Second Hearing Ordered by City of Boston for a New Spanish American restaurant in East Boston

The Boston Licensing Board is hitting pause on a proposed new restaurant for Bennington Street — sending plans for El Parche, a Spanish and American eatery, back for another round of community talks.

According to Universal Hub, owner Mery Pereanez-Quintana is seeking a food-serving license for 636–638 Bennington St., but after a tense public hearing, the board asked her to meet again with nearby residents and the Harbor View Neighborhood Association before any final decision is made.

Pereanez-Quintana told board members she envisions a small, family-style restaurant — not a late-night bar. She originally hoped to include alcohol service but dropped those plans after neighborhood pushback, especially given the proximity to Brooke Charter School and the Boys & Girls Club. Instead, she said, El Parche would focus on family dining and mocktails, though she’s expressed interest in learning more about Boston’s limited BYOB license option.

Neighbors, however, weren’t convinced. Concerns over trash, rodents, and potential noise dominated the meeting. Some residents argued the restaurant’s lack of space for a dumpster could attract pests, while others feared a slow slide toward becoming a full-fledged cantina.

Pereanez-Quintana said she has invested around $200,000 of her own savings in converting a former beauty salon into a 20-seat restaurant and promised to keep the space clean and quiet — even doing her own market shopping rather than relying on large food deliveries.

Still, the Harbor View Neighborhood Association remains opposed, with members citing skepticism about her trash plan and long-term intentions. “It just doesn’t fit in this area,” said association chair Charles Marcella, adding that even mocktails could invite problems if customers brought their own alcohol.

The board plans to schedule a second hearing and an additional neighborhood meeting to clarify what’s allowed under a BYOB license and give both sides another chance to find common ground.