Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions Set to Expand

Besides a bigger store, Joshua Smith is also purchasing a manufacturing facility for outside distribution.

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As first reported by Boston Restaurant Talk this morning, Wings Express in Waltham has closed after more than 20 years in business. Its neighbor, Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions, a recent Best of Boston winner, has already made plans to expand into its space.

Owner Joshua Smith has confirmed that they’re moving into the adjoining real estate, with construction set to being within the next three weeks. “We’re just finalizing the finishing touches now,” Smith says. “This will increase our seating to a total of 50 seats with a full huge bar that seats 16 guests.”

Smith says the bar will feature an “island of slicers” that will offer customers a “fun, interactive experience in which they’ll feel like they’re right in the action.” The additional space will also free up more room in Moody’s USDA inspection area that will allow Smith to increase production and implement plans for distribution outside of his Waltham shop.

In addition to a larger storefront, Smith is also in the planning and permitting process for a new food manufacturing facility one mile from his current facility. The 10,000 square-foot warehouse will allow Smith to triple his production capabilities and distribute to restaurants across the nation. Moody’s already has plans in place to make sausages and charcuterie for the Four Seasons hotels, Michael Leviton’s Area Four, Knife restaurant in Dallas, the Barcelona Wine Group (which has wine bars in nine cities, including Brookline), and potentially, Legal Seafoods.

“I always thought of Moody’s as a testing facility,” Smith says. “Now we have the opportunity to really expand and produce thousands of pounds of charcuterie a year—enough to supply some of the best chefs and restaurants in the country.”

With Smith taking on a bigger role in the new distribution side of his business, he’s asked chef Josh Buehler, an alum of KO Prime, to take on more responsibility within the restaurant.

468 Moody St., Waltham; 781-216-8732 or moodyswaltham.com.