The Woods Restaurant

The Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern are pleased to share an update on the progress of The Woods restaurant and Brian Piccini’s ongoing work to advance the project. In November, Mr. Piccini received formal design approval from Historic New England (HNE), the organization that holds the preservation deed restriction on the property. This approval marks a significant milestone and reflects months of collaboration and detailed design review.

In parallel, Mr. Piccini’s project team attended their fifth meeting with the Weston Planning Board, where they presented additional information requested by the Board. Additional coordination with HNE and the Planning Board will continue as the project moves into later phases.

Most importantly, with the support and guidance received from HNE and the Planning Board, Mr. Piccini is now proceeding with the completion of full construction documents—a major next step in bringing The Woods to life. As one measure of his commitment, he has invested approximately $163,000 to date, primarily in legal and professional design services. This next phase of work—which includes intensive efforts by the design team and coordination among all consultants—is expected to continue through February. The project team is actively refining the schedule to accommodate input from structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and kitchen-design specialists.

The Friends remain encouraged by the continued progress and by Mr. Piccini’s commitment, investment, and persistence. Each step moves the Tavern closer to opening its doors as a welcoming restaurant and a vibrant gathering place for Weston.

We are grateful for the community’s ongoing support and look forward to sharing future updates as work continues.

About the Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern

The Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern was selected by the Town of Weston to oversee the management and support the long-term preservation and activation of the property.

The Weston Observer’s November 3^rd article reported on the October Select Board meeting and Brian Piccini’s plans to open The Woods restaurant in the Josiah Smith Tavern. The article noted Select Board member Lise Revers’ concern with the project’s timeline and requests to review Mr. Piccini’s financials.

Mr. Piccini, a Weston resident, explained his deep commitment to the project and the reasons for selling two of his other restaurants. He also noted that the timeline was significantly delayed since the liquor license had to be reissued by the State Legislature. Mr. Piccini devoted significant time and effort advocating with the State Legislature and the Governor—further demonstrating his commitment to realizing the Town’s vision for the Josiah Smith Tavern.

Since then, Mr. Piccini has made substantial progress in obtaining design approvals from Historic New England, which holds the preservation deed restriction, and Weston’s Planning Board, Historical Commission, and Permanent Building Committee. These approvals have a direct impact on the restaurant’s design and the development of construction documents and cost estimates.

Jay Valenta, President of the Friends of Josiah Smith Tavern, clarified that the Friends were established by the Town to oversee management of the historic property, including financial negations with tenants, enabling the Town to step back from direct oversight of the property. As part of their process to select a restaurant operator, the Friends conducted thorough due diligence on Mr. Piccini’s financials. Three Weston nonprofits lease space in the Tavern and rent from the restaurant is expected to support the building’s ongoing operations.

The Friends are deeply grateful for the community’s ongoing support of The Woods and for Mr. Piccini’s dedication, investment, and vision. We remain confident he has the commitment and capability to make this restaurant a vibrant destination and gathering place for Weston for years to come.