Alba owner’s plan for new restaurant in Braintree passes a key hurdle

BRAINTREE − Restaurateur Leo Keka said he hopes to begin renovation work for his new restaurant and function hall near Braintree Five Corners in the next couple of weeks.

By a 4-0 vote Tuesday, the town’s license board approved an all-alcoholic liquor license for the business, Scutari. The name comes from the Italian name for Keka’s hometown in Albania.

The restaurant will be at 589 Granite St., the building that was occupied by the former Dunkin’ Donuts Training Center, better known as Dunkin’ Donuts University.

Mike Modestino, a lawyer representing Keka, said the 97-seat restaurant and bar will have a 210-seat function room.

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“Braintree is in need of such a function room,” Modestino said.

Margaret Laforest, chief of staff to Mayor Charles Kokoros, said the mayor supported the license.

“This will be a great restaurant and function hall for Braintree,” Laforest said.

No one spoke in opposition.

Keka owns Alba in Quincy Center and Alba on 53 in Hanover. He said he plans to continue operating both businesses.

He said he plans to open the new restaurant, which will feature moderately priced Northern Italian cuisine, in the spring.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Braintree board OKs liquor license for Alba owner’s new restaurant