Asian Sports Bar Coming to Route 9
A Route 9 restaurant in Framingham is undergoing renovations; and will re-open under a new name, with open-air dining, when weather permits.
In August 2012, Joseph Zhang purchased Chef Orient on Route 9 in Framingham.
This month, Zhang announced the restaurant would undergo renovations and will re-open under the name Samba West.
Zhang is also the owner of Samba Steak & Sushi on Route 9 in Framingham.
Samba West, says Samba's Facebook page, will be a "Chinese, Japanese, Thai cuisine sports bar."
Tuesday night, Framingham Selectmen unanimously approved the proposed renovations to the restaurant property.
Selectmen (3-0) also approved an entertainment license for a DJ and karaoke for Samba West.
Attorney Peter Haranas, representing Zhang, said most of the renovations were cosmetic in nature. He said the amount of seating would not change.
One major change involves removing part of an exterior wall to allow for open-air dining when weather permits, said Haranas.
