The owner of a personal training studio in Franklin envisioned that the barn and farmhouse nearby would make a perfect small cafe where the community could gather for events like wine tastings. Entrepreneurs who envision developments like this usually have to go through a number of steps to gain approval from their municipality. But they don’t often have to ask voters.
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Fortunately for Lisa MacDonald, nearly 86% of those who voted on the question in Tuesday’s election liked her idea. Voters approved her request for a Class C liquor license by a margin of 1,837 yes o 301 no. She hopes to open the Gray Dog Cafe at 32644 Franklin Road by mid-year 2025.
The Village Council approved her request for a liquor license in July. But she still had to convince the voters. She conducted a small campaign that consisted of holding an open house with free refreshments where she distributed campaign cards.
She had 20 lawn signs printed and did one direct mailing. “It’s a smal.