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New Haven export Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana appears before Newton's licensing board next week to nail down its common victualler license as well as a license to serve wine and beer. The restaurant will seat 82 and is seeking permission to operate between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Hiring is currently underway for prep cooks and pizza cooks.
Pepe's has been aiming for a fall opening — and this may be just the first of up to five eventual locations in the Boston area, part of a big northeastern expansion. The growing chain, which is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, currently has seven locations in Connecticut and one in Yonkers, New York.
In other Newton news:
- Little Big Diner, "a small, tiny microrestaurant with 18 seats" from Sycamore's David Punch and Hustle Cat's Alison Hearn, is heading towards an October opening at 1247 Centre St. Punch recently told the Globe that the East Asian soul food restaurant will be like a diner (as its name suggests). "We want to open at 11 in the morning with service throughout the day with the same menu, which is very diner-y." Expect spiciness, "big, bold flavors," and "incredible" kimchi from executive chef Daniel Scott.
- An 18-seat bagel place called The Bagel Place is in the works at The Shops at 300 Needham in Newton Upper Falls; it could open in October, according to a job posting from last month. It will serve bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.
- Sangria Restaurant could open soon at 398 Watertown St.; the restaurant is appearing at next week's hearing in order to obtain a common victualler license and a full liquor license, along with permission to feature live music. It'll seat 43 and may stay open as late as midnight if the board approves.
- A 45-seat restaurant called Shaking Crab is taking over the former Francesca Pizzeria space at 203 Adams St. in Nonantum.
