The Hanover Theatre Finalizes Lease on New Restaurant

The Hanover Theatre announced today that RF Concepts Inc. has signed a lease to develop a new restaurant in the first floor of the theatre's 551 Main St. Conservatory and Event Center.

"We think a first-class restaurant is the right fit for the space because it complements theatre performances and adds to the vibrancy of the theatre district," said Troy Siebels, president and CEO of The Hanover Theatre.

"The restaurant will have a 1920s, American theme geared toward theatre patrons," said Chris Rassias, owner of RF Concepts Inc. and The Fairmount Grille of Boston.

Architect Dixon Salo Associates is working on the interior design for the restaurant, which is expected to begin construction this December and open in spring 2018, with a lease set for five years and options to renew at 10 and 15 years. The restaurant has a working name of "Josephine."

The Hanover Theatre continues to draw over 197,000 patrons annually with world-class performances and headlining acts including Broadway hits ("Les Misérables," "Kinky Boots"), comedians (Dave Chappelle, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld), musical acts (Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Tony Bennett) and everything in between ("A Christmas Carol," Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Alton Brown, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson). POLLSTAR consistently ranks The Hanover Theatre as one of the Top Theatres in the World. After nine seasons, the award-winning, historic theatre continues to establish its place as a world-class performing arts venue, acting as a catalyst for the economic development of downtown Worcester. The Hanover Theatre's recently acquired 551 Main Street houses new function space, offices, rental space for a restaurant on the ground floor and The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts on the lower level.

Worcester Center for Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.