NORTH SMITHFIELD – A pizza shop doing business in Slatersville for more than 30 years will now begin serving alcohol following approval of a license request last week by the North Smithfield Town Council.
Owner Aaron Andrews has obtained a full Class BV victualing license for Hercules Beef, Wings, and Pizza at 7 Main St.
“They had one a long time ago,” Andrews told councilors of the prior owners. “They had beer and wine. I want to bring it back to Hercules because it’s a very popular spot in town, and it will be good for revenue for me, and for the town.”
Andrews, a Woonsocket resident and the grandson of former North Smithfield Town Administrator Dan Andrews, purchased the business in May from the family of Hercules Stamatelatos, who first opened the restaurant in 1994.
Doing business as Andrews Restaurant Group, the owner assured councilors that all of his employees will be TIPS-certified.
“I want to make sure it’s a very responsible environment here in Slatersville,” Andrews said. “It’s always been my dream to own a bar and restaurant, and I’ve got the restaurant, so I’m just hoping for the other half as well.”
Andrews said he has already spoken to neighbors of the business about the possibility of staying open later in the evening, including the previous owners, who still live upstairs from the restaurant. Hercules is currently open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“It might be a later night than it is now,” Andrews said. “I haven’t decided that yet. I’ve been working a lot.”
Councilor Claire O’Hara told Andrews that she knew both his father and grandfather.
“I think when you have roots in the town, you take even more pride in it,” O’Hara said.
No mention was made last week of the owner’s recent legal troubles. The 48-year-old previously served as manager of Ciro’s Tavern in Woonsocket, and in June, The Valley Breeze reported that he was arrested for three counts of second-degree sexual assault related to his time in the position – just one day after he last appeared before the North Smithfield board.
A hearing on the charges was continued this month, with a pre-arraignment conference scheduled for January 8.
Councilor John Beauregard asked Andrews if he plans to renovate the Slatersville business to create a bar in the larger dining area. The restaurant is located in one of two buildings known as the Commercial Block, dating back to mid-1800s.
“It’s a little outdated in there,” Andrews said. “I definitely will be remodeling.”
Aaron is an extremely hard worker. Many people came out to support Hercules at the meeting. We will be in to support and visit you. Keep up the good work!
I didn’t hear anything about ample parking. Slatersville Mill, I hear have many college kids, it’s a nice walk for seniors for a night cap. Oh my God, if NS stopped everyone who was suspicious of a crime owning a business, taxes would be higher. It’s also discriminatory language. I was at that meeting and there were a group of he’s workers supporting him. Before you cast a brick, how about supporting our local businesses?
Never been disappointed with anything from Hercules. Very happy to hear this. Best of luck!
This is awesome news and feel it will be within walking distance for a lot of people in the village! Good luck Aaron we will be there to support you!
Why are we approving a full liquor license in a restaurant that is literally steps from the playground, little league fields, and Scouter’s Hall.
So, there’s no problem with the pizza shop with a full liquor license that’s in the parking lot of the Wide World of Indoor Sports? Tons of kids are there every day and night. And there’s a preschool 3 doors down. No problems there at all. I’m more afraid of senior citizens driving that shouldn’t be. Or the texting and driving people. They’re the worst.
Ok let’s first start off is the restaurant does not have a large dinning area (someone needs to get there eyes checked). I still do not know who will be sitting in the small dinning area having a drink when currently there is virtually no one ever sitting in the dinning room. Also if he builds a bar I do not see how there will be any space for a dinning room. Second where is he going to get the funds to remodel the restaurant when banks will not lend to restaurant’s. Second I question the character of the owner. Also who cares if Claire O’Hara knew both his father and grandfather.
Hoping they change the pizza recipe. The cheese on that pizza is pretty bad.