North Adams Airport Could Soon Have A New Restaurant

It's been six years in the making, but plans for a new restaurant are finally falling into place as Williams College has donated used kitchen equipment that is no longer needed.

The question is, what kind of restaurant should North Adams have at the airport?

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The restaurant space at North Adams Airport has been long overdue for use

According to Iberkshires, the commission has long planned to open a restaurant in the renovated administrative building, but despite several Requests for Proposals (RFPs), the space has stayed unused. It was once thought that the main barrier was the absence of necessary kitchen equipment.

Chairman James Haskins mentioned during the commission meeting that he favors placing the equipment inside but leaving the decision of where to put it up to the individual who will go in, emphasizing that doing so can be costly. While installing the equipment could make the space more attractive, there are concerns that installing it too early could affect the property's insurance and increase liability.

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Local restaurant owner checks the kitchen equipment

Haskins mentioned he contacted Colleen Taylor from Freight Yard Pub, who recently visited the college to inspect the equipment. He thinks her expertise could significantly help the project. Commissioner Dean Bullett even proposed connecting some of the equipment so the city could use the space, possibly for a "pop-up" event.

"I think we need a plan. Are we putting this out to bid again? Are we going to set it up? I feel like we have to decide one way or another what direction we are going to go in. We have been sitting on it a while already. If we want to do this this decade, we need to get moving." - Commissioner Dean Bullett

My Personal Restaurant Suggestion

If I were to suggest a restaurant, it would have to be something we don't have much of around here, like a steakhouse or something.

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Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess