Weston is about to welcome its first restaurant with a public pouring liquor license in town since the state’s Prohibition era.
The Woods, a new farm-and-sea-to-table restaurant, is expected to open in Weston Center this fall with construction set to begin early this year, according to a press release.
The restaurant’s menu will focus on local and seasonal ingredients and feature a wood fire grill. The Woods’ drink menu will consist of cocktails, an extensive wine list, local beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
Brian Piccini — who already owns Boston eateries Deuxave, dbar, and the award-winning Boston Chops — came up with the concept for The Woods.
“Our goal is not only to provide a unique dining experience but also to create a vibrant gathering place that fosters community engagement and a place for families and friends to make lasting memories,” Piccini said.
Brian Piccini, CEO and owner of Boston Urban Hospitality, came up for the concept of The Woods in Weston.Courtesy photo
Liquor sales were outlawed nationally during Prohibition from 1920-1933, but Weston continued to be a “dry town” by exercising “its local option to prohibit licenses for the sale of all types of alcohol, whether on the premises or packaged for home consumption,” according to a Weston Historical Society bulletin from 2008. Weston finally got a little wet, though, in 2008, when voters OK’d Omni Foods to sell wine in its supermarket, according to a 2012 Patch article.
Weston Town Manager Leon Gaumond Jr. told MassLive Friday that the sale of alcohol is now permitted at stores and country clubs in Weston.
However, these businesses specifically have a club license and not a restaurant license. Therefore, The Woods will be the first restaurant with a pouring liquor license since Prohibition. Gaumond said Weston has never issued other pouring licenses, but he anticipates the town will issue them to other restaurants in the future.
The building where The Woods will be got its liquor license through a concerted effort by the town to keep the historic building going. About a decade ago, the town wanted to preserve the Josiah Smith Building at 358 Boston Post Road, Gaumond explained. The building was established by Josiah Smith in 1757, according to the historical society bulletin from 2008.
The tavern closed in 1838 with the passage of the “Fifteen Gallon” law in Massachusetts, the bulletin states. In order to preserve the building, the town decided it must serve a purpose, Gaumond explained.
The town decided it wanted to use the building as a restaurant, but needed to change a law to allow alcohol to be served. After the law was changed, a liquor license was registered specifically to the Josiah Smith Building, which is now leased to a non-profit organization known as Friends of Josiah Smith.
The non-profit renovated the building, which sat vacant for nearly two decades, with the purpose of hosting a restaurant, Gaumond said. After reviewing proposals from those interested in opening a restaurant in the building last fall, Friends of Josiah Smith chose The Woods.
“As a resident of Weston, I’ve long seen the need for a full-service restaurant open to the public, as there are only private golf clubs that are not accessible to all,” Piccini added. “We look forward to opening our doors and creating a welcoming environment where everyone can feel at home.”
Brian Piccini, CEO and owner of Boston Urban Hospitality, came up for the concept of The Woods in Weston.Courtesy photo
The Woods’ design will combine the original design of the Josiah Smith building with a modern twist. The restaurant will have a bar, dining room, three private dining rooms and two outdoor dining spaces.
The restaurant will also plant a tree for every tree used and have an herb garden onsite. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner.
