Civic Kitchen & Drink Set to Open in Westborough

WESTBOROUGH, MA -- A new gastropub featuring a “farm to fork” approach is headed soon to Westborough.

According to owner and operator Thomas Oliveri (Tom Jr.), Civic Kitchen & Drink will open at 121 Main St. next to the Westborough Country Club by the end of March or “most likely early April.”

Recently getting approval for a liquor license, Oliveri says that renovations are underway, and include new light fixtures, paint, furniture and refacing the bar and “basically giving the restaurant a new, hipper vibe and atmosphere.”

Oliveri is already a proven success story in the greater Worcester and MetroWest Boston area. He owns Prezo in Milford and Peppercorn’s in Worcester, longtime Italian hot spots that feature sturdy menus, affordable prices, excellent wine and beer lists, and friendly service. Olivera also founded Wormtown Brewery in Worcester.

HIs parents, Tom Sr. and Elsa, as well as his brother, Jon, are well-known restauranteurs in the area. Jon owns Oli’s Italian Eatery in West Boylston.

Olivera enlisted Rick Araujo, former Sous Chef at Via and currently at Prezo, as head chef for the Civic Kitchen.

“I think Westborough and the surrounding towns are underserved with the concept I plan to bring to Westborough,” said Oliveri, who added that he intends to use as many local suppliers as possible for the gastropub.

“The restaurant name derives from civic center, meaning a local community focal point,” he said. “The intention is to make Civic Kitchen & Drink a local community hangout and gathering spot.”

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