Stronger in 2014: Forum Restaurant Recovers From 2013 Bombings And Supports This Year's Marathon Runners

On April 15th, 2013, Forum Bar and Restaurant was ground zero to the horrific marathon day terrorist attacks. The restaurant's staff bravely risked their lives to help the wounded that day, and their building suffered so much damage that it required four months of renovations. Forum Bar & Restaurant finally reopened on August 15, 2013, exactly four months after the attack, with a new chic look and stronger ties to the community.

The restaurant is owned by Boston Nightlife Ventures, Inc., an LLC that also owns Tap Trailhouse, Griddlers and Wink & Nod. Located at 755 Boylston St., it has been one of the Back Bay's favorite upscale cocktail spots since July 2011. However, Forum has increased in popularity since August 2013, with overwhelming support from Bostonians who want to help ease the financial burden of the businesses affected by the Boston Marathon Day Bombings.

Forum was the closest building to the second bomb, so employees saw firsthand the horrific outcome of the attacks. Since that day, Forum has continually supported Boston Marathon victims in a number of ways. Initially, after the bombings, Forum was eager to rebuild just to help Boston achieve "a sense of normalcy again," explained Chris Loper, Forum's General Manager. "We realized opening back up again would make the city more whole."

Loper described Forum's new look as being much more vibrant and airy. The construction last summer was a combination of needed changes and some cosmetic work. The space has new windows, flooring, lighting and the bar is more accessible. Loper also said Forum's four month closure also gave the restaurant time to "hone its skills and refine the menu." Its no wonder that Forum is now busier than ever before.

Last year, Forum hosted a Marathon watch party for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation Team, which had about 10 runners competing in the race. Since that tragic day, Forum's management and staff have become quite close with Joe and Jenn Andruzzi and are excited to once again host their marathon watch party - which will be bigger than ever since the foundation boasts 50 runners in this year's marathon. In fact, Forum is completely booked for this year's Boston Marathon! They hope to open up to the general public for dinner service later in the evening, though - so don't let the crowds dissuade you from visiting.

In addition to building strong ties with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, Forum has been host to many other marathon-related fundraisers. The venue has hosted events for Team Collier Strong and the MGH Marathon Team. And, on the anniversary of last year's marathon, Forum will donate all proceeds from lunch and dinner to the following three groups: Joe Andruzzi Foundation, The One Fund, and to the Boston Fire Department in honor of the two Boyleston Street fireman who lost their lives battling the Beacon Street Fire in March. Forum is now taking reservations for April 15, but space will surely fill up fast, so call now or book on the forum website or via OpenTable.

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.