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Route 12 in West Boylston closer to adding two new restaurants
West Boylston's foodie game has been growing stronger the past few years.
Signs for Ari's Tavern (left) and Table Twelve Kitchen and Bar have been installed in recent weeks on the sites of the former Finder's and Keepers pubs on Route 12 in West Boyston.
It is most noticeable in the 2.8 mile stretch of Route 12 from the town line to the Wachusett Reservoir, which includes Oli's Italian Eatery (a sponsor of The 016), West Boylston Seafood, The Mill, Draught House Bar and Grille and Cheoy Lees.
Throw in new entrant NOLA Cajun Kitchen, breakfast spots such as Jake's Cafe and Country Kettle, along with Steve's Pizza with its monster sandwiches, and Route 12's restaurant row becomes formidable. Cross the town line less than a quarter mile to add in legendary O'Connors and it's a lineup that gives Shrewsbury Street a run for its money.
As good as it is, it's about to get a lot stronger as two restaurants prepare to open in the former Finders and Keepers pubs.
Table Twelve will open on the site of the former Keepers Pub.
Table Twelve will be the second restaurant for Ana and Chris Snow, who operate the successful and well-regarded Black and White Grill in Spencer.
In an appearance before the West Boylston selectmen in April, Ana Snow said, "It will be open seven days for lunch and dinner. We’re also seeking an entertainment license, so we may have music some nights," according to an article on telegram.com. In addition, she said, Table Twelve will be "a more family-friendly atmosphere, rather than a bar-focused establishment."
While the article mentioned the name of the restaurant as WB Street Grille, Ana Snow debuted the name Table Twelve in a May 7 Facebook post.
Ari's Tavern will take over the space formerly occupied by Finders.
Arianna Saarinen, who appeared before the West Boylston Board of Selectmen in February with Richard Gallant, worked at Finders for more than a year, according to minutes of a February Board of Selectmen's meeting.
Ari's Tavern will be an American-style Pub, Saarinen said, and the menu will be cut back.
Ari's Tavern will be open for lunch and until midnight.
As for the decor, Gallant said they will be "adding some booths, changing lighting, taking out the soda bar, redoing the floors in the bar and will redo the entrance."
They plan to have entertainment 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Former Finders Pub employee Arianna Saarinen is one of the driving forces behind Ari's Tavern, which will open on the site of the former Finder Pub.
While both restaurants have new signs and show evidence of work being done both outside and inside, it is not clear exactly when each will open.
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