Haute Secrets Boston: Todd Smith, Founder of Corbett Restaurant Group
Last fall, Todd C. Smith, founder of Corbett Restaurant Group sold JulepBar at 200 High Street and Broad Street Riot located at 131 Broad Street in Boston. They will become, respectively, a high-end sports bar called Finn McCool’s with separate subterranean lounge called The Barrel Room featuring Scotch, whiskey, wine and beer. Broad Street Riot will be replaced with the Italian Bistro 131. (Both are anticipated to open later this month).
Smith’s commercial real estate firm specializes in the sale and leasing of restaurants and other hospitality industry properties and recently handled the transactions of the soon-to-be-opened Sushi Rock in the Financial District and Certified Meatball Co. in South Boston.
Photo Credit: Corbett Restaurant Group
We caught up with Smith recently to find out what he loves most about Boston.
Where were you born: Glens Falls, NY
How long in Boston: 15 years
Neighborhood: West End and Charlestown
Occupation: President, Corbett Restaurant Group/commercial real estate brokerage
Favorite Restaurant: That’s a tough one; I don’t have one (on purpose) because I deal in the sale and leasing of restaurants, bars and most hospitality businesses. I like to try new restaurants all the time. I try to go to new places every week.
Best Sushi: Crudo, North End
Best Italian: Capo, in South Boston
Best dessert: Modern Pastry, North End
Best place for a romantic date: Mare, North End
Best Sunday brunch: Abe & Louie’s Back Bay
Best place for a power business meeting: The Merchant Kitchen & Drinks – Downtown
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Liberty Hotel
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Newbury Street
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Tiffany’s
Best Spa: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Favorite Charity Event: Holiday Toys for Tots
Favorite Cultural Event: St. Paddy’s Day Parade
Best Steakhouse: Del Frisco’s – Seaport
Best Pizza: Santarpios – East Boston
Best Lunch: Capital Grille – Back Bay
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Boston Sports Club
Best Massage: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber
Best Museum/Exhibit: Museum of Science
Describe Boston in three words: Exciting, Sophisticated, Authentic
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Nantucket Whaling Museum
Best Aspect of Boston: The people