Cummings Properties signs Beacon Grille to 8,000 s/f at TradeCenter 128

With the recent commitment of 8,000 s/f to Beacon Grille restaurant, Cummings Properties has leased a total of 387,000 s/f within its newly constructed TradeCenter 128 complex. According to Cummings Properties' vice president Eric Anderson, "Beacon Grille is a high-quality, full-service restaurant that adds yet another exceptional amenity to the flourishing office park." Representatives of Beacon Grille have revealed plans for a January 2010 opening for their new 240-seat restaurant at TradeCenter 128. Actual construction is expected to begin soon in the Sylvan Rd. structure, next to Stop & Shop. The 8,000 s/f restaurant was designed by Peter Niemitz in collaboration with in-house designers at Cummings Properties. Niemitz describes its décor as "high-end fine casual quality, but entirely warm and comfortable." All construction is expected to be completed by early December. According to project manager Jim Trudeau, Beacon Grille will offer exceptional value by combining fine American cuisine with moderate prices. "This special restaurant will have all the advantages of fine downtown Boston restaurants, but in a relaxed and convenient suburban setting," Trudeau said. The design of Beacon Grille will reportedly include rich earth tones, with honey-pecan granite counters and banquette tables. Brown slate and deep colored wood tones have also been chosen to create a refined ambiance. The pendant lighting is also designed to set the tone for comfort and relaxation. The menu and restaurant layout are designed to cater to a wide-range of patrons' needs from express lunches for those in a hurry, to a fine-dining experience, to catering. At mid-day, the 60-seat bar and lounge will become the Beacon Express lunch bar for those interested in fast, exciting menu items at attractive prices, while diners with more time may opt for lunch in the main dining room, which will offer the full Beacon menu. Beacon Grille officials say the restaurant will feature succulent steaks, top-of-the-catch seafoods, and an impressive array of specialty dinners and side dishes. The cuisine is primarily American chop house, flavored with a subtle hint of gourmet, explained Trudeau, who characterizes the food as fresh, expertly prepared, and hearty. "Beacon Grille will be a great alternative for either a quick lunch or more leisurely dining," he said. "Customers will certainly appreciate our flexibility, convenience, easy access and value, he continued, "but ultimately, it will be our food and service that will bring them back." Highlights of the dinner menu include contemporary salads, seafood, chophouse steaks and old-fashioned desserts. Trudeau also said he anticipates Beacon Grille will become especially well known for its memorable fish, clam, and seafood chowders. The restaurant will have full beverage service, including a diverse wine list that will always feature plenty of moderately priced selections. "We can offer superb choices that still meet the conservative consumer's budget," Trudeau explained. "The Woburn License Commission has issued an all alcoholic beverage license, and a building permit application for the restaurant is currently under review," he said. The location of Beacon Grille, TradeCenter 128, is fast becoming a landmark along Interstate I-95/Route 128 in Woburn. The TradeCenter complex includes the Middlesex County Superior Court, three office buildings totaling more than 500,000 SF and more than 2,000 parking spaces. This LEED pre-certified Gold facility was completed in 2008. Easily accessible from I-95, exits 34 and 35, the building is also served by MBTA buses to Wellington "T" Station, via Woburn Center.