More than a year and a half after issuing the owners of Lebanese Kitchen an alcohol license, the Board of Selectmen requested a meeting to find out when the restaurant would open.

“We take all the licenses we issue seriously,” Select Chair Paul Silva said. “A year and a half is a long time to hold a license, and frankly I’d like a commitment from you.”

Nabih Moujabber acquired the property on Route 6 next to Mattapoisett Diner in March 2016, was approved for an alcohol license from the selectmen in May 2016 and was approved by the state for that license in August 2016.

Silva said in June 2017 the selectmen started asking questions, and were told that the restaurant would be open by September.

“We’ve had a lot of trouble scheduling contractors and getting equipment,” Gary Moujabber said. “We knew we were getting into a big project but didn’t realize how big. There was a lot of Band-Aid work.”

The building had formerly been the Chowder House and was in rough shape.

“Every time we fixed something, another thing would show up,” Nabih Moujabber said. “We had a professional company in and we thought in one week [the kitchen floor] would be done. They had to re-do it three times. It took over a month.”

However, with the kitchen floors done, the Moujabbers said all that is left is getting the rest of the kitchen equipment in and installing a sprinkler system.

“We’re shooting for May 1, but hoping for before,” Nabih Moujabber said.