New barbecue fusion restaurant to replace Da Vinci Ristorante

A new restaurant planning to open on Moody Street took a step toward opening with the approval of an alcohol license.

The Board of License Commissioners at its Wednesday meeting heard and approved an application to transfer a 7-day All Alcohol license from Da Vinci Ristorante at 482 Moody St. to a new restaurant called Maple & High that will occupy the same location.

The restaurant will serve brunch, lunch and dinner according to the restaurant’s manager Michael Culpo. Culpo described the restaurant’s cuisine as American with a barbecue twist, something he feels is a unique niche. 

Maple & High executive chef Dan Lane served as the executive chef at Bison County on Moody Street before it closed in 2020. He is currently the executive chef at The Tack Room in Lincoln. Lane said the restaurant will deliver good barbecue and comfort food to help fill the void that Bison County left.