Restaurant to Inject New Life Into Closed-Down Eatery

South Broadway will soon have one fewer vacant building, as work is currently underway to transform the former Polcari's building into a brand new business.

A complete interior remodeling is in progress as part of the 368 South Broadway structure's conversion into Tomo Japanese Steakhouse.

Salem Planning Director Ross Moldoff said permits were issued in November to Dong Hang Bo, of West Warwick, R.I., for the interior renovations. Moldoff said the work didn't require variances or approval from the town's Planning and Zoning boards.

The 204-seat restaurant will be Salem's third Japanese steakhouse, joining Tokyo Steakhouse on South Broadway and Wasabi Grill on North Broadway, according to Moldoff.

Much of the interior could be seen in mid-construction Thursday, and permits posted on the front door indicate that a new sprinkler system is also being installed.

Bo couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

Polcari's, a popular Italian-American restaurant designed as an offshoot of Boston's Regina Pizzeria, closed in January 2013 after opting not to renew its lease.