Nearly forty years ago, new life was fashioned from a former lumberyard office on Depot St. Brainchild of prominent local developer Bill Martin, the cozy, quaint Casey’s Tavern became a classic townie hangout, known for its burgers and other comfortable pub grub.
A bigger, modernized sequel is now in play at the former Carson’s American Bistro at Plymouth Rd. and Commonwealth Dr. Casey’s Tavern East sports nearly 300 seats, welcoming larger parties that the original is hard-pressed to accommodate.
“It’s rare in this town to get somewhere where you can park as well, so that’s a great positive,” says Kevin Gudejko, president and CEO of Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant Group, which operates both Casey’s locations for the Martin family.
The eclectic and somewhat upscale Carson’s lasted twenty years in the Martin-owned property. Mainstreet Ventures, in which the Martins are significant investors, still holds fourteen restaurants and operates six others, according to Gudejko.
The Carson’s space was due for a refresh, so they’ve brightened it with white-tiled walls to accompany the skylights and elevated booths. The fireplace has made way for a longer bar that seats more than thirty. There are TVs aplenty for sports fans, but Gudej-ko says not to expect a raucous scene. On a recent visit, the background playlist lilted toward eighties pop/rock standards.
Gudejko says this side of town was in need of more “local, family-friendly” dining options. “The city doesn’t open a whole lot of restaurants of this size any more.
“I think people will find the price point is really approachable, along with just the quality of what they’ve always done and what we bring to the table.”
General manager Geoff Stieve, a decade-long veteran of Mainstreet Ventures, and chef Christian Noel oversee a menu of new and familiar options that the larger kitchen makes possible.
“We’ll be adding some pizzas, some other main entrée items as well,” Gudejko says. “You can’t replicate what’s been going on at Casey’s … the essence of it. We’re just trying to honor the things that people know and love about it. So we’ll have all the favorites that we can. We’ve certainly been known for the best burger in town for years. The Casey’s Favorite, the Reubens, the onion rings, all that stuff will be there.”
Casey’s Tavern East, 2000 Commonwealth Blvd. (734) 307–0320. Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. caseys-tavern.com/caseys-tavern-east
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