The beloved Somerville barbecue spot, Redbones, is set to start a new chapter under the ownership of Cypress Realty Group, which will assume control after a recent sale. The Davis Square staple, which has been serving up smoked meats and southern fare since 1987, will continue to delight diners late into the evening with extended hours planned for weekend service. According to what Sasha Nisenbaum, the proposed manager of CRG Redbones LLC, told Boston.com, they aim to "bring the restaurant back to the version so many in the community remember fondly: pre-pandemic standards of hospitality, excellence in service,” while keeping Redbones, running as a barbecue spot. This is seen as a move to preserve the essence of what made Redbones a local favorite.
Rob Gregory, the restaurant's original owner, expressed his contentment with the handover and said, "I couldn't find a better buyer." The new owners have plans to keep the much-loved barbecue menu intact and have vowed minor, yet needed cosmetic upgrades to the venue. Weekend hours are set to extend until 12:30 a.m., while service on Sundays and during mid-week will prolong until 10:30 p.m. Gregory, who had watched the neighborhood transform from a quiet spot into a thriving gastronomic district, will now see his creation live on with an additional hour-and-a-half of service through the week and two-and-a-half hours on weekends, as reported by MassLive.
Notable for its selection of craft beers and a menu rich with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork—Redbones has cemented its place in the local food scene. Sasha Nisenbaum, whose credentials include managing several Boston-area eateries, will be at the helm, according to his attorney, Adam Barnosky. The business transfer, approved at a Somerville Licensing Commission meeting in June, ensures continuity of a brand that has not only thrived on its food but its unique atmosphere and community status.
While the owners assure that Underbones, the event venue portion of the business, will "remain as is until we have the ability to fully understand all aspects of the current business," there are also tentative plans for a catering program revival and some structural updates. Nisenbaum's experience, spanning various successful hospitality ventures, is anticipated to steer Redbones into a new era, without detouring from the traits that have contributed to its iconic reputation. Despite a hint at future expansion and franchising in a LinkedIn post by Nisenbaum earlier in the year, he clarified that there are, "no immediate intention of franchising the business or redeveloping the site," as cited in an email, as per Boston.com.
The restaurant, which also sports a seasonal outdoor patio seating, will need to undergo a redesign by the end of the year to meet new fire code guidelines, revealed during the licensing commission proceedings. With the switch in ownership and an emphasis on respecting the storied past of the spot while injecting some rejuvenation, regulars and new visitors alike will be watching Redbones' transition closely.
