Taunton’s AIRE Restaurant Told to Vacate Airport Space

TAUNTON (WBSM) — The restaurant that opened just about a year ago at the Taunton Municipal Airport is being asked to vacate its space. AIRE Taunton said “the decision was made without due process,” but the City of Taunton cited “ongoing concerns related to lease violations, Board of Health violations and operational shortcomings” for the reasons why the lease is being terminated.

This morning, AIRE posted on its Facebook page that the restaurant “is being asked to vacate the space we’ve called home,” in a post signed by Chef Charles Hermann and the AIRE team.

“This decision was made without due process – and we want to be honest with you about what’s happening,” the restaurant posted. “Despite rumors, no official agreement to leave was ever signed.”

The City of Taunton told WBSM that the Airport Commission “voted to formally terminate the lease based on the persistent and unaddressed violations” on May 7.

What Went Wrong With AIRE Taunton?

“We’ve faced real challenges: staffing struggles, long hours, and health setbacks – but through it all, we kept going. AIRE was never just a restaurant,” the post read. “It was built on resilience, creativity, and the belief that a small business could thrive through hard work and community support.”

The “health setbacks” included Hermann undergoing major surgery to remove part of his lung after he collapsed in the middle of a catering event last October and had to be rushed to Morton Hospital, where doctors found a blood clot in his lung.

“Our owner, Chef Charles Hermann, has done everything possible to keep AIRE alive – even while recovering from major surgery to remove part of his lung. He returned to work just days after surgery, showing up for our staff, our customers, and our vision,” AIRE posted.

AIRE Wants a “Fair Review” of the Airport Commission's Decision

“We are not giving up quietly. We are asking for a fair review of this decision. We believe our community deserves transparency – and that local businesses should not be pushed out without cause,” AIRE posted, encouraging its patrons to “stand with” them and asking for their “voice” to help them remain at the airport.

“This isn’t the end of AIRE. It’s the beginning of our fight to stay,” the post read. “If you believe in second chances, in truth, in defending the people who gave their all-please stand with us. Share this. Speak up. Let those in power know this matters.”

When asked in the comments if there had been advanced warning of this, the restaurant’s account replied, “There have been a lot of communication issues between the city, the airport commission and us.”

READ MORE: Taunton Airport Home to New Restaurant

The City of Taunton Has a Different Take

Thomas P. Gay, Jr. of the Law Department of the City of Taunton responded to WBSM’s request for a statement from the City regarding AIRE’s claims.

“The Airport Commission has been working diligently with the tenant of the restaurant space at Taunton Municipal Airport for several months to address ongoing concerns related to lease violations, Board of Health violations, and operational shortcomings,” Gay told WBSM. “Both verbal and written correspondence have clearly outlined these issues and expectations.”

“In accordance with the lease agreement, the tenant was formally notified in writing of these violations and was provided with ample opportunity to remedy the deficiencies,” he said. “Unfortunately, the tenant failed to take the necessary corrective actions within the stipulated timeframe.”

READ MORE: Taunton Municipal Airport Will Be Home to New Restaurant

Gay said the two sides had “subsequent meetings and discussions” with “the intention of collaboratively reaching a mutual resolution.”

“At no point was due process breached, as eviction or forced vacating of premises can only legally occur through court action if mutual resolution cannot be achieved,” he said. “At this juncture, despite these extensive efforts, no mutual agreement or resolution has been finalized.

“The assertion that the decision was made without due process is incorrect; the Commission has strictly adhered to the legal framework governing lease termination and has communicated transparently and consistently with the tenant throughout the process,” Gay said.

Gay said he could not comment further “due to pending or anticipated legal action.”

Numerous Fans Come Out in Support of AIRE

The restaurant’s Facebook post garnered nearly 90 comments as of this writing, with many of them stating they had or plan to reach out to the City of Taunton, Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, the airport or State Senator Kelly Dooner in support of AIRE remaining at the airport.

We will keep you updated on any developments as they happen.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WFHN FUN 107 (@fun107nb)