Thursday, June 11, 2015

Andy Husbands Plans to Open Smoke Shop in Cambridge's Kendall Square

In February, we reported that one of the best-known chefs and restaurateurs in the Boston area was looking to open a new dining spot. Now we have learned what kind of place it might be--and where it will be located.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Andy Husbands of Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel in the South End is planning to open a restaurant tentatively called Smoke Shop that would go into the space in Cambridge's Kendall Square where Tommy Doyle's had been until closing last September. This confirms earlier information here that indicated Husbands was looking at that space, though at the time it was not known what kind of dining spot it would be. Based on the name of the proposed eatery--and the fact that a new License Commission General Hearing page from the City of Cambridge website shows "Boston BBQ Company, LLC" in the post, it appears that Smoke Shop will be some sort of a barbecue spot.

For now, it looks like Smoke Shop would be open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily and would have seating for 149 inside and another 40 on an outdoor patio during the warmer months. The city will hear more about the restaurant on June 16.

[June 12 update: A new press release gives a bit more information on Smoke Shop, saying it will indeed be a BBQ restaurant that will reflect upon Andy Husbands' early years as grillmaster at the East Coast Grill in Cambridge, as well as his being in the competitive barbecue scene for nearly two decades with his award winning IQUE BBQ team. If all goes as planned, expect Smoke Shop to open sometime in the fall.]

[August 25 update: According to the Twitter page for the restaurant, Smoke Shop plans to open in November.]

The address for the proposed Smoke Shop is 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[Earlier Articles]
Andy Husbands (Tremont 647) Is Planning to Open a New Restaurant
Tommy Doyle's Pub in Cambridge's Kendall Square Has Closed

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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]