He bought the restaurant back in 1996 it had opened five years earlier, originally owned by Chris Schlesinger, Carrie Wheaton, and Stan Frakenthaler. 'When you're in something for 20 years and you make modifications over time, it's cumulative and not always impressive,' he said.

Today, The Blue Room officially returns as well, and its sibling Belly - which didn't have to undergo renovations - will follow shortly, likely on Friday, September 9.Ī silver lining of the fire, said co-owner Nick Zappia, was the forced renovation.

Beantowne Coffee House followed on August 11, completely renovated and with plans to expand to Boston's Chinatown this fall. It's been an eventful year in the restaurants' absence, with extensive construction going on in the courtyard, the closure of West Bridge, and the openings of Mamaleh's and Smoke Shop.įlat Top Johnny's was the first to reopen, debuting in mid-April 2016 with a newly revamped space for its pool tables and pub fare.

A year and two days ago, a fire in the ductwork at One Kendall Square brought about the temporary demise of a number of businesses, including four restaurants - The Blue Room, its sister and next-door neighbor Belly Wine Bar, Flat Top Johnny's, and Beantowne Coffee House.

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