March 2026
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Hospitality Insights & Trends
Ryan Clemens
​The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) recently shared two key updates on license applications and the Massachusetts laws governing alcohol licensing. The first update is that the latest state budget includes three updates to General Law Chapter 138’s provisions on the definition of “licensed premises,” the time to appeal local decisions, and automatic disqualifications for licensees and managers.
The second update is that the ABCC now has a specific application procedure for license holders with multiple-tiered ownership.
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Ryan Clemens outlines the details of what you need to know.
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Eric Sigman
If you're considering multi-unit franchise expansion, the development schedule isn't just a timeline, it's one of the most consequential elements of your agreement. A well-structured schedule accounts for market conditions, capital availability, and realistic opening timelines, and getting it wrong can have serious consequences for both sides. Franchisors risk stalled territories and missed growth opportunities, while developers face the potential loss of territorial exclusivity, termination of development rights, and forfeiture of fees.
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In his latest article, RIW Franchise Practice Group Chair Eric Sigman breaks down how development schedules shape the franchisor-developer relationship, what to watch for when it comes to exclusivity and default provisions, and why careful upfront planning is critical to long-term success.
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Adam Barnosky
Multi-state operators face a complex patchwork of alcoholic beverage licensing frameworks, each with its own regulatory priorities and enforcement standards. As the retail and wholesale industry continues to adapt to shifting market conditions and evolving consumer trends, regulatory updates have become increasingly vital to sustaining economic viability while managing compliance standards.
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The National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals (NALCP) held its 20th anniversary conference in Austin, Texas, with three days of programming that combined education, regulatory insight, and industry collaboration. Member attendees include national retailers, restaurant groups, hotels, live entertainment companies and other multi-state business operators, along with government regulators, licensing attorneys and service providers in the alcoholic beverage industry.
Adam Barnosky provides the following takeaways.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
Full Comp - Leading with Focus: Peter Newlin on Revolutionizing Suburban Dining
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Success in the restaurant industry is as much about grit as it is about vision, and few people embody both quite like Peter Newlin. As Chief Vision Officer of the Gastamo Group, Peter has transformed small neighborhood restaurants into a multi-concept hospitality group, all while championing the power of focus and community-driven dining.
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In today’s conversation, host Josh Kopel explores Peter’s journey from outdoor enthusiast to restaurant innovator, his vision for disrupting suburban dining, and the critical role of AI and intentionality in shaping the future of hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a thriving business while staying grounded, this episode is for you.
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Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
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WHAT WE'RE READING
Congratulations to our friends at Liquor License Advisor on the publication of their 50th Edition of The Advisor! This milestone issue is packed with practical guidance on buying and selling liquor licenses, along with an inside look at how their team continues to raise the bar for client experience.
I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches​
by Drew Nieporent
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Drew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Montrachet. But his career started from much more humble beginnings—the grill at the local McDonald’s.
A middle class kid from New York’s East Side, Drew spends his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion takes him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grows into one of the most influential names in the culinary world.
From waiting tables on a cruise ship to getting his first three-star review; from squabbling with Cornell professors to partnering with Robert DeNiro; this is more than a story of one man’s extraordinary life—it’s a story of an evolving industry. As culinary trends come and go, and relationships blossom and combust, Nieporent navigates it all with a simple yet powerful give the customer what they want.
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CLIENT NEWS
Congratulations to RIW clients:
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The High Street Place Food Hall on its addition of Tiffani Faison's new concept, Tigerbaby
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Tonino and Raffles Boston's La Padrona on being named semifinalists in the 2026 James Beard Awards Best Chef: Northeast category
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Tavern in the Square on the opening of their new Bellingham, MA location
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Built Different Brands on the opening of the sixth Dave's Hot Chicken location (Anderson, SC)
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Kristin Jenkins on the opening of her new restaurant, 1928 Rowes Wharf
INSIDE RIW
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Adam Barnosky was recently quoted on Arlington, MA's upcoming ballot question to expand its liquor license quota, offering perspective on the challenges municipalities face in the process and the economic development opportunities it can unlock.
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Bethany Grazio was recognized as a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Go-To Business Transaction Attorney and named to the Legal500 Boston Elite Rankings for M&A
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Rachel Rivkind joined RIW's Corporate Department, where she will be doing work with the Restaurant & Hospitality team
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Adam Barnosky and Ryan Clemens attended the James Beard Taste America event, featuring talented chefs from across Boston including RIW client Woods Hill Pier 4
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Mark your calendars! RIW's annual Restaurant Trends event returns on Monday, September 28th. Whether you're an operator, owner, or industry professional, this is one you won't want to miss. More details coming soon.