Former Framingham restaurateurs now have plans for tapas eatery in Sudbury

SUDBURY — A new tapas restaurant is a step closer to opening on Boston Post Road after its liquor license was approved by the Select Board.

The Sudbury Select Board on Tuesday unanimously approved a liquor license for Zayith Tapas and Bar, which is set to be located at 621 Boston Post Road (Route 20), former site of Fugakyu Café. Monali Lakhani, manager of the new tapas restaurant, described the eatery as a place serving small plates to encourage conversation.

“The concept is a sit-down fine dining restaurant, and our menu features small plates inspired by the rich gastronomic heritage from the region of France, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Spain, Italy and the broader Mediterranean region," Lakhani told the five-member Select Board on Tuesday.

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Plans call for a total of 5,712 square feet of floor space — 2,856 square feet on each of two floors. Zayith is expected to have a seating capacity of 50, with alcohol to be served only on the first floor. The bar will have no seating, however.

"Alcohol will be served exclusively at the dining table," Lakhani said during Tuesday's Select Board meeting. "The inclusion of carefully selected wines and handcrafted cocktails is essential to the concept of Zayith, as it completes the cultural and gastronomic journey we offer our guests."

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Following the presentation, Select Board members gave their well-wishes, saying they planned to visit the restaurant in the future before unanimously approving their liquor license.

"Our goal is to create a dining experience that not only satisfies the palette, but also brings people together to celebrate the rich, rich tapestry of Mediterranean and European cuisine," Lakhani said. "We are excited to become a part of the Sudbury community and look forward to bringing Zayith to life."

Lakhani presented the plans with co-manager Piyush Kotak and Devanand Chinta, who Lakhani said is a restaurant consultant for Zayith.

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Lakhani told the Select Board that she has a degree in culinary hospitality and has specialized training in international training. In addition, Lakhani is certified in food and alcohol serving and has managed cafeterias for Compass Group USA and launched ethnic food initiatives and operated Indian restaurants.

Kotak has experience in the packaged goods industry, according to Lakhani, and has previously managed businesses and implemented strategic initiatives with national and international brands.

The liquor license was purchased for $36,000.

Lakhani and Chinta previously banded together to open Silk Global Cuisine two years ago on Edgell Road in Framingham. That restaurant has since closed.

Zayith takes its name from the Hebrew word meaning "olive branch."

There is no set opening date for Zayith Tapas and Bar, which replaces Fugakyu Café, which closed in April 2023.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Sudbury Select Board approves liquor license for new tapas restaurant