Joshua Smith Continues Takeover of Waltham With a New Expansion Off Moody’s

The owner of an acclaimed Waltham deli has a plan in the works that will bring a combination of seafood, tacos, and barbecue to the neighborhood. Joshua Smith, who operates Moody’s Delicatessen and Provisions and its restaurant, The Backroom, will take over the former Santa Banta space next door at 458 Moody St. and another space beyond that to open two different concepts: an oyster and ceviche bar and a taco and barbecue spot, according to Boston Restaurant Talk.

Visitors will reportedly enter the seafood portion of this concept through an access point within The Backroom, while the taco/barbecue concept will have a different entrance off of Moody Street, per Boston Magazine. The Backroom expansion will have more seating and a space for private events, including a raw bar station and dishes including ceviches and tiraditos (a Peruvian raw fish dish).

Meanwhile, the other adjacent space will become Smith’s taqueria and barbecue zone, a deviation from the previous plan to operate a retail space there, as previously reported. The tacos will be filled with classic Moody’s meats and finished off with assorted toppings and salsas, and Smith will reportedly work to transfer Santa Banta’s liquor license to the new restaurant, which could open some time this fall.

• Joshua Smith Opening Oyster/Ceviche Bar and Taco/BBQ Spot [BRT]
• Moody’s Continues Waltham Expansion with Oysters, Ceviche, and a Taqueria [BM]