Charlestown's Navy Yard Bistro To Close

CHARLESTOWN, MA — Navy Yard Bistro in Charlestown will be closing next August, according to restaurant owner John Moore who has lived in Charlestown for the past 21 years.

"No choice. I've known for a long time," said Moore. "The lease is up and the landlord doesn't want to renew it."

Moore is looking at new spaces to move his restaurant that opened in 2004 on 6th Street featuring mostly New American fare and wines. He told Patch he is eyeing a couple spots and is hoping the new space will be a bit bigger, so he can expand the menu to include sushi.

And for anyone concerned about the Charlestown fixture moving out of town?

"I'm not looking for any other space outside of Charlestown in Massachusetts. I wouldn't go anywhere else," he said.

Since he moved to Charlestown in 1997 he's watched single people and young couples with dual income and no kids move in, and then he watched as that generation changed into families.

He opened the bistro on Aug. 23, 2004, and since then he's watched dozens of proposals happen at his restaurant, he's watched families grow and return for special occasions.

He's had dinner with the Stanley Cup in the back room, he's hosted the Bruins' Shawn Thorton and his family after the Winter Classic. He's hosted Boston Bruins team dinners. Both recent mayors have come through, as well as a number of pro athletes. And he was featured on Billy Costa's TV show. His restaurant has also won several awards, but what matters most?

"You know you become a true neighborhood restaurant when people feel comfortable and safe coming here after important life events," he said.

During and after the marathon bombing in 2013 so many people came in to just be around others and watch the TV reports it was packed, he said.

"Everyone wanted to feel safe.... It's a real neighborhood. I love it," he said.

Nothing's changing at the restaurant until closing day, he said. But he's planning to pop some special events leading up to the closure on the calendar.

"We might do a large charity night the last night we're open. I'd like to keep my commitment to the food pantry where I donate every year," he said.

Moore said he is hoping to find another space and start construction or build out so that there isn't much of a lull between closing day and opening day.

He said his staff has all committed to staying until the end, and he's hoping some kitchen staff will come back when he reopens.

Moore is involved in the Charlestown Community, serves as an overseer at the USS Constitution Museum, served on the board of the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce and also and serves on the board of directors for "Friends of the Navy Yard." He's been the guest chef and on the planning committee for Charlestown Boys and Girls Club Annual "Patriots Game Day" Fundraiser.

He's also working on a cookbook as a side project.

He was recently named a John F Kennedy FSC Hero, check out this video where he talks about giving back to the community:

Read blog post that tipped us off: Navy Yard Bistro to close

Photo via Google Maps