Is Dorchester ready for a $59 “Tomahawk Bone-in Rib Eye” and $12 cocktails?

The Industry, a 151-seat restaurant serving up a foodie-friendly menu for lunch and dinner, answers that question with a resounding, “YES!”
The eatery — which opened last month and is already drawing a loyal following from the neighborhood and beyond— has transformed the old Sonny’s, a longtime pizza, beer, and Keno hangout in the heart of Adams Village, into a culinary tour-de-force.

The Industry is a welcome entry into a burgeoning Dot restaurant scene still starving for reliable dining options. In this respect, the restaurant is a game-changer, offering a satisfying range of high-end and mid-range entrees and apps that will appeal to everyone.

It’s the first joint venture for the ownership duo of David Arrowsmith and Martin Davis, who bought out Sonny’s last year. Arrowsmith, a native of Ireland’s County Louth, owns and operates the Neponset-based Capital Construction. He supervised a team of builders who transformed the old pizzeria by installing new windows and doors and building out the interior of the space, including a state-of-the-art, 618-square-foot kitchen.

The dining room is spectacular with rich mahogany, red-leather-tufted booths, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open up onto Adams Street. The 38-seat bar features 16 tap beers— including nitrogen-fueled Guinness— and a massive wine cabinet that chills 180 bottles. Handcrafted cocktails — including an old-fashioned that is the current top-seller — are in ready supply.

But the real showstopper at The Industry is the food.

The Industry team scored a coup in landing Stephen Coe to work as executive chef. Best known recently for his work at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in the Pinehills section of Plymouth and at Quincy’s Alba, Coe was named “Best Chef” by South Shore Living last year. The Abington native has also taken prominent turns at restaurants in France, Italy and Thailand.

“I love this area and the idea of building a brand in Dorchester— and elevating the experience— really appeals to me,” said Coe, who supervises two sous chefs and kitchen staff, but also works the line himself most nights. They churn out signature dishes like the 24-ounce Rib Eye, pear and mascarpone sacchetti, and homemade desserts, including a S’more cheesecake that must be tasted to be believed.

Other favorites sampled on a recent Reporter visit: a warm mushroom and asparagus salad topped with a crispy egg and swordfish topped with lobster and saffron rissotto. Flatbreads are another popular bar-top offering, with buffalo chicken, Philly cheese steak and spicy sausage joining Caprese and fresh-fig and prosciutto on an attractive shingle.

Coe, who has three children of his own, devised a terrific kids’ menu that includes staples like hot dogs and burgers, but with an upscale twist. There’s a six-ounce steak frites or salmon, for example. There’s mac n’cheese — but it’s far from a microwave job. There are plenty of “grown-ups” who’ll volunteer to help their little one’s finish up Coe’s five-cheese concoction with Gemelli pasta and bread crumbs.

That $59 steak, by the way? Worth every cent.

Last Saturday night, the place was hopping— and it wasn’t just a suburban crowd swooping in to sample the newest Dot spot. You will see your neighbors at The Industry. On a recent Saturday night, the booths and tables were packed with patrons dining and drinking to the sounds of a live saxophone and guitar two-piece.

Those we talked to were walking out the door as committed ambassadors for The Industry.

“What we hear people saying mostly is that they’re happy to have something that’s different than everything else,” said Arrowsmith. “You can get a downtown steak in Dorchester. Or you can get a flatbread. Stephen’s menu has something for all tastes.”
There definitely are some deals to be had.

Oyster lovers should flock to the current Monday special: Six oysters— with a glass of Prosecco thrown in for good measure — for six bucks. The promotion is running through the summer through Chef Coe’s connections with Plymouth Rock Oyster Growers.

Coe’s star will only continue to rise. This month, he’s a featured player on an episode of the popular Food Channel program “Chopped: Grill Masters.” The fact that The Industry is hosting a viewing party from 9-11 p.m. on Aug. 15 is a good sign that Coe likely did pretty well in this national competitive cooking show.

Another big moment coming up for the eatery is its grand opening celebration on Monday, Aug 14 at 11 a.m. Mayor Martin Walsh will be on hand to cut the ribbon.

Bottom line: Get on board The Industry bandwagon now. It’s going to be a very popular spot.

The Industry, located at 750 Adams St., Dorchester, is open daily from 11:30 a.m.- 1 a.m. serving lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch (10 a.m.- 3 p.m.). Valet parking is available after 5 p.m.