Renowned Chef Opening Market, Restaurant In Beverly

BEVERLY, MA -- Frank McClelland, the Essex resident and chef who owned and operated Boston's L’Espalier for 30 years before announcing its closure in December, is looking to Beverly for the next chapter of his career. McClelland said Thursday he plans to open a market and restaurant in the first floor of the newly-opened Holmes Beverly apartment building on Rantoul Street.

When McClelland announced he was closing L’Espalier, he sent shock waves through the restaurant industry. Under his ownership the restaurant had become the pinnacle of high-end dining in Boston in New England. At the time, McClelland said he was closing because the lease was up and he had a new project in mind, but declined to offer specifics on those plans.

The city's licensing board approved liquor licenses for the new businesses Thursday night. The new restaurant will have 148 seats and will serve New England heritage food with some European influences. The restaurant will also look to source ingredients from local farmers and food providers. The 16-seat store adjacent to the restaurant will serve coffee and bakery items, as well a prepared to-go meals.

Subscribe to Beverly Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.