Competitors Apparently Sink Upperwest's Chances at Opening in Cambridge

Proposed wine bar Upperwest has been denied the necessary licenses to operate in Cambridge by the License Commission, twice, in what Mark Levy of Cambridge Day reports to be "among the weirdest spectacles [he's] ever seen at a public hearing."

"While there was an overwhelming number of odd things said and done," Levy adds, "the main cause for concern was that license commissioners actually seemed to be responding to a local business owner’s plea not to have competition." Other causes for concern are outlined in detail within the same article. Upperwest originally applied for a full liquor license in early March, then for a beer and wine only license later that same month. Both applications were rejected.

Co-owners Kimberly Courtney and Xavier Dietrich were trying to open at 1001 Massachusetts Avenue, the former Violette Bakers space near Harvard Square. No word yet on what their next move will be.