A well-loved neighborhood tavern could be heading to Bedford.
According to Boston Restaurant Talk, Sam Walker’s American Tavern is planning to open its third location at 213 Burlington Rd, taking over the former Bamboo space just east of the Route 3 intersection, near the Burlington line. Bamboo shuttered in September after the town’s Health Department suspended its permit over multiple food safety violations.
The Bedford outpost will mark the latest move for Maverick Hospitality, the local restaurant group behind several familiar names, including Lucy’s American Tavern, The Bowery Bar, Cityside Tavern, Chubbs Taco & Tequila Bar, and Layla’s American Tavern.
Company President Julian Bolger, CEO Patrick Dillon, and COO Shawn Ahern operate the group, describing themselves as “very hands-on” across their portfolio.
On Monday, February 9, the ownership team appeared before the Bedford Select Board, where members approved alcohol, common victualler’s, and entertainment licenses for the restaurant, according to a recent report from The Bedford Citizen.
During the meeting, Dillon shared that Maverick Hospitality has had its eye on Bedford for roughly two years, viewing the town as a natural fit for the brand’s neighborhood tavern concept.
Sam Walker’s is known for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere, craft cocktails, and 20 rotating draft beers. The menu leans into modern American comfort fare served from brunch through dinner, with crowd-pleasers like chicken and waffles, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, pizzas, seafood plates, and macaroni and cheese.
Proposed hours for the Bedford location are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weekends. Dillon noted that an August opening is the goal, though Maverick must first complete a building expansion that will add space to the side of the structure.
The restaurant is expected to debut five to six months after construction begins. When it opens, the new Sam Walker’s American Tavern will join existing locations in Swampscott and Woburn.
