BELCHERTOWN— The Quabbin Health District is threatening to shut down Krispy’s restaurant if the business fails to pay $3,344 in outstanding taxes and submit a complete food permit application by April 17.
The Board of Health voted on Monday to authorize the closure on that date if the issues remain unsettled after Kripsy’s owner Yianni Gertsios failed to appear before the board. The restaurant at 146 State St. turned in a partially complete application and the late fee for a 2026 food permit, but the paperwork cannot be processed until its complete.
“In the food code, the Board of Health can vote to not renew a permit if they’re not in good standing with like taxes,” said Andrea Crete, director of the Quabbin Health District, the regional health department that serves Belchertown, Pelham and Ware. “I usually don’t recommend doing that if it’s their first time, but I think this is the third year in a row that we’ve had this issue.”
Gertsios told the Gazette that understaffing has hindered his ability to leave the restaurant and take care of the payments. He has already paid two of the four bills, and will complete the remaining payments within the next day.
“I don’t have enough staff to go to the bank so I just didn’t have time to go out and make the payment,” he said.
Krispy’s began offering fast-food style chicken fingers, burgers, fries and shakes in July 2022. According to its website, the family-owned restaurant aims to serve customers in under five minutes.
Board of Health member Dr. David Gottsegen expressed frustration that Gertsios did not show up to the meeting. Gertsios said the date of the appearance was unclear, as he was suppose to come before the board in February before a snowstorm canceled the meeting.
Gertsios came before the board on Feb. 14, 2024 to address a similar issue, according to meeting minutes. However, he had come into good standing prior to the meeting and the issue was dismissed. The minutes from Feb. 15, 2025 reflect the Board agreed to send a letter to Gertsios about the consequences of repeated delinquent taxes.