“The reason I have the store is I like Harvard students,” said Chen, the father of two Columbia University alums, adding that he often discusses Chinese culture and philosophy with customers.

Chen, who has owned Louie’s since 1987, said he is a former Taiwanese army lieutenant and holds a Ph.D. in biophysics from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Despite his store’s heavy reliance on alcohol, Chen said he counsels students on the perils of drinking, and that he personally abstains from alcohol.

“I get drunk too fast,” Chen said.

Chen has been the victim of two armed robberies behind the counter of Louie’s, including one on Jan. 2 in which a gun-toting suspect stole more than $100 from the store.

Since then, the store has garnered increased attention from police, Frisole said.

Only Frisole, Chen and Lt. Daniel Reagan of the CPD were present at yesterday’s hearing.

Reagan declined to comment on the proceedings.

A spokesperson for the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office,

Seth I. Horowitz, was unable to return a request for comment yesterday.

—Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel can be reached at hemel@fas.harvard.edu.