The Stockyard Restaurant History

In 1742, Brighton Market, located near Boston, held the first meat auction in the colonies. This moment positioned Boston as the new center of colonial America’s meat trade. In mid-1776 the Brighton Cattle Market helped provision General Washington’s troops. The British had just evacuated Boston, and the army of New England then headquartered in and around the liberated city was in desperate need of provisions of all kinds.

The cattle trades, launched in 1776, quickly transformed the agricultural village of Little Cambridge (Brighton) into a thriving commercial center. The selling and processing of cattle became the economic mainstay of town for more than a century, profoundly influencing virtually every aspect of Brighton’s economic, political and social development. The Stockyard restaurant was established in 1972 by the late Cornelius “Neil” Manning and his wife Lillian. The Mannings built and named this restaurant Stockyard, as this site was in the area of the Brighton Cattle Industry and Stockyards. Adding to the 51 years of Stockyard history is the infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone’s original bar, which occupies the foyer and private Tavern room.

In July of 2012, the Manning brothers, who operated the restaurant after their late father, sold the Stockyard to Michael Conlon, a Brighton local. In 2013 Valentine’s day Stockyard re-opened and now we are celebrating our 11th anniversary this year. Thanks to all for your continued loyalty and support.