Route 1 Liquor Mart Owner Retiring, Handing Business Over to Sons

After more than 40 years in business, Route 1 Liquor Mart owner James Civilinski is retiring and handing over the 29 Washington St. business to his sons, Derek, 40 and Marc, 42.

“I often said when I hit 65 I would be fully retired,” Civilinski. “Now I’m 70 and I think it’s time to move on and do other things.”

Foxborough's Board of Selectmen reviewed – and approved – the liquor store’s application for change of manager, new officer/director and transfer stock of an all alcohol package store license Tuesday. The transition will become official after the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission approves the request.

Derek and Marc Civilinski will each take over 50 percent ownership of the business with Derek serving as president and Marc as treasurer and secretary. Both will also serve as directors.

"[Business is] going from completely in Jim’s control to completely in the boys’ control,” said Civilinski’s attorney Phillip Macchi of Macchi Law in Norwood. “Derek has been working with the business for over 16 years and Marc has been there longer.”

James Civilinski took a few moments prior to the transfer Tuesday to thank the town for its support of his business over the years.

“I’ve said it many times over the years and I’ll say it again, anybody going into business, this is the town to come to,” Civilinski said. “I can’t say enough about being in Foxborough. The officials here are very welcoming and very supportive. The people who live in this town are unbelievable and welcoming people and supporting local businesses. I would emphasize there’s no other place to be but Foxborough.”

Civilinski said he hoped the success and support will continue with his two sons at the helm and also thanked Foxborough Police Chief Edward O’Leary for his assistance with the Route 1 business.

“Big accolades to him and his department for the way they conduct themselves closely with the license holders,” Civilinski said.

Selectmen vice-chair Lorraine Brue thanked Civilinski for being a responsible license holder over the years and working well with the police department.

Selectman Ginny Coppola congratulated Civilinski on his retirement and selectman Jim DeVellis spoke about Civilinski’s “excellent business reputation."

“Jim has taken the time to go over the scanners and the training and has an impeccable reputation as a business owner,” DeVellis said. “[He] has a lot of pride in the business, which started out [as his father’s business], then [his] business and now [his] sons’ business. I appreciate [that they're] keeping [the business] in the family. It’s a nice transition and we wish everyone luck.”

Selectmen chair Mark Sullivan noted this is the first liquor license transfer between family members he can recall during his time as a selectman.