Former Blackstone Tap owner to open bar and kitchen in Worcester’s canal district

A new pub-style restaurant and bar is due to open next month on Water Street, owned and operated by the former owner of Blackstone Tap.

The 107 Tap, named after its address at 107 Water St., will have a laid-back vibe with a sports theme, pool table, darts, rear party room and music.

“We’re going to serve pub-style fare like burgers and then use it as a semi-incubator space for popup chefs,” said Jefferson Mararian, who owned the now-closed restaurant for 12 years before selling it.

Mararian said he bought the building, which once housed a nightclub, four months ago and decided to take advantage of the empty food court space in the ‘booming’ canal district, a short walk of Worcester Public Market. In preparation, he removed the back bar from the space and installed a brand new kitchen.

The restaurant will offer a wider menu than Mararian’s previous establishment, he said, and will be open from 3 p.m. for after-work and dinner parties.

“Over time, we might expand the menu or expand the hours, depending on the population,” he said.

As of Thursday, the facility is awaiting approval for an alcohol, communal victualling and entertainment license with the city’s Licensing Commission. Mararian said that based on license approval and completion of construction, he expects to open in June.