Taffer’s Tavern, the innovative, full-service tavern concept founded by leading hospitality expert and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer, has announced that it will open its first Boston area location at Arsenal Yards, the thriving new neighborhood in Watertown from Boylston Properties and Wilder, later this summer. The Watertown, Massachusetts opening marks the second Taffer’s Tavern franchise location, with a third opening rapidly approaching in Washington, D.C. The brand’s first restaurant opened in October 2020 in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Working with Fransmart, the leading franchise development company known for growing emerging concepts like Five Guys, The Halal Guys and more into national brands, Taffer’s Tavern will triple its nationwide footprint in 2022 with even more locations in the development pipeline.
“With its use of technology to streamline operations and lower labor costs, Taffer’s Tavern represents a new model for restaurants post-pandemic,” says Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart. “It’s the first truly groundbreaking full-service restaurant brand in a decade, and its resonating with seasoned franchisees who are looking for a concept that can still thrive despite the current challenges in the industry.”
Ahead of the Watertown grand opening, Taffer stopped by the restaurant to personally examine the steady construction progress.
“After witnessing the Taffer’s Tavern Watertown construction progress firsthand, I can already envision the ways our restaurant will serve as a warm and welcoming destination for the Watertown community,” adds Taffer. “As the grand opening date inches closer, I could not be more excited to bring Taffer’s Tavern to an area with such a unique history, energetic atmosphere and dynamic food scene.”
Watertown franchisees and Boston area natives Marc Magerman and Peter Weber of 8G Hospitality Associates, LLC bring more than 10 years of experience running highly successful Five Guys franchises in Massachusetts. The Arsenal Yards location marks the first of several Taffer’s Tavern restaurants operated by Magerman and Weber. They are eager to bring the tavern’s delicious menu offerings and distinctive beverage program to New England.
“Our priority at Taffer’s Tavern is to provide our guests with a welcoming atmosphere and soulful tavern menu by leveraging the latest cooking and labor-saving techniques in full-service dining,” says Magerman. “The opening of this new Boston area location is the necessary next step in furthering Jon’s goal to take Taffer’s Tavern to more communities across the country.”
Taffer’s Tavern looks onto the new Bond Square, the development’s outdoor pedestrian space which is filled with bustling restaurant patios and shops. They are joining Arsenal Yards’ current lineup of restaurants, shops, hotels and residential areas, along with a luxury seven screen cinema, grocery store and fitness boutique. Multiple new additions are slated to open later this year and into 2023.
Local fine arts painter and muralist Adam O’Day recently completed an expansive mural on the Taffer’s Tavern exterior wall that pays homage to the Old-World taverns that have graced Boston’s historic streets for centuries. The vibrant work of art is visible from Arsenal Street and will serve as a guidepost to welcome guests to Taffer’s Tavern among the various restaurant, retail and entertainment offerings nestled alongside the Charles River.
Taffer’s Tavern is rapidly expanding its footprint across the United States and seeking franchisees to lock in territories and bring the innovative concept to new areas.
