Royal Boucherie
Location: 52 S. 2nd Street, Old City
Key Players: Nicholas Elmi, David Frank, Stephen Simons
The Situation: Laurel’s Nick Elmi, of Top Chef fame, is teaming up with restaurateurs Dave Frank and Stephen Simons, who know how to put together a top-notch bar: They’re behind Royal Tavern, Khyber Pass Pub, Triangle Tavern, Cantina Los Caballitos, and Cantina Dos Segundos, and moved more into the chef-driven space with Jesse Ito’s Royal Sushi and Izakaya. The Elmi-helmed venture is two levels, with a bar and a dining area on the first floor and an outdoor garden with seating for about 30 on the second floor. The second floor will also have a lounge that can be used as a private dining room. The menu will focus on charcuterie, salumi, and a raw bar.