Red Rock reduced to rubble

SWAMPSCOTT – The walls of Red Rock Bistro came down Friday as owners plan to bring a new look to the landmark restaurant.Owners Robert Hoffman, Wellington Augusto and Martin Bloom, who bought the restaurant from the Peterseil family last year, are expanding the layout and including a rooftop terrace to take advantage of the view of the Boston skyline over the water.Bloom is founder of – and Hoffman a partner in – the Vinny Testa?s restaurant chain. Augusto is owner of Newburyport restaurant Mission Oak Grill.Town Moderator Joe Markarian said though he?s heard complaints from residents that the building?s new size will impede parking on Humphrey Street, “if it?s a nice design, people might be receptive to it.” He said that the restaurant is the “signature” welcoming view for the town, seen from drivers as they cruise along Lynn Shore Drive.?They own other restaurants, they have a history in the business and they have a plan, so I?m thinking it could be an improvement over the building there,” said Markarian of the owners.The restaurant became Red Rock Bistro 15 years ago when Peter Peterseil turned it into an upscale eatery, with adjacent Lime Rickey?s for ice cream, pizza and sandwiches. It was originally called Doane’s before it became Dale’s, and eventually Red Rock Bistro.Bloom reported in early March that he and his business partners have not yet settled on a name for the new restaurant, and said the menu is likewise still a work in progress.?It?s going to be a brand new concept, but we?re still figuring out what that will be,” he said, adding, however, “We will be adding an oyster bar and the menu will be more seafood-oriented; it will be American cuisine.”Bloom said renovations will make the landmark look “completely different,” noting that Red Rock Bistro?s layout was “too chopped up and (the floor layout) didn?t flow.”Markarian said the renovation of the restaurant could encourage the town to find new ways to improve parking on Humphrey Street, with options such as demolishing the vacant Burrill Street police station and senior center to create space.