ASHBY  — An executive chef who purchased a restaurant that closed amid financial hardships brought on by the pandemic has just received a $75,000 loan to get the business up and running again.

Sean Smith, the owner of 873 Café Tavern on 873 Main Street, was issued the $75,000 loan by The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC). NCMDC is a nonprofit economic development corporation that’s a subsidiary of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

“The 873 Café Tavern was a successful restaurant and a local destination for years,” said Smith. “With the financial assistance and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I was able to fulfill a dream to open my own business and bring new life to the restaurant.”

Prior to purchasing 873 Café Tavern, Smith worked as an executive chef at both The Fay Club in Fitchburg and the Great Road Kitchen and Oyster Bar in Littleton. The 873 Café Tavern is more than just a restaurant, it also has a lounge, a café, an outdoor patio and an ice cream bar. According to an announcement from NCMDC, 873 Café Tavern’s “specialized menu of shared plates and comfort foods” are all made with locally sourced ingredients. 

NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses of up to $250,000 for working capital, equipment, and expansion, among other things. The $75,000 allotted to 873 Café Tavern was issued to support the restaurant’s start-up costs, provide working capital and create six jobs in the community.