Conrad’s Opens in Historic Former Theater Building-This Day In Norwood History-April 7, 2002

Conrad’s, located at 728 Washington Street, brought new life to one of Norwood’s most recognizable downtown buildings when it opened in 2002. The substantial brick structure, built in 1911 and adorned with cement comedy‑and‑tragedy masks, once housed the Premiere Theater, later the Guild Street Theater, and more recently a branch of Union Warren Savings Bank.
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Owner Bobby Conrad, a nine‑year Norwood resident, transformed the former performance space into a 270‑seat family‑oriented restaurant. The kitchen occupies the old stage—complete with original theatrical lighting—while the former projection booth now serves as Conrad’s office. Conrad closed his nearby sports bar, Conrad’s II, to focus on the new venture, partnering with cook Gary DeVincentis, formerly of The 621 in Malden.
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The restaurant features a formal dining room, a glassed‑in atrium, and a 75‑seat private‑function room. A dark‑wood oval bar anchors the space, equipped with five built‑in televisions, while nearby booths include individual mini screens connected to multiple satellite feeds.
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On a busy Friday evening, diners found the bar area decorated with nostalgic sports‑themed shadow boxes. Salads accompanied all entrées, with the grilled chicken Caesar proving the most satisfying. Homemade onion rings were lightly battered and greaseless, and a thick, tender prime rib was served with mushroom au jus and rice pilaf.
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A broiled seafood platter—featuring stuffed shrimp, scallops, and breaded haddock—was fresh and lightly prepared. Chicken sauté dishes, including a Marsala with mushrooms and prosciutto, offered generous portions and vegetarian flexibility.
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Conrad’s pizzas earned high praise, especially the thin‑crust veggie pie loaded with fresh toppings and the grilled shrimp scampi pizza with broccoli, tomato, garlic, and mozzarella. Desserts, though not made in‑house, included a rich chocolate cake and a creamy New York‑style cheesecake.
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“I wanted to open a place where I could bring my two young children,” Conrad said of the clean, family‑friendly restaurant. By all accounts, he succeeded.
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Source: 2002 newspaper review