New Delicatessen Opens on Moody Street

For chef Joshua Smith, the opening of his new business, Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions, is more than just a new store. It's the start of what he hopes could be more Waltham eateries.

Smith opened the new store on Moody Street in November after taking over the former Salem Foods location. It serves locally-sourced meats, sandwiches and other products.

"I care about this. I want to do something special," Smith said.

Smith, an experienced chef who lives in Waltham, is hoping the new store is the start of future food or restaurant endeavors in Waltham, he told Waltham Patch in a recent interview.

"My next place is going to be in Waltham," Smith said, as he tossed around the idea of a wine bar.

For now though, Smith has his hands full running the new deli. In addition to offering meats and sandwiches over the counter, the shop also offers private catering services, Smith said. It serves everything from coffee, to bagels, to regular meats to snack stix and sweets.

The shop is also a U.S. Department of Agriculture certified facility center which allows Smith to sell meat wholesale, Smith said.

So far, Smith said, business has gone well with customers welcoming the shop to the community. He did, however, acknowledge, some have criticized him for seemingly high prices. Smith argued his products were at market rates or below.

"We're trying to serve a great product at a fair price," Smith said.

When customers walk in the store, they are greeted with an array of hanging meats, cheeses, the smell of coffee and several tables at which to sit. They also offer cold ready-to-eat servings.

SEARCHING FOR SPACE

Smith ended up at his new space only after looking at other Waltham locations. He said he looked at moving to the Polaroid site and the Watch Factory, but ended up buying out the owner of Salem Foods.

"I've always wanted to be in Waltham" Smith said.

For more on the deli, check out the photos here and the video below.