Category Archives: Patch

REPS Opening New Fitness Studio

REPS new studio

(This article originally appeared in Beacon Hill Patch on May 2, 2019, and in Beacon Hill Times on May 3, 2019.)

In 2011, when Renvil Doman opened his first fitness studio in Beacon Hill, he sensed that it was the start of something big. The local entrepreneur and personal trainer aimed to expand his business and motivate clients to stay in shape while having fun.

Eight years later, the owner of REPS Fitness Studio and Beacon Hill Yoga, continues to realize his original vision for a community workout hub and fitness empire. On May 4, Doman will open the newest branch, located at 319 Cambridge Street. The other locations are 57 Phillips Street in Beacon Hill and 781 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.

Renvil Doman

“Being a part of this community is important to me, and I love helping people through fitness,” he says, pumping his fists and flashing a megawatt smile. “At REPS we are all about getting people from different walks of life to improve their health and well-being.”

The 2600-square-foot space, located above Harvard Gardens restaurant, is considerably larger than the other three locations but bears a striking resemblance to them. It boasts the recognizable REPS logo and orange, gray and white color scheme. Visitors will also find the same workout gear—including stationary bikes, kettlebells and medicine balls—and similar upbeat music playlists during workouts.

This boutique studio has additional amenities to match its updated style. Designed with more of a night-club vibe in mind, it includes several speakers, subwoofers, strobe lights and a fog machine. For the more competitive bikers and those who choose to opt in, Doman has lined the front wall with leaderboards to help track progress, distance and speed. He has also maximized the extra space and installed lockers for patron use.

“I want people to feel like they can come here and spend a good hour getting the best workout,” says Doman. “And I want them to enjoy themselves while pushing their limits.”

REPS studio treadmills

REPS offers pre-package sale options for classes and personal training. Drop-in rates are also available for last-minute exercisers attending fitness classes.

The grand-opening party will be held at the studio Saturday, May 4, 8am-3:30pm; and Sunday, May 5, 9am-3:30pm. The celebration is open to the public and will include refreshments and free REPSCYCLE and KORECYCLE classes. The classes are available to everyone, but spots are limited and online registration is required.

For more information, visit www.reps57.com

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Horse Thieves Tavern Opens in Dedham

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(This article was originally published in Dedham Patch on March 30, 2019.)

After months of nail-biting anticipation, Horse Thieves Tavern has opened its doors to the public. Laurence Wintersteen and Chris Lutes, the co-owners of Dedham Square’s newest establishment, announced that the restaurant opened last week. Located at 585 High St., Horse Thieves Tavern is in the space that was formerly Wardle’s Pharmacy.

HTT daytime

Wintersteen and Lutes wanted to take a modern approach to the traditional New England tavern. The space has a rustic atmosphere with an open-hearth fireplace, bench seating and several communal tables. There is a full bar, and the food menu includes several regional items, such as baked cod, succotash and skillet cornbread.

HTT menu

The name is a nod to the The Society in Dedham for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves, founded in Dedham in 1810. It is the oldest social club of its kind in the United States, and continues to this day. The group’s members, who have included former presidents and popes, meet for an annual celebration in town. With this in mind, the owners thought it was appropriate for the horse thieves to have a place to call their own.

“This is intended to be a fun gathering spot for locals and newcomers alike, even if they aren’t horse thieves,” says Lutes. “It’s another piece, and the next logical step, in the redevelopment and revitalization of Dedham Square.”

Horse Thieves

The duo are veteran restaurateurs, childhood friends from Maine and longtime residents of the Boston area. Lutes also owns Miracle of ScienceMiddlesex Lounge and Cambridge,1. — all located in Cambridge. Wintersteen is the former owner of Pressed, The Carving Station and the Kenmore Square location of Amsterdam Falafel.

The general manager is Michelle Kousidis, who formerly managed Mocha Java at The Blue Bunny Bookstore.

The project, which has taken over two years to complete, required substantial improvements to the base building. The building work as well as the restaurant construction was done by the Cambridge-based company Sincere Construction. The project architect is Dedham-based Moran + Associates.

HTT bar

Horse Thieves Tavern is open for drinks and dinner seven nights per week, starting at 5 p.m. Daily lunch will also be available by the end of April. Reservations can be made for parties of eight or more.

For more information, visit www.horsethievestavern.com.

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