A popular Jamaican restaurant in Dorchester’s Four Corners section has told abutters about its proposal to expand into a newly built space on Bowdoin Street with room for a full dining room and a nine-seat bar backed by a full liquor license.
Murl’s Kitchen, currently operating at143 Washington St., will lease a 3,800-square-foot space in Four Corners Plaza, a multi-use building which was recently completed under the management of Codman Square NDC.
Shaniel Walker, the chef-owner of Murl’s, explained the plan at an abutters’ meeting last Friday (Oct. 24). The restaurant, which opened in 2018, has grown in appeal and is a perennial winner at the Taste of Dorchester event. Given that, Walker wants to grow the business as a sit-down venture with a liquor license.
The next steps will involve a hearing before the Boston Licensing Board, and outreach to area civic associations.
“Right now, he’s solely take-out and catering so this is really going to elevate his business and his concept and allow for a whole sit- down experience in a bigger space,” said Walker’s attorney, Maggie Roberts of Prince Lobel.
Walker plans to open seven days a week with hours of 10 a.m. to midnight, with the option of staying open for private events – such as company dinners – until 2 a.m.
“I want to add to the community and not take away from it,” he said. “I’m not doing a nightclub or a hang-out spot. It’s a restaurant with a bar, not a bar with a restaurant and that’s important. I want it to be a family restaurant where you will be able to come in with your kids or grandkids and sit down, have dinner, and have a glass of wine.”
Neighbors such as Sherri Davis and Elizabeth Mitchell, of United Neighborhood Association (UNA), said they were excited about the business coming “deeper into Four Corners,” but voiced concerns about the 2 a.m. closing and parking. There is no specific off-street parking set aside for the restaurant.
Davis suggested that Walker talk with the city about using the old John Marshall School lot after hours on Westville Street, about one block away, especially for special events or evening dining.
Other neighbors like Julia Thompson said they were excited to have a real restaurant to walk to and relax.
