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A family-owned restaurant in Newton just announced expansion plans alongside a Kickstarter launch to help fund the growth. Moldova Restaurant (344 Watertown St.) has been around for nearly two years serving Eastern European dishes, and now owners Artur and Sandra Andronic are hoping to expand into the space next door.
As it stands, Moldova Restaurant seats 20 guests, but by pushing into the now vacant space next door and tearing down the wall between the two spaces, the capacity will go up to 80, with room for a full bar as well as private events and live music.
Getting the necessary approvals will take several weeks, and the actual renovations could take between four and eight weeks, the Andronics estimate on the Kickstarter page. Moldova would need to close down briefly to accommodate changes related to the kitchen expansion.
“By expanding, our 20-seat restaurant with a limited menu will become an 80-seat restaurant, with a full bar, live music, private function room, diverse menu with both authentic Eastern European dishes and other intriguing masterpieces from our chef,” the Kickstarter page reads. “Most importantly, our kitchen itself will get bigger, which will allow our already big team to work more efficiently and take larger orders.”
The Andronics are hoping to start work on the space in February, and through the Kickstarter the restaurant is offering various incentives for contributors, from credits for menu items that can be used in the first year after the restaurant reopens to souvenirs and experiences like tote bags, cooking classes, and private dinners.
The restaurant serves a menu of classic dishes from Moldova, including plăcinte (a pie stuffed with anything from cheese and potatoes to cabbage, cherries, or apples), zeama (a chicken soup with homemade noodles), and sarmale (cabbage and grape leaves stuffed with chicken, rice, and other items).
Follow Moldova on social media for updates on the closure for renovations and the debut of the expanded restaurant.
• Moldova Restaurant Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
