PEABODY — After two years of being closed for a massive reconstruction, the new Brodie’s is open for business and ready to make Peabody Square a hospitality destination.
Owner and Peabody native Michael Votto and his business partner Victoria Bizzozero have poured more than $6 million into the site. They’ve turned Brodie’s into a two-floor hub for dining and entertainment, and added 15 suites for small businesses and entrepreneurs to rent on floors three and four.
It’s nothing like what was there before, and nothing like Peabody has ever seen.
The first-floor dining room that opened in August is enclosed by warm mahogany walls made of reclaimed wood and classic carved details. Brass sconces cast a subtle glow on the replica antique tin ceilings and comfortable dining chairs, while large windows give an unimpeded view of City Hall and Main Street.
In the middle of the room, surrounded by parquet floors abutting black and white tile, is a grand wrap-around bar that’s the heart of Brodie’s design.
“All these little details make it feel like it was built 50, 60 years ago, but it’s only been here a couple of months,” Votto said. “There was a lot of thought and a lot of attention and detail that was put into making this whole space feel very antique-ish, very worn-in, very warm and inviting.”
Upstairs, Brodie’s new bar, Palm and Crane, will open to the public Saturday. Named after the room’s striking navy-toned wallpaper, the bar is a more feminine space that pulls inspiration from the antique influence seen downstairs while standing all on its own.
Crystal chandeliers and a mix of tables and chic rose-colored booths make the room perfect for night-caps, dates and girls-night-outs. The bar will host live music and events led by the Brodie’s team, like holiday wreath making or drink mixing classes, and will also be available for private parties, particularly baby and bridal showers.
“It’s just a really cool, unique, intimate space where we have incredible cocktails with Instagram worthy garnishes,” said Bizzozero, who lives in Peabody and grew up in Salem.
Votto bought Brodie’s in 2011. The pub has been open at 10 Lowell St. since the 1980s and needed serious repairs when he took over—repairs he’d have to make if he didn’t want to move the business.
“I always felt that since this spot was the original home of Brodie’s, it should always stay here,” he said. “Through working with the city and the mayor, we made that reality come true.”
The city owned the land Brodie’s building sat on and sold it to Votto for $450,000 in 2023. Officials will create a micro-park featuring a George Peabody statue that’s set to be installed in the spring, and is paid for using Community Preservation Act funds and state grants, on a small patch of land that’s still empty next door.
Diners will be able to admire the statue while enjoying Brodie’s menu of feel-good but still sophisticated food created by chef Danny Desimone, who has more than 30 years of culinary experience and is a graduate of the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts.
Brodie’s selection of cocktails, wines and other creative drinks was crafted in collaboration with acclaimed bartender Jon Howard to perfectly pair with Desimone’s dishes.
Some meals are seasonal, like a hearty roasted turkey breast sandwich dripping with sweet cranberry mayo, gravy and stuffing. There’s locally sourced seafood, including mussels that have been steamed in a basil and cream broth with tomatoes and leaks, and pizzas topped with crispy pepperoni, hot honey, pickled jalapenos and other gourmet ingredients.
Sandwiches are priced between $19-$24, while most entrees go for $27-$31. Votto said he wanted his menu to be affordable enough for customers to come back often and become Brodie’s regulars.
“We have to be on our A-game every single day, and have to give people that A-plus experience every time they come in no matter if it’s Monday or Friday, because they’re entrusting us with their hard earned money,” he said.
That idea of affordability and access is also what inspired The Suites Downtown, the new salon, studio and work spaces available for rent upstairs.
“It’s really important to empower younger people and try and get them to be entrepreneurs,” Votto said. “That’s been my whole goal. I’m an entrepreneur, and any way that I can give back and help other people do that, that’s what I want to do.”
Utilities, Wi-Fi and other overhead costs are covered in their rent. Each suite has its own cabinets, sink and hook up space for devices like spa chairs and hair drying stations, and can be customized to the tenants’ liking.
The online presences of the businesses are integrated into The Suites’ website that has been promoted to appear in top online search results. A full-time brand experience manager in the building also creates content for the businesses and can help run their social media.
The suites are ideal for independent hair dressers and beauty estheticians. Though one room is being used by a real estate agent, and Votto is in talks to bring in three artists looking for studio space.
Already, most of the top floor is rented out and being prepared for new tenants. Votto’s sister, Katelyn Votto, operates her hair business, The Beauty Parlor, out of one of the suites. Next door is Alex Schulte, who also does hair (with a focus on extensions and colors) through her business, Lavish Hair Studio.
Her suite was painted with a striking green accent wall and is decorated with her own unique flair.
“I originally had my salon in Swampscott,” Schulte said. “The footwork you have to do to get your own storefront is crazy. They make everything so easy here, and the space was just so perfect for creating my own idea.”
“We’re doing things that you would see in downtown Boston or Cambridge or Somerville,” Votto said. “We’re bringing those kinds of ideas out to the suburbs so people here can get that city life.”
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com .