Rapscallion will take over the location at Hopkinton Square formerly inhabited by Quattro. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

A new dining experience helmed by experienced restaurateurs and local brewers is set to open its doors in Hopkinton this spring.

Rapscallion, a microbrewery headquartered in Acton, recently signed a lease to open a new restaurant at 22 South Street. It will be the brewery’s fourth location and second in the MetroWest area. The restaurant is set to replace Quattro in the retail building.

The Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar will mirror the brewery’s Acton location. It will feature a dining area, a bar and a private room in the back of the restaurant for parties and other functions. The owners hope to set up seasonal outdoor seating as well.

According to Rapscallion co-founder Peter Daniel, the restaurant will feature a mix of Italian dishes, including pasta and seafood. As with the brewery’s other establishments, its beer will play into its menu.

“[At our] other locations, we infuse a lot of our beers with our dishes,” said Daniel. “We’ll continue to utilize the beers we brew at our brewery in Spencer.” 

“It’s pretty similar to what we do at our location in Acton,” he added.

Because the restaurant will operate as a scratch kitchen, Daniel says he hopes to partner with both local farms and other vendors. He discussed possible collaborations with The Donut Stand — a soon-to-be neighbor at 22 South Street — and other local establishments.

“We’re looking forward to collaborating with them,” said Daniel.

The brewery’s expansion into Hopkinton was not a foregone conclusion. Daniel, along with his brother and fellow co-founder Cedric, had been on the hunt for several years before the opportunity at South Street presented itself. 

“It kind of just came out of nowhere,” he said. 

“We weren’t actively looking in the greater Hopkinton area,” he added, although he had “heard a lot of great things” about the town.

According to Daniel, a former contractor who had worked on another Rapscallion property put him in touch with Chuck Joseph and Kevin Lobisser, the owners of 22 South Street. 

“They wanted to make sure they really had a tenant there that brought quality food, great hospitality and a reputation of serving the community,” he explained.

Feeling they could meet Joseph and Lobisser’s vision, the owners of Rapscallion pushed forward. Just two months after the initial contact, they signed the lease for their new Hopkinton location. 

“It definitely happened very quick,” Daniel added.

Now comes the work of renovating the space and getting all the necessary paperwork in order. Daniel reported that some work would be done both inside and outside the space, though aspects of the existing layout will remain the same. While the process of getting licenses and permits has not begun yet, he said they are aiming to open the restaurant by Memorial Day.

He also stressed how important the relationship between his brewery and the building owners is. “If you’re going to lease, the relationship you have with the landlord is important these days,” he explained.

“[Daniel] is experienced and has a great reputation, so we’re not anticipating any issues there,” said Joseph.

Added Joseph: “We think they’re going to be a great addition to the community.”