Thursday, December 24, 2015

Nonprofit Restaurant Proposed for Josiah Smith Tavern Site in Weston

Yet another new restaurant proposal for an historic site west of Boston has been given, and this one seems to be getting some positive feedback.

The Weston Town Crier is reporting that the Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern have proposed opening a nonprofit restaurant at the site (which is on Boston Post Road in the center of town), with the dining spot having a capacity of 80 to 100 and being run by an unnamed educational institution, and that a Weston Arts & Innovation Center coming to the site may be part of the plans as well. The article says that the proposals were chosen after a couple of years of research including a public forum and a survey that took place in town, and that they have been unanimously supported by the Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library Working Group, which met with the Board of Selectmen this week. The plans could be brought before town residents as early as May of 2016 at the annual town meeting, according to the post.

In 2009, a proposal to bring an upscale restaurant, bar, and function space to the property was voted down, while in 2013, a new proposal was presented to have Dante de Magistris (Restaurant Dante, Il Casale) open a dining spot there.

According to a page within the Weston Historical Society site, the tavern dates all the way back to 1757; currently, two structures reside at the site--the Josiah Smith Tavern and the Old Library.

[Earlier Articles]
Plans for a New Restaurant and Bar in Weston Center Voted Down
Restaurant Proposed (Again) for Historic Structure in Weston

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]