Moody's Deli Can Reopen, Waltham Licensing Commission Rules

WALTHAM, MA — Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions got the go-ahead to reopen Wednesday, after it closed abruptly two weeks ago. So far it doesn't appear the restaurant is back open, yet. Several calls to Moody's Deli Thursday were met with recorded messages.

The licensing commission ordered the business to shut down upon learning that the man who held all the licenses, former owner Joshua Smith, had announced his departure from the three business. Because he didn't transfer licenses before he left, the Moody's Deli, the Back Room, and El Rincon were all unable to open, the commission said. (New England Charcuterie and Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions Back Bay are operating as normal).

"We're here to work with licensees not to punish them," said the Commission's Chairman Wayne Brasco. "We're trying to fast track you as best as we can."

The commission approved the license transfers and said Moody's Deli could reopen Wednesday night, but not serve liquor until the state approval process was completed there. The commission also approved a license transfer to the space at 456 Moody Street, formerly known as El Rincon, which closed at the beginning of the year.

Dan Rivers, who took over the businesses told the commissioners he planned to focus on reopening Moody's Deli and then turn to a "new concept" at 456 Moody Street within the next two months.

The commission gave him 90 days to reopen, and if not sell his liquor license, saying several others were chomping at the bit for that license.

Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions opened in 2013 under brain child Joshua Smith. Dan Rivers, joined two years later.

"He joined in 2015 with operator and former manager, providing financial support," Stephen Miller an attorney for the men, told the commission. "Several weeks ago, the operator and Mr. Rivers decided it was a good time to separate. And they went through a process and entered into an agreement where the prior operator and manager left the premises."

Officials from the restaurant came to a licensing commission meeting at the request of the commission two weeks ago, since everything, both liquor the beer and wine and cordial, as well as the all alcohol license and common victual, were under Smith's name.

At that time the owner said he was concerned about retaining staff if the businesses were closed too long. Rivers told the commission Wednesday that they were able to keep staff.

As of Thursday night, Moody's has not updated its Facebook Post to indicate a reopening.

Related:

Moody Street Deli Closes 'For Renovation'

El Rincon De Moody's Abruptly Closes Taqueria

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).