Bison County Not Coming Back

Published by Chris Wangler- October 30, 2020.

After closing due to COVID and not reopening, Bison County at 275 Moody is gone.

A young couple will transform the space into a spicy Sichuan restaurant called Taste House Restaurant.

Yi Yong Lin and his wife Tina bought the business and the property.

Yi Yong Lin (right) and his wife plan to open Taste House Restaurant in the former Bison County space. Shown with attorney Meihuei Hu at Thursday's license commission meeting.

 
Lin and his attorney appeared before the city’s license commission on Thursday to transfer Bison County’s common victualer license and a 7-day all-alcohol license.

A chef for 20 years, Lin described the restaurant concept as “more cozy” Chinese, not quick take out.

There’s no open date yet as the couple finalize their proposal for the 63-seat restaurant.

For Bison County, it’s the end of an era for “one of the city’s oldest, most celebrated and award-winning dining destinations.”

Founded back in 1995 and serving “southern inspired comfort food,” Bison County was one of two BBQ meccas on Moody Street. The other, Jake’s Dixie Roadhouse, closed nearby in 2010.

When COVID hit, Bison County closed its doors in March and never reopened.

Owner Adam Rubin was only 29 when he opened the place. His sons ended up working there, and he spoke fondly of all the support he received from Waltham.

“It’s so rare that a restaurant survives for 25 years,” he said. “Without support from the city and our awesome customers we couldn’t have done it.”