As home to several prestigious institutions like Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge welcomes a diverse population, which is reflected in its rich food scene. Restaurants in the city offer a wide range of dining options and serve cuisine from all over the world. While the dishes served by these establishments vary, they all have something in common: they are built by some of the best restaurant contractors in Cambridge, Massachusetts, each of which is included in our list below. These firms are all known experts on how to effectively execute the fusion of innovative design concepts with various cultural influences. They ensure that patrons, owners, and workers are able to relax, enjoy, and be fulfilled with the environment.

Corderman & Company, Inc.

9 Channel Center St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02210

Corderman & Company, Inc. is a construction management firm founded in 2002 by David Corderman, a 25-year industry veteran. Through partnerships with diverse market sectors, it has successfully constructed millions of square feet of commercial space throughout New England. This includes projects in the academic, nonprofit, banking, corporate, healthcare and sciences, hospitality, legal, and retail sectors. Across all markets, it is renowned for its focus on providing excellent customer service as well as its dedication to loyalty, openness, sincerity, and integrity. The firm’s recent placement in the Boston Business Journal as the 68th largest private company in Massachusetts attests to these strong values.

The firm recently renovated Yoki Japanese Restaurant & Bar in a comprehensive overhaul of the space, which included selective demolition, the installation of non-structural partitions, flooring and paint upgrades, new restroom finishes, ceiling tile installation, and new decorative lighting. This gave the restaurant a fresh new look that is both modern and inviting. It now has a brighter, more spacious interior that reflects the restaurant’s Japanese heritage.

Cafco Construction Management, LLC

77 Charles St. South, Boston, MA 02116

For more than 35 years, Cafco Construction Management has provided services to Greater Boston and its surrounding areas. It offers general contracting and construction management services to different sectors, including restaurant, hotel, entertainment, retail, and academic development. The firm works with clients in a collaborative manner to help develop their ideas, carefully guiding them from conception to implementation. This strategy aids clients in making thoughtful choices and helping them properly allocate their budget to the areas they value the most.

Serving as Cafco’s president is Adam Amontea, who has over 18 years of experience in the construction industry and has previously worked as a carpenter, superintendent, and project manager, making him knowledgeable in all facets of construction. Amontea is known for his strong relationships with key stakeholders, his hands-on management style, his dedication to guiding his team, and his commitment to exceeding client expectations.

Commodore Builders, Inc.

695 Atlantic Ave., 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02111

The goal of Commodore Builders is to make the building process simple and enjoyable, so it asserts that the quality of the process is just as significant as the finished product. In order to manifest this, the firm anticipates and controls the risks associated with construction while producing an exceptional experience and outcome, from project inception to close-out and warranty. Customers value this approach, a fact which has led most of the firm’s projects to come from repeat customers. In 2023, Commodore won the New Construction Project Award from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for projects under $100 million and was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by the Boston Business Journal, both of which are testaments to its high quality work.

The Bristol Lounge Bar Area at the Four Seasons Hotel was renovated by the Commodore team within a month. The scope of the project included refinishing and repairing the back bar, inputting new lighting, installing Tambour rolling shutters, and painting the ceilings and niches throughout the restaurant. The bar top, drink rails, and backsplashes were also replaced, and new wood, brass, and glass finishes were added. Throughout the rehabilitation, the hotel was fully occupied and operational, requiring the firm to keep close coordination with managers and personnel to minimize disruptions.

Ashling, Inc.

258 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144

Primarily serving Boston and the surrounding neighborhoods, Ashling, Inc. is one of the most reputable firms in the area providing restaurant and retail development. It was founded in 2003 by Thomas Clark, who has over 35 years of experience in the industry. Since then, the firm has delivered over 200 projects, ranging from independent restaurants to multi-unit regional concepts. It has a team of highly skilled professionals who are experts in all construction disciplines, including project management, supervision, estimating, and permitting. They utilize their talent and experience to create mountainous construction projects with modest effort. Various publications, such as Forbes, Patch, Solar Builder, and Renewable Energy Magazine, frequently feature the firm’s efforts in recognition of its excellence.

The firm was behind converting an old shoe store into a vibrant 360-seat American brasserie and jazz club. Its most significant challenge was to create a layout that would accommodate the mechanical systems, which were limited by the nine-foot clearance from the concrete floor to the concrete ceiling. Further, the kitchen layout required hand-excavating 400 linear feet of plumbing trenches through concrete slabs that weighed over 30 tons, as well as removing two concrete bearing walls. In its renovated form, the Beat Hotel now serves as a Harvard Square original, characterized by its quirky decorations of outsider art, found objects, and sculptures.

Haycon, Inc.

35 Batchelder St., Boston, MA 02119

Founded in 2006, Haycon, Inc. is run by Patrick Haydon and David Bemiss, who have over 35 years of combined expertise. With their guidance, the Haycon team gives clients the experience of a small business while possessing the capacity, levels of knowledge, and project accounting found in larger companies. Along with general contracting and design, Haycon, Inc. concentrates on energy efficiency and sustainability by specializing in high-performance and Passive House construction. Clients may anticipate a personalized approach to their project and the assurance that comes from working with a business with a successful track record. Testaments to the firm’s excellence include the numerous awards it has received, such as the Preservation Massachusetts’ Paul E. Tsongas Award and the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award.

Highlighted here is one notable project completed by the firm. Root Cafe is a popular spot for Boston’s college students wanting to indulge in various vegetarian dishes. The firm achieved the owner’s request to create a space that reflects the cafe’s character while emphasizing comfort and environmental consciousness. It is filled with thoughtful finishings and unique shelving solutions. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the perfect place to unwind or catch up with friends.