New Restaurant Coming to Dedham Square

DEDHAM, MA - A new restaurant will occupy the space that was once the home of Wardle's Pharmacy.

Last week, the selectmen approved the liquor license for Horse Thieves’ Tavern, a new modern American bistro set to open in Dedham Square.

Co-owner Chris Lutes told the board that the project was the result of a suggestion from Peter Reynolds to open an establishment in Dedham.

“It has become obvious to me there is an opportunity, not only a need. It’s a wonderful space and would be a great addition to the square,” Lutes said.

Laurence Wintersteen, who is Lutes' partner in the venture, said they are excited to come to a revitalized Dedham Square.

The Horse Thieves’ Tavern will be a sit-down restaurant with a bar area. Capacity is set at 105 occupants with seating for 85, and a semi-private area for gatherings.

Overall, the board was excited to see a new venture in the square.

“I think it’s great you’re going to bring some of those ideas to Dedham Square because when I go to other town squares, I feel like there are more dining options and I feel like it’s critical for that part of town to have more restaurants,” Selectman Dennis Teehan said.

Both Luntz and Wintersteen come to Dedham with about 25 years of experience each. Lutes owns multiple restaurants in Cambridge including the Miracle of Science and the Middlesex Lounge while Winterseen’s experience is mainly in fast casual restaurants in Boston.

Lutes does have a liquor license violation on his record. In 2013, a manager at a Fenway restaurant he no longer owns entered into an agreement with a Chicago-based promotional company. During an event, one of the sponsors gave away free drinks. The restaurant received a one-day license suspension for the violation.

The Horse Thieves’ Tavern is scheduled to open this fall.