williams

Current Owner, Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits

For reference, the Mark Lenzi letter referenced ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/voices-of-franklin-lenzis-argument.html

If you missed the public hearing notice for the transfer of the license to BJ's you can find it here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/town-of-franklin-notice-of-public.html

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Ann Williams responds on the proposed BJs license transfer