Downtown Landmark Revival On The Horizon

The city of Pittsfield was left broken-hearted after The Lantern announced it's inevitable closure due to needed upgrades in order to comply with city fire regulations. A void was certainly left by the exit of the eatery which had roots stretching back almost one hundred years, but a Lenox restaurateur has downtown a buzz with revival rumors.

Bjorn Somlo, owner of Nudel in downtown Lenox, has secured a full liquor license from the current owner of The Lantern, Puritan Restaurant Inc, according to The Berkshire Eagle, although Pittsfield's Licensing Board decision must also be approved by the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Ideally Somlo would like to open this year, starting with dinner service, and potentially lunch in the future.

Somlo, who was a former patron of The Lantern, says he would like to keep it's original personality alive, which people were certainly excited to hear, but no doubt, the chef and owner of Nudel will add his twist. He does plan to keep the iconic burger establishment's name and well known decor, notably the bar and neon sign. It should be exciting to see a fresh perspective bring new life back to this downtown landmark.