Sea Dog Was Closed to 'Re-evaluate,' May Open Under New Name

Sea Dog Steak & Ale closed without much warning last month, but may reappear with a new name and branding.

Last month, many were shocked to hear that Sea Dog Steak & Ale had closed its doors. Less than two years old, the pub had struggled due to the often "unforgiving" world of restaurants, and an inability to overcome a bad reputation. Sea Dog may just reopen under a new name, with a new brand and approach.  Mike Minichello, operations manager at Sea Dog Steak & Ale, asked the Board of Selectmen to approve a "non-use" of its current liquor license. It was approved, giving Sea Dog until June 30, 1013, to update the board on its intentions. If not used by March of the following year, there will be a status update. "We were losing a good amountof money every month," said Minichello. "We decided to close down. We have a couple of proposals to …

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Hush, Hush: Sea Dog's Being Filmed for Major Culinary Show

They can't tell us what, but the Sea Dog is participating in some filming for a major network.

Sea Dog Steak & Ale in Northborough is all excited, but really can't say too much about it. What they can say is that this weekend, with select invited customers, they will be participating in the filming of a culinary show for a major network. Due to contract obligations, the restaurant is unable to disclose specific information. With 20 of its closest friends, Sea Dog will be hosting two dinner services this week, all with the cameras on. We're sure in the coming weeks, we'll know more about this exciting venture. Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

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You Ask, Patch Answers

Cockroach, Other Health Violations Quickly Addressed at Sea Dog

The restaurant had been closed for a day in July, but received a "very good" inspection this month, according to the health agent.

A series of critical violations during a health inspection last month forced Health Agent Jamie Terry to close down Sea Dog Steak & Ale for a day. Terry identified ten health code critical food violations, which included cockroaches, cross-contamination risks and stale foods, as were identified in a report filed on July 19. "I noticed cockroaches in two different locations," said Terry. Closing the establishment immediately, Advanced Pest Solutions was called right away and came in to de-fog. A follow up on July 20 revealed that there were "no visible signs of cockroach activity, and all other health code violations have been corrected." Sea Dog re-opened less than 24 hours after it was closed. "Pest control found roughly 50 cockroaches," …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 14

Sea Dog's got its patio furniture out, and it's our favorite genius's birthday.

Our morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1.This weather is bringing out the patio furniture in everyone, including Sea Dog, which pulled its sets out to accomodate those who would like their steak and ale outside. 2.If you're curious about digging up your family's history, try the geneaology club, which meets this morning at the Northborough Senior Center. 3. He's made us all feel stupid at one time or another. Happy birthday to the world's most popular genius, Albert Einstein. 4. Over the past week anyone who has been online has probably felt bombarded by friends asking them to "spare 30 minutes to watch this …

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Best Of Northborough

Best of Winner: Sea Dog Steak & Ale

Sea Dog got the most votes in our best sandwich in Northborough contest.

Like we said, if it's edible and is served between two pieces of bread, it's a sandwich. In some cases (and we've seen this before) the "bread" could even be doughnuts. Perhaps because you can eat it with your hands, at any time of the day, and build it any way you'd like, it is one of America's most beloved foods. In Northborough, there are numerous places to grab a sangy. Virtually every little plaza as you wind down Main Street and Route 20 has a place to pick one up. But the people have spoken, and the blue ribbon for best sandwich goes to one of the newest places in town: Sea Dog Steak & Ale, which grabbed 45 percent of the vote. While known for its steaks (go figure) and fine brews, the menu does offer a selection of sandwiches, …

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What You Missed at the Board Meeting [VIDEO]

Two businesses changed its managers, St. Bernadette's was granted a one day liquor license and the town set the prices for plowing public ways this winter.

In a short but compact meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved new managers, discussed the town's free cash account and authorized a gift program for the Rec. Center. Recreational Sales: Allie Lane, director of Northborough's Parks and Recreation Department, was given approval to receive gifts from those who wish to donate to an upcoming yard sale to benefit the Rec. Center. The Center is accepting toys, games and books for an upcoming Holiday Yard Sale (tentatively Dec. 3). Wine and Beer at St. Bernadette's: The school at St. Bernadette's was granted a one-day special license in order that it may host an upcoming wine and beer tasting to benefit the school. Changing Management: The Board approved two changes in management. First, manager…

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