A local restaurateur known for his popular beachfront eatery is bringing his expertise to Wellesley’s Linden Square. Michael Aldi plans to open Dryft Wellesley at 165 Linden St as early as June 2024. The forthcoming establishment is a spinoff of Dryft Revere, a seafood and pasta restaurant renowned for its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Swellesley Report first scooped this development, revealing that the Select Board conducted a hearing and voted on Dryft’s application for various licenses, including common victualler, all-alcohol, and entertainment.
While the first two licenses were approved without hesitation, the entertainment license led to more extensive discussions. Aldi’s plans to play background music in Dryft Wellesley’s 28-seat outdoor area raised concerns about potential noise disturbances for nearby residents.
In response to these concerns, Aldi mentioned the possibility of initially opening the restaurant without patio dining and reconsidering this decision once the town establishes a clear policy on outdoor entertainment. Ultimately, the Select Board approved all the licenses but decided to grant the entertainment license with a provision that prohibits exterior sound for the time being, according to The Swellesley Report.
Dryft Revere is known for its seafood-centric menu featuring salads, house-made pastas, burgers, desserts, and more. Customers can expect a similar culinary experience at the Wellesley location. In addition to Dryft, Aldi is behind several other successful eateries in the Greater Boston area, including Fine Line and VIVI’s Tapas Bar in Revere.
