The County Seat is open for business A proposed Taco Bell goes before the Newton Planning Board

By Laurie Gordon
NEWTON — The County Seat restaurant, famous for its eclectic menu and martini list, has been under the microscope lately.

Rumors are circulating that the restaurant is either closed or is closing.

The County Seat is not closing and is very open for business.

These conjectures come in wake of a proposed Taco Bell coming to Newton pending the sale of the building that houses the County Seat restaurant as well as the empty lot across the street. Tracey Mora Valverde, Roger Mora Valverde, and Jennifer Konya lease the restaurant space in the historic building, located at the corner of Water Street and Clinton Street on Route 206

from property owner George Sella. Sella owns both the building and the lot in question.

Mora Valverde rents apartments above the restaurant, and the lot serves as parking for customers.

Franchisee has his eyes on the lot for a Taco Bell

Mattel Pattel owns a number of Taco Bell and Dunkin' Doughnut franchises around the area, and wants to buy the property and put a Taco Bell on the parking lot site.

There are also purported plans for a liquor store as one of the town's coveted liquor licenses would be included in the sale.

The proposed sale is slated to be on the Newton Planning Board's September 23 agenda for the third time.

County Seat operators in a 'wait and see' mode

“There's been a lot of misinformation circulating around and rumors that we are closed. We are absolutely open. We are gearing up for a great fall and plan to stay open for as long as possible," said Tracey Mora Valverde. ” “Nothing has been set in stone, and I believe there are several variances that would have to go through if this deal is approved

Sella did not respond to requests for an interview,

“He seems steadfast on refusing to sell the lot without the included sale of the historic building," said Mora Valverde

Newton Town Manager, Tom Russo speaks about the town requirements for the proposed Taco Bell.

“Current design factors in 40 seats in the restaurant and 28 parking spaces; eight of which would be for the eight apartments located in the building across the street,” said Russo. “I believe they are coming in with a new architectural design and layout.”

David Wallace, Pital's attorney did not return phone calls or emails,

Newton Mayor, Daniel G. Flynn said he could not comment until after the September 23 meeting.

A family affairJennifer Konya is Tracy's sister, and Roger Mora Verde is her husband and chef of the restaurant.

The family purchased the business over seven years ago and has invested time and money into it.

“It had been closed for over a year, and we completely started from scratch and redid the place," said Tracey Mora Valverde.

According the owners, there have been several deals to sell the building in the past that have fallen through, so they are famaliar with being in a “wait and see mode.”

Mora Valverde cannot emphazise enough that County Seat is open for business

“We're open and going strong and plan to stay open as long as we can.”