Company History

Back Bay Restaurant Group was founded by Charles F. Sarkis, a lifelong restaurateur with a passion for hospitality.  His first restaurant opened in 1964, Boraschi's Villa in Boston's Back Bay. 

In the years to follow, Sarkis opened several concepts including Joe's American Bar and Grill, Charley's Eating and Drinking Saloon, and its most successful concept to date, Abe & Louie's.  Abe & Louie's is Boston's very own homegrown steakhouse and since its opening has recieved high media praise including two Best of Boston awards for "Best Steakhouse" by Boston Magazine. 

In 2011, Sarkis personally selected Tavistock Restaurants (www.tavistockrestuarants.com) to carry on his 47-year legacy.  Tavistock Restaurants acquired 19 locations and five brands including Abe & Louie's, Atlantic Fish Company, Charley's, Coach Grill and Joe's American Bar and Grill. The Papa Razzi brand and 14 locations continued to be owned by Sarkis.