Milford Revokes Liquor License Of New Central Tavern Owner

MILFORD, MA — The Milford Select Board on Monday voted to revoke the liquor license of the new restaurant that took over the former Central Tavern space in the downtown area.

According to the town, a Milford police detective visited the business in July and found signs for the old Central Tavern, but also a new establishment called Baroes Kitchen and bar. After speaking to employees, the detective found that the restaurant had not properly transferred the liquor license during recent ownership changes.

Michael and Kristen Aghajanian bought and renovated the bar in 2020, turning it into a "low brow, top shelf" pub with events, music and seasonal cocktail pop-ups. The Aghajanians sold the business in November to a limited liability company managed by Donizete Da Silva, according to property records.

According to Milford police, Da Silva did not file paperwork with the town adding either his name or the restaurant manager to the liquor license. During the visit, a manager told the Milford detective that Da Silva and another co-owner were in the process of selling the restaurant to a new owner, but would keep ownership stakes in the business.

Baroes maintains a Facebook page and a website featuring a food and drink menu. No one answered the phone at the restaurant on Tuesday, and the voicemail system was full.

The downtown watering hole has gone through many changes over the last decade. In 2013, a local restaurateur and Milford firefighter bought the space — then known as the Nite Lite Lounge — and turned it into the Central Tavern that the Aghajanians eventually bought.