What's Happening with the Redbones Proposal in Malden?

In our latest You Ask, Patch Answers post, a handful of people have asked about where things stand with the proposed Redbones in Malden. So, we found out.

Redbones, which initially planned to build the restaurant as part of a two-phase project at the former Rosebud Farms site at 333 Commercial St., received such a positive response from the community that they are now looking to complete the entire project in one buildout, according to Kevin Duffy, strategy and business development officer for the city. And with that, the barbecue restaurant had to go back to the drawing board to incorporate all elements of the project into one construction phase, he added.

The buildout plan needs to be reviewed and approved as complete by the city's building inspector before it can then proceed to the Liquor Licensing Board and until the board gives their approval Redbones can't do any demolition or construction work at the site, according to Duffy. To date, Redbones has not submitted their plan to the building inspector, he added.

Duffy explained how Redbones is looking into different ways to make the building as environmentally friendly as possible, using recycled and reclaimed material and energy efficient lighting. The restaurant is also expected to have a nano-brewery, outdoor seating and parking available to customers. 

In June, Redbones received approval from the Mystic Valley Development Commission, which means the project doesn't need to receive approval from the Planning Board, according to Duffy. The restaurant still needs to submit their plan to the building inspector and apply for a liquor license, he added.

Redbones is leasing the property from the owners of the former Rosebud Farms store, which shuttered on May 11, according to Duffy. Duffy cited too much competition from nearby grocery stores as one of the reasons Rosebud's closed in Malden.

No target date has been provided for when the restaurant hopes to open its doors to customers.

Redbones currently operates a restaurant and food truck in Somerville.