The Woods Restaurant

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.

Weston’s highly anticipated new restaurant, The Woods, is making significant progress with opening projected for early 2026. Located in the historic Josiah Smith Tavern, The Woods will offer a unique dining experience with a strong focus on sustainability, celebrating Weston’s rich history and natural surroundings.

The Woods’ owner, Brian Piccini, was on hand for Celebrate Weston on Saturday, May 17 to meet residents, answer questions and present new renderings of the restaurant (attached). Brian and his staff also handed out individual tree saplings to local families to promote the restaurant’s sustainability mission. “We are committed to bringing a vibrant and welcoming restaurant to our community,” said Brian Piccini, Weston resident and owner of Boston Urban Hospitality. “Our goal is to offer a unique dining experience that not only celebrates the town’s history but also incorporates elements of the surrounding nature, all while serving delicious, sustainably-sourced farm-and-sea-to-table cuisine.”

The Town issued the final liquor license to Urban Hospitality (BUH) in March, and BUH is fully engaged finalizing design and construction documents to obtain required approvals from Town and community boards. In addition, Historic New England, who holds a historic deed restriction on the JST, must approve modifications to the building.

Further details regarding The Woods’ official opening date, special events, and menu will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, the community is invited to follow The Woods for ongoing updates and sneak peeks.