Upscale downtown restaurant re-launches in Brockton

The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
www.enterprisenews.com
BROCKTON — Three years ago, Chris Charlot opened his upscale restaurant Tamboo in downtown Brockton.
But last year, the restaurant at 252 Main St. closed for lunch and reduced its hours of operation to reduce costs during the cold weather season, Charlot said.
Now, the 40-year-old entrepreneur is re-launching his restaurant because he wants others to also support downtown businesses.
"The idea is more people like myself will look at what I've done and they will do a similar project," Charlot said. "That's how we will change a street, we will change downtown, we will change a city."
The restaurant is open again for lunch, has an entirely new staff, a new menu, and Charlot said he has improved service.
"We will be more accessible to the community," said Charlot, who plugged his restaurant as a destination for business meetings as well as food, music and fun.
Dozens of city officials, residents and members of the business community attended a reception at Tamboo on Tuesday night. Participants dined on appetizers of fried plantains covered with beef, lamb chops and a seafood pasta dish while listening to a live jazz band.
"I'm hoping that it will be the catalyst to revitalizing downtown," said Gwen Nauls, 45, of Brockton. "I think it's a wonderful place."
The event was one effort to rejuvenate activity in the downtown area, said John Merian, chairman of the Downtown Business Association, who called Charlot a "pioneer."
"The more that people are aware, the more support we can get," said Merian, co-owner of Tuxedos by Merian at 137 Main St. "If that becomes a success story, then more restaurants will follow."
Merian stressed that downtown businesses can only thrive if there is community support. He said more state and federal offices are needed downtown, in addition to city government, to support downtown restaurants.
Charlot is among restaurant owners who have invested in downtown Brockton:
Paradise Caribbean Restaurant opened six weeks ago at 192 Warren Ave.
Tacourt, a Mexican restaurant, opened recently at 74 West Elm St.
Table 22 on Main Street serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Longtime downtown eateries include The Pub at 38 Centre St., Joe Angelo's Cafe & Deli at Crescent and Main streets, and the Gourmet Cafe at Belmont and Main streets.
Charlot, a native of Haiti, immigrated to the United States in 1980.
Charlot and his parents also own Bon Appetit in Dorchester. That restaurant, according to some reviews posted on the Internet, is considered "the best Haitian restaurant" in Boston, noting its authentic dishes, spicy sauces and affordability.
He hopes to see similar success with Tamboo.
"This restaurant is really me offering a piece of myself because I believe in the city," Charlot said. "I believe in this restaurant."

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