Work on spicing up downtown is well underway at the old fire station building on Main Street.
Anejo, with locations in Falmouth and Hyannis, is in the process of converting the former Sam Diego’s space into its third restaurant. Sam Diego’s closed its Plymouth restaurant in April after 28 years, following a deal it struck with the more upscale Anejo.
Contrary to rumors that the project had stalled, co-owner Jamie Surprenant said in an email that it’s on track. The town, he said, has been “pretty accommodating so far.”
Part of the “perceived” delay, Surprenant said, might have had to do with the typically elongated process of transferring the liquor license. “That takes three months, sometimes longer,” he said, and needed to be finalized before Anejo could begin the formal construction permitting process.
Town Manager Derek Brindisi confirmed that the restaurant has received its permits for the town-owned landmark building. He also dispelled a rumor that it was requiring Anejo to install an elevator to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The building has dining areas on two levels.
Work at the 51 Main St. site has picked up recently, as parts of the interior have been gutted, and a large dumpster outside fills with debris.
“We are off and running with demo and renovation plans, with hopes of opening for the summer of 2024,” Surprenant said. “Ultimately, we will open when we are ready, as our plan is to be part the downtown Plymouth community and already vibrant dining scene for many years to come.”
Anejo has legions of fans on Cape Cod, and its arrival in Plymouth has been cited as more evidence of downtown’s evolution into a regional dining destination.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.