Plan To Convert Former Post Office Into Restaurant Moves Forward

READING, MA — The plan to convert the former post office on Haven Street into a restaurant reached a key milestone this week, receiving Select Board approval for a liquor license.

The restaurant, called the Common District Meeting House, will feature 68 seats between tables, booths and the bar. It expects to hire up to 40 workers, both part- and full-time, and anticipates a seven-month build-out.

Josh Latham, an attorney for the applicants, presented the plan as a jolt to the local business scene as it recovers from the pandemic. The owners have signed a 15-year lease for the 3,900-square-foot building.

"We believe the Meeting House will be an anchor business in a key location in downtown Reading," Latham said.

"This is not a startup business and not a fly-by-night operation," he later added.

Some concerns were raised over parking in the area, but the restaurant team said they anticipate most of their business will come during dinner, when "Haven Street is empty."

The Select Board approved the license 5-0.

"It's a great, unique building," Select Board member Karen Herrick said. "I think it's a great addition to the community."

The restaurant will be located at 136 Haven Street.