Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Dishing some South End restaurant gossip

There's been a lot of whispering about several high profile vacant restaurant properties in the South End getting snapped up. While the rumors are still swirling, I figured I would share what I've heard in recent weeks.

CONFIRMED This has already been reported on other blogs, but it is worth repeating that the SouthEnd Buttery will be opening a second location this fall at 37 Clarendon Street in the space previously occupied by Tadpole. Thank you Richard for taking back a bit of the South End. I love the fact that a former toy store will be converted to a coffee shop. That area has been under served ever since the Nashoba Brook cafe and bakery closed on Columbus in 2008.

BUTTERY UPDATE: The original location on the corner of Union Park and Shawmut will temporarily close once the second location opens to undergo a remodeling to better use the space in the cafe.

CONFIRMED I first commented on the space previously occupied by Rocca at 500 Harrison Avenue this past May. While negotiations between GTI Properties and The Aquitaine Group took longer than expected, a deal was signed recently and the successful restaurant company which already owns and operates 4 South End properties will open their first Italian restaurant in the space formerly known as Rocca. There are no details to share about the name or exact opening, but a complete remodeling will occur. Look for the restaurant to open in early 2012.

RUMORED The space previously occupied by Pho Republique at 1415 Washington Street was of interest to neighboring Foodies Market so they could expand, but renovations may be more than the owners are willing to take on since construction will require significant work to bring this property up to code. However, the optimist in me still hopes if Foodies doesn't snap up this space then someone else will come in, remodel and open a great restaurant - preferably one with a fun lounge.

RUMORED Space previously occupied by banq and Ginger Park at 1375 Washington Street is of interest to Brian Piccini owner of dbar in Dorchester and Deuxave in the Back Bay. Word on the street is this would be a high end steak house. However, nothing has been signed and negotiations continue.

Have you heard anything about these or other properties? Let this South End foodie know.

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