Parsons Table Shutting its Doors This Week

The restaurant changeover at 34 Church Street is nearly complete. will , Nov. 12. will open in the same space on November 22.

Chris Parsons, owner of Parsons Table, sent out an email to customers last week announcing the restaurant will close for good on Saturday. Last Friday, Parsons learned he might be forced to close a day or two earlier than that, due to the transfer of his liquor license. As of yesterday, Parsons did not know whether his last day would be Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

He hopes Parsons Table can stay open until Saturday but added, if they have to close earlier, at least they’ve had nearly two months to say goodbye and thank you to their customers. Reservations for the restaurant’s final weeks booked quickly.

“It’s been really fun. Everyone has, for the last few weeks, been trying to get here one last time,” Parsons said.

Regular customers are coming to say goodbye, and even those who dine at Parsons Table only a couple times a year are making it a priority to get back before the closing.

Parsons said he is “pretty close” to announcing a new space for his restaurant. If everything falls into place, he said the new restaurant could open in the spring. He declined to say whether the new concept will be more like his first restaurant, Catch, or more like Parsons Table. Parsons said that will depend on the space, the neighborhood, and what other restaurants are in the area. 

The finality of closing his Winchester restaurant really hit Parsons last weekend, he said. Though he has questioned his decision to close at times, he’s now confident it’s the right choice.

“We’re leaving on a high note, so it’s very sweet,” Parsons said.

Meanwhile, Vittorio Ettore is busily preparing to open his new restaurant, A Tavola, in the Parsons Table space on Tuesday, Nov. 22. In fact, the new A Tavola chef is already cooking from A Tavola’s menu at Ettore’s first restaurant, in West Medford.

“I have a very crowded kitchen right now,” Ettore said. 

For over a week, Bistro 5 customers have been able to order off both Bistro 5 and A Tavola menus. Ettore said clients have enjoyed sampling the new menu, particularly the share plates. Having a preview of A Tavola has also generated excitement among Bistro 5 patrons. 

“It has been a great way to tell people that we’re opening a new restaurant and for them to experience the new menu,” Ettore said.

Ettore is very excited to open his new restaurant, and said there are only minor updates to be done to the space after Parsons Table closes. He expects to paint and do a little redecorating, but said there’s not much else to be done. 

“Chris runs that kitchen like a small airport, so there’s really nothing to do there. It’s a great setup,” Ettore said.