photo/Bonnie Adams
Worcester-based restaurant group signs lease for former Allora Ristorante spot in Marlborough
By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Niche Hospitality Group of Worcester operates seven restaurant brands and is expanding to Marlborough. Niche has signed a lease for their brand, The Fix Burger Bar, to move into the former Allora Ristorante property at 139 Lakeside Ave.
Niche President Michael Covino said they are planning for a Nov. 1, 2019 opening. He said a “long-term” lease was signed several weeks ago and the Group’s plan is for a 150- seat restaurant with a 24-stool bar. This will be the second location for The Fix Burger Bar with the first located in Worcester.
Covino said he believes the Marlborough location makes for a perfect destination dining spot. “It’s a great location with a lot of buzz,” he said. There were many reasons he said he was drawn to the site including, “the population that live in the city, that work in the city and the easy highway access and central location.”
With a plan to open in four months, Covino explained that they are going over building updates and modifications with an engineer.
“We will be doing cosmetic changes and looking to add a pavilion canopy over part of the patio,” he said.
Once the engineering plan is set, the Group will be seeking a Special Permit from the City for the canopy. A liquor license application is in process with the City, according to Covino.
City officials are pleased a known entity is moving to the city.
“It is very exciting to see that a well-established and extremely successful restaurant group like Niche Hospitality is coming to our city. It is a true vote of confidence in Marlborough’s growing economy and it will, no doubt, contribute to further elevating the local food and beverage industry,” said Meredith Harris, executive director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation.
Niche Hospitality Group’s other restaurant brands include Bocado Tapas Wine Bar in Wellesley and Worcester; Mezcal Tequila Cantina in Leominster and Worcester; Nonni’s Pizza & Pasta, Railers Sports Tavern and Steam Energy Café – all in Worcester and Rye & Thyme American Tavern in Leominster.
The Fix Burger Bar’s current menu in Worcester features appetizers, salads, homemade burgers with a choice of 40 toppings, burger bowls, “house-made sodas, fountain drinks and great beers.”
The new restaurant moves into a space that had social media heating up in February. According to court documents, Allora Ristorante was ordered to shut its doors due to money owed to property owner, Breazzano Properties, Corp. of Sudbury, for back rent, taxes and water bills.
