Rebranded Fairgrounds Restaurant Among Several New Liquor & Entertainment Licenses

The Select Board approved several liquor and entertainment licenses Monday for a new crop of restaurants opening up on island this summer.

The liquor license for Faregrounds, rebranded as Fairgrounds by new owner Ethan Devine, was transferred to Ryan Murray, a member of the new management team. Devine, whose family previously owned the Veranda House hotel when it was known as Hotel Overlook, has committed to keeping the island staple’s community focus and overall direction.

The Select Board accepted the surrender of the alcohol license previously issued to the downtown restaurant The Charlie Noble, which closed in the fall of 2024, and issued new alcohol and live entertainment licenses to its replacement, The Dive.

“I’m excited to work on the island,” part-owner Richard Sullivan said. “It’s been a dream of mine for a very long time, going there since I was a kid. I’m also getting married on the island in September, so it’s a very special place personally for me.”

Similarly, the Select Board issued a new liquor license to Bloom Bar, which will be replacing the Misogi Noodle Bar on South Water Street. Bloom Bar, run by long-time island restaurateur Dylan Cavaliere, started life on the patio of The Boarding House last summer. The restaurant will feature a fast-casual morning service and a full diner service in the evening.

“Hopefully, we’ll attract a nice variety of guests,” Cavaliere said.

Cavaliere has worked at a number of local restaurants, including Cru, Dune, Ventuno, Straight Wharf, and The Brotherhood of Thieves.

“I’m excited for another morning option in town,” Select Board member Brooke Mohr said. “We need more breakfast options, for sure."

Hearings related to a change in management for Bar Yoshi that follows violations of its liquor license and new licenses for a Mediterranean restaurant called The Island Blend were continued.