Friday, August 29, 2014

Cafe Kafofo in East Cambridge Has Closed

A cafe in East Cambridge has closed its doors after being in business for a bit less than three years.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the shop's Facebook page), Cafe Kafofo on Cambridge Street is no longer in operation, with the eatery saying that it closed around the middle of this month. The cafe focused on coffee, with food items such as muffins, croissants, and sandwiches available as well, along with smoothies and tea.

Cafe Kafofo first opened in the latter part of 2011.

The address for this now-closed cafe in East Cambridge is: Cafe Kafofo, 594 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Their website can be found at http://cafekafofo.com/


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Cactus Club in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

A popular Mexican restaurant and bar in the Back Bay of Boston has shuttered, and it appears that this may be a permanent closure, though this has not been completely confirmed as of yet.

Earlier this week, a Twitter poster said that the Cactus Club on Boylston Street  has "shut down for good," with another post wondering if the eating and drinking spot had definitely closed. Subsequent calls to the place have gone unanswered, and a check by @BostonTweet indicates that there is mail outside the door. A nearby business also sent a note today saying that it has "indeed closed," though no other details have been given. While it appears that the Cactus Club has likely left the space, it is not known if there is a chance it may reopen, or possibly move elsewhere; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[August 29 update: A note from the Cactus Club mentions that the restaurant closed because they were not able to negotiate a reasonable rent for the space.]

[September 2 update: The Boston Globe states that the Cactus Club may not be gone forever after all, as its owner is searching for a new space for the restaurant.]

[February 20, 2015 update: According to a licensing board page within the City of Boston website, the Cactus Club is petitioning to transfer its license to the Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront, which is located in the North End.]

The Cactus Club has been in business since the 1980s, featuring Mexican and Tex-Mex food, along with margaritas and other drink options.

The address for this now-closed Mexican restaurant in the Back Bay is: Cactus Club Restaurant and Bar, 939 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Jeanne's Ice Cream Shoppe & More Opens in Wakefield

A new eatery that features ice cream has come to a northern suburb of Boston, taking over the space where a location of a bakery had been.

According to a source, Jeanne's Ice Cream Shoppe & More is now open in Wakefield, moving into the former D'Amici's Bakery site on New Salem Street. (The other locations of D'Amici's in Lynn, Melrose, and Reading remain in operation.) The Facebook page for Jeanne's indicates that the place offers such items as bagels, muffins, sandwiches, hot dogs, Richie's Slush, hot and iced coffee, frappes, and frozen yogurt in addition to Richardson's ice cream, with a few of the ice cream flavors being apple crisp, strawberry and peanut butter cup.

The address for this new spot in Wakefield is: Jeanne's Ice Cream Shoppe & More, 93 New Salem Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeannes-Ice-Cream-Shoppe-More/1539981792901629


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Thursday, August 28, 2014

Tenoch Is Opening in Somerville's Davis Square

The person behind two Mexican restaurants and a food truck in the Boston area is planning to expand once again, with a new location of the eatery slated for one of the busiest parts of Somerville.

The Boston Globe confirms what Eater Boston mentioned earlier, that Tenoch is looking to open on the edge of Davis Square, with the restaurant possibly into the Highland Avenue space where Kickass Cupcakes had been before moving up the street (and ultimately closing).

[May 19, 2015 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that the upcoming Somerville location of Tenoch will not be in the former Kickass Cupcakes spot at 378 Highland Avenue, but in the former M3 space at 382 Highland Avenue instead. (No opening date for the place has been given as of yet.)]

[July 15, 2015 update: Eater Boston states that the new location of Tenoch in Somerville may be opening sometime in August, and that it plans to offer breakfast (and it could serve beer and wine if a liquor license is approved).]

[November 11, 2015 update: Tenoch has not yet opened in Somerville's Davis Square, but it appears to be close to opening, as a Facebook post from this week states that they are "just waiting on a few details."]

[December 14, 2015 update: According to a Twitter post from Boston Globe writer @kcbaskin, the new Tenoch in Somerville's Davis Square opens this Thursday (December 17).]

Currently, locations of Tenoch can be found on Riverside Avenue in Medford and on Lewis Street in Boston's North End, with a food truck also operating as well.

The website for Tenoch is at http://www.tenochmexican.com/


Al's Cafe Is Opening in Woburn

A sandwich shop with two locations in downtown Boston and another in Cambridge's Harvard Square will soon have a fourth outlet, with this one being in a northern suburb.

Eater Boston is reporting that Al's Cafe is opening in Woburn, with the shop coming to the TradeCenter 128 complex near the Route 128/38 intersection. Once it opens (possibly around October 1), the new location of Al's will join existing shops on State Street in Boston's Financial District, South Street in the Leather District, and Mass. Ave. in Harvard Square, and will likely offer soups, salads, and cold and hot subs. The Woburn location of Al's will only be open on weekdays, according to EB.

[December 23 update: A new post from Eater Boston indicates that Al's Cafe is now open in Woburn.]

The address for this new sandwich shop in Woburn is: Al's Cafe, 300 Trade Center, Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for Al's can be found at http://www.alscafes.com/


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Beijing Chinese Dining Has Opened in Lexington

A new Chinese restaurant has come to a northwest suburb of Boston, taking over the space where an Indian eatery had been.

A check on the place a few days ago indicates that Beijing Chinese Dining is now open in Lexington Center, moving into the former Khushboo space on Massachusetts Avenue. Based on posters from the Yelp site, it appears that the dining spot may have actually opened a few weeks ago, and Yelp also shows that the outdoor patio that was used by Khushboo is apparently still in place. The menu within the dining spot's website shows mostly Chinese-American items, along with some more traditional Chinese dishes as well.

Khushboo closed last fall after being in business for approximately 12 years. Other eateries that have been in the space include Stone Soup and Bel Canto.

The address for this new Chinese restaurant in Lexington Center is: Beijing Chinese Dining, 1709 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420. Its website can be found at http://www.beijingchinesedining.com/


Friendly's in Tewksbury Has Closed

A location of a local chain of restaurants and ice cream shops has closed its doors after more than 40 years in business.

The Lowell Sun is reporting that Friendly's in Tewksbury is no longer in operation, having shuttered over the weekend due to its lease expiring. The article mentions that a note out front is referring customers to its shops in Chelmsford and Nashua, while a maintenance worker for the eatery says that it is not yet known what might be moving into the space.

The Friendly's chain, which is based in Wilbraham, went into bankruptcy in the fall of 2011, coming out of it in early 2012 but closing a number of shops both around the time of the bankruptcy and after it, including local outlets in Acton, Bedford, and Billerica.

The Tewskbury location of Friendly's first opened in 1972.

The address for this now-closed restaurant and ice cream shop in Tewskbury was: Friendly's, 759 Main Street (Route 38), Tewksbury, MA, 01876. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.friendlys.com/


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

James Hook & Co. Site in Boston May Be Redeveloped; Store Plans to Stay Put

Last week we mentioned that a landmark seafood store and dining spot on the Boston waterfront was possibly looking to add alcohol to its menu and stay open later. Now we have learned that there are plans in place to develop the site on which it resides, though the shop would continue to operate there.

The Boston Herald is reporting that a developer is working with James Hook & Co. to build a hotel or a residential structure at the Atlantic Avenue site on which it currently resides, with the plan being for the seafood retailer/wholesaler to "maintain an expanded presence in the new development." The article says that the plans will be unveiled sometime this fall, with construction commencing no earlier than the spring of 2016.

According to the article, James Hook is still looking to acquire a liquor license and is also hoping to remain open until 10:00 PM, which repeats what we had reported last Wednesday, though we were told by @UniversalHub that the license request had been withdrawn late last week. (The Herald also says that Hook has proposed setting up a 72-seat outdoor patio.)

[September 8 update: According to a Licensing Board page within the City of Boston website, the liquor license request by James Hook is back, with a hearing on the issue taking place this Wednesday; the note also mentions the outdoor patio as well as the later closing time.]

James Hook & Co. has been in business since 1925.

The address for James Hook & Co. is 440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://www.jameshooklobster.com/

[Earlier Article]
Update: James Hook & Co. in Boston Seeks Liquor License, Later Hours, Then Withdraws Bid


Boston East India Hotels Purchases Stonehedge Inn and Spa in Tyngsboro

An iconic inn, spa, and restaurant north of Boston has been sold, and it looks like it may get a new name.

The Lowell Sun is reporting that the North Andover-based Boston East India Hotels group purchased the Stonehedge Inn & Spa in Tyngsboro earlier this month, with plans in the works to do major renovations to the place and rebrand it as a part of the Troca Hotels group, which has locations in Brunswick, ME, and Goa, India (more properties in New Orleans and Sri Lanka may be added as well at some point). The article says that the Stonehedge name will "most likely" be kept in one form or another, though no details have been given as of yet.

The Stonehedge Inn & Spa, which was first established back in 1988, includes a 180-seat restaurant called the Left Bank that has a fireside bar and lounge and an award-winning wine list with more than 2,200 wines offered.

The address for the Stonehedge Inn & Spa is 160 Pawtucket Boulevard, Tyngsboro, MA, 01879.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Capital One 360 Cafe Opens Locations in Boston's Downtown Crossing, Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A combination cafe/bank continues its expansion in the Boston area, with a second and third location opening their doors.

A press release indicates that Capital One 360 Cafe is now open in the Downtown Crossing section of the city, and a brand new one has also just opened in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline, joining an existing location in the Back Bay that debuted in February. Both spots feature Peet's Coffee, and free Wi-Fi is also offered.

Other locations of Capital One 360 Cafe can be found in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and St. Cloud. The website for the cafes is at http://cafes.capitalone360.com/

The address for the Downtown Crossing location of Capital One 360 Cafe is 129 Tremont Street while the address for the Coolidge Corner location is 1327 Beacon Street.


Frozen Hoagies Is Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Somerville

The people behind a local ice cream sandwich truck are going to be doing what others in the food truck business have done of late--open a brick-and-mortar spot.

Eater Boston is reporting that Frozen Hoagies will soon be opening a permanent shop by Powder House Circle in Somerville (just north of Davis Square and just south of Tufts University), with the place offering ice cream sandwiches made using ice cream from Chilly Cow in Arlington and cookies that they make themselves. A post from the Davis Square Live Journal page indicates that the brick-and-mortar from Frozen Hoagies will be located in the Toni and Ana's Furniture space, which is at 864 Broadway.

No opening date has been given as of yet for the Frozen Hoagies shop; as soon as we find out when it might open, we will post an update here.

[November 18 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that the brick-and-mortar location of Frozen Hoagies opens on Friday (November 21).]

The website for Frozen Hoagies can be found at http://frozenhoagies.com/


Monday, August 25, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending August 22, 2014

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a rock club in Quincy closing, an award-winning deli in Waltham getting ready to expand, and an upscale market possibly coming to Somerville. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a waterfront dining spot in Winthrop, a photo of an old-school lasagna from a Lexington restaurant, and an updated review of a snack shack at the tip of South Boston.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Presidents Rock Club in Quincy Has Closed; New Club to Replace It

Dorchester Brewing Company to Open in 2015

Wings Express in Waltham Has Closed; Moody's Delicatessen and Provisions to Expand into Space

Brothers Marketplace May Be Coming to Somerville's Davis Square

Shake Shack May Be Going Public

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Millie's Kitchen in Winthrop, MA

Photo: Lasagna from Mario's Italian Restaurant in Lexington, MA

Updated Review: Sullivan's in South Boston, MA

Photo: Pastrami Sandwich from Barry's Village Deli in Waban, MA

Photo: Lobster Roll from Sullivan's in South Boston, MA


Spettus Steakhouse in Quincy Has Moved

A Brazilian steakhouse in Quincy has moved to a new home within the city.

A check on the place a few days ago indicates that Spettus Steakhouse is now located on Independence Avenue in South Quincy, having moved from Washington Street just east of the downtown area. Its new space had formerly been home to the Varsity Club, a sports bar that closed several months ago.

Spettus Steakhouse is a rodizio-style restaurant where diners pay a fixed price for samples of meat while also having access to a buffet and salad bar.

The new address for Spettus Steakhouse is 35 Independence Avenue, Quincy MA, 02169. Its website can be found at http://spettussteakhouse.com/


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Cielito Lindo Cocina Mexicana in Beverly Is Closing

This spring we reported that the person behind a couple of restaurants in Beverly was going to open a third dining spot in Arlington. Now we have learned that one of the eateries in Beverly is closing.

According to one of our sources, Cielito Lindo Cocina Mexicana on Cabot Street is shutting down on August 30 after eight years in business, with a Facebook post from the restaurant stating that "we were unable to reach agreeable terms for our current location." It appears that the restaurant could potentially open in another space, as the note goes on to say that they will "keep you all posted on any impending plans on another location nearby."

Taqueria La Victoria remains in operation on Wallis Street in Beverly, while a second location is slated for Medford Street in Arlington Center. (Note: The restaurant appears to call itself both Taqueria La Victoria and La Victoria Taqueria, with the latter name seeming to be used for the upcoming Arlington spot.)

The address for the soon-to-close Cielito Lindo Cocina Mexicana is 150 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

[Earlier Article]
La Victoria Taqueria to Open in Arlington


Stadium Sports Bar and Grill May Be Coming to Natick

A sports bar with three locations in the Greater Boston area is planning to open a fourth, with this one possibly being in an American Legion post space west of the city.

Wicked Local Natick is reporting that the Stadium Sports Bar and Grill is looking to open in the Natick Legion post on West Central Street, which was put on the market earlier this year and has part of the structure set up for a restaurant to move into. The article says that the group behind it is seeking liquor and common victualler licenses to operate there, with the proposed spot potentially joining other locations of the Stadium Sports Bar and Grill in downtown Boston, South Boston, and Quincy. (Another location closed last year in Waltham, while two others that had been proposed for Lynn and Worcester a couple of years back have not yet come to be.)

The address for this planned dining and drinking spot in Natick is 13 W Central Street, Natick, MA, 01760. The website for the existing Stadium Sports Bar and Grill locations can be found at http://www.stadiumbars.com/


River Bar and Kitchen Is Opening at Somerville's Assembly Row

A new restaurant and bar is coming to an open-air complex in Somerville, and one of the founders of a now-gone food truck is involved with the place.

Eater Boston is reporting that Patrick Gilmartin is one of the people behind River Bar & Kitchen, which will open at Assembly Row, a mixed-use development just off Route 93 near the Charlestown line. Gilmartin, who started up the Staff Meal food truck along with Adam Gendreau, will be offering "elevated street food" using seasonal ingredients at the upcoming spot, which will have both a bar and a "culinary bar" as well as a large outdoor patio complete with fire pits. Ken Kelly, who runs such places as Brass Union, Foundry on Elm, The Independent, and Saloon, is the restaurateur behind the upcoming River Bar & Kitchen.

Staff Meal debuted in the spring of 2011 and quickly became an industry favorite, offering an ever-changing menu of inventive meat-oriented dishes. The truck was taken off the streets at the end of the 2012 season and went up for sale in early 2013.

Expect an October opening for River Bar & Kitchen, according to EB.

[September 26 update: The Improper Bostonian mentions that River Bar is still on track to open next month, and that it will offer such items as shrimp chips with black garlic aioli, chorizo Scotch quail eggs, and absinthe frappes. (Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this update to our attention.)]

[November 11 update: Eater Boston states that River Bar is opening its doors tomorrow (November 12).]

The address for this new restaurant and bar in Somerville is: River Bar & Kitchen, 661 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA, 02145. Its website will be at http://www.river-bar.com

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Friday, August 22, 2014

Presidents Rock Club in Quincy Has Closed; New Club to Replace It

A music club in Quincy has closed its doors, though the owner plans to open a new club in its place with a new name.

The Patriot Ledger is reporting that the Presidents Rock Club is shuttered, with posts from the club's Facebook page showing that it is in the process of being renovated. The Ledger article says that owner David Keville is looking to open a new club in the Hancock Street space, with the plan being to go from a rock-only format to one that includes an array of musical genres because the previous format was not "financially sustainable." A new name has not been decided on as of yet, according to the article.

The space where the Presidents Rock Club had been was also home to a couple of other places over the past several years--Bad Abbotts and Texas Saloon.

The address for the former Presidents Rock Club (and new club that is on the way) is 1546 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.


Sorriso in Boston's Leather District to Become Bel Ari

Last year we reported that a pair of upscale restaurants in downtown Boston were being sold, with one of them eventually getting a name change. Now we have learned what its name will be (along with other information on it).

Eater Boston is reporting that Sorriso on South Street is going to become Bel Ari, with the dining spot featuring both classic and modern Italian food "from all over the boot." The article says that the executive chef at the restaurant will be Robert Fathman, who comes from such places as Les Zygomates, Legal Harborside, Grill 23, and others both in the area and outside of the region.

In June of 2013, we wrote that Sorriso and Les Zygomates were being sold, with the sale of both restaurants taking place earlier this year. Les Zygomates remains in operation (and under the same name).

[September 8 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Bel Ari will open on September 18.]

The address for the upcoming Bel Ari is 107 South Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[Earlier Article]
Les Zygomates and Sorriso in Boston's Leather District Being Sold


Dorchester Brewing Company to Open Contract Brewing Facility

The first "dedicated contract brewing facility" in the state of Massachusetts is on its way, and it will be opening in a neighborhood of Boston.

According to a post in New England Brew News, Dorchester Brewing Company plans to open in Dorchester in the summer of 2015, with the business being a place where craft beer brands can brew and package their products at the facility. The article says that the company is looking at a possible site in the Bowdoin/Geneva section of Dorchester, with the space being a spot where brands can bottle, keg, can,  barrel age, and store their beers.

An exact address for the Dorchester Brewing Company's facilities has not been given yet; as soon as we find out where it will be located, we will post an update here.

[November 11, 2015 update: According to a new blog post from the business, the Dorchester Brewing Company officially launched this week, though it will be located at 1246 Massachusetts Avenue near Edward Everett Square rather than the Bowdoin/Geneva neighborhood. (Those plans apparently fell through earlier this year.) The 25,000-square-foot facility--which will include a tasting room that is at least 2,000 square feet in size--will officially open in the spring of 2016.]

[June 30, 2016 update: Nearly two years after first reporting on it, Dorchester Brewing Company has now started producing beer, according to a Facebook post from the place. (Eater Boston mentions that the brewery--which will include a taproom--should open to the public sometime in July.)]

The website for Dorchester Brewing Company is at http://www.dorchesterbrewing.com/


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Update: James Hook in Boston Seeks Liquor License, Then Withdraws Request, Then Brings Back Request, Then Withdraws Request Again

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 22, September 8, and September 10 to reflect new information given.]

It looks like a landmark seafood restaurant and market in Boston is hoping to add alcohol to its menu and it is also apparently looking to stay open later.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via a City of Boston Licensing Board page) that James Hook & Co. on Atlantic Avenue is seeking an All Alcohol License along with a possible closing time of 10:00 PM (it is now open until 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and Saturdays, 6:00 PM on Fridays, and 3:00 PM on Sundays). The board looked into this tonight, so we may have more information by tomorrow or Friday (keep checking back for updates).

[August 22 update: According to a note sent by @UniversalHub, James Hook & Co. has withdrawn its request for a liquor license. It is not known why it was withdrawn, and it is also not known whether the place will continue to seek a later closing time.]

[September 8 update: A Licensing Board page within the City of Boston site indicates that the liquor license request by James Hook is back on track, with a hearing on the issue being held Wednesday; the note also mentions the later closing time as well as a request for a 72-seat outdoor patio.]

[September 10 update: A new note sent by Universal Hub says that James Hook & Co. has withdrawn its request for a liquor license again.]

James Hook & Co. first opened in 1925, offering lobster and other seafood items, including clam chowder, haddock, swordfish, tuna, and more.

The address for James Hook & Co. is 440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://www.jameshooklobster.com/


Spice of Brookline Is Now Giggling Rice

A Thai restaurant in Brookline that opened around the beginning of the year has undergone a name change, and its new name is a rather unusual one.

According to @PatrickMBoston of Maguire Promotions, Spice of Brookline on Beacon Street is now Giggling Rice, with a page on the Town of Brookline site (that appears to have been taken down) saying that the change "stems from another restaurant in Cambridge with a similar name" that "has caused some confusion with their patrons." It appears that the dining spot remains mostly the same, though a poster on Yelp says that there does appear to be a few changes made to the menu.

Spice of Brookline initially took over the space that had been vacated by Han River.

The address for Giggling Rice is 1009 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Szechuan's Dumpling in Arlington Heights Is Under New Management

A Chinese restaurant in Arlington Heights is under new management, though it appears that few, if any, changes will take place.

According to a Facebook post from the restaurant, Szechuan's Dumpling on Mass. Ave. had a change of management apparently as of today, repeating what a Chowhound poster had said earlier. (Another poster on the CH page mentioned that it would be closing, but this does not appear to be true, though this poster also says something about the original owner moving to Londonderry, NH, which we are trying to confirm.) The Chowhound poster who mentioned the change of management also says that "the cooks will remain the same," so it appears that the restaurant may be continuing as is (we will try to find out for sure over the coming days).

[August 20 update: According to multiple sources, including another poster on Chowhound, Szechuan's Dumpling will be closed for the next two weeks.]

[August 22 update: According to a brief note in the Arlington Advocate, the menu at Szechuan's Dumpling is going to be changing, though it is not yet known what kinds of changes will be made.]

[September 24 update: A poster on the Chowhound site says that Szechuan's Dumpling has reopened with little in the way of changes made to the space, though (as mentioned earlier) with changes made to the menu.]

Szechuan's Dumpling first opened in February of 2013, moving into the space where Jade Garden had been.

The address for Szechuan's Dumpling is 1360 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.


Kane's Donuts to Open in Boston's Financial District

A few months ago we reported that a landmark donut shop north of Boston was looking to expand. Now we have learned that its expansion plans apparently include a brand new location in the heart of downtown Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Kane's Donuts in Saugus is going to be opening a shop somewhere in Boston's Financial District, with one of EB's sources indicating that it could be coming to High Street near where it intersects Pearl Street. No specific opening date has been given as of yet, but it looks like the new location of Kane's might open this fall.

[September 10 update: A new article in the Boston Business Journal indicates that Kane's Donuts might not be coming to High Street after all, with the article saying that they are "looking at a number of spaces in Boston, including a small space in the lobby of International Place, the twin towers overlooking the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway." As soon as we can confirm where exactly they will be opening, we will post another update here (the BBJ says that new info on this might not be coming until October).]

[December 19 update: According to a post from The New England Travel and Vacation Gazette, the new Kane's in downtown Boston could be opening as soon as mid-January, though it appears that February may be a more reasonable estimate.]

[March 17, 2015 update: Based on posts within its Twitter page, Kane's was handing out samples of its donuts in its downtown location this morning, though it has not "officially" opened yet.]

[March 18, 2015 update: The Boston Globe states that Kane's is now officially open in downtown Boston.]

Kane's first opened its doors on Lincoln Avenue in Saugus back in 1955, featuring an array of donuts as well as croissants, cupcakes, muffins, danish, turnovers, and coffee rolls (which is perhaps its signature item). Its website can be found at http://www.kanesdonuts.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kane's Donuts in Saugus May Be Expanding


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Moody's Delicatessen and Provisions Is Opening The Backroom in Former Wings Express Space

An award-winning deli and specialty food shop in Waltham is expanding into the space where a wings spot had been.

A Twitter post from @ryangrannand (via information from @CouncilW9) indicates that Wings Express on Moody Street is no longer in business, with Moody's Delicatessen and Provisions taking over the space. According to @CouncilW9, the expansion will allow Moody's to have more seating. Last year we reported that the Wings Over chain was looking to take over the Wings Express space, but that fell through and Wings Express continued in operation up until now. Based on a Twitter note from @brandnewwatch, it looks like Wings Express may have shuttered over the past few days.

Moody's Delicatessen and Provisions first opened its doors last fall and has since received a number of accolades, including a "Best Of" award from Boston Magazine this year.

The address for the former Wings Express space was 464 Moody Street, while the address for Moody's is 468 Moody Street. The website for Moody's can be found at http://moodyswaltham.com/

[August 20 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Moody's expansion will give the spot a capacity of up to 50, with the space having a full bar with 16 seats and an "island of slicers." The article also says that owner Joshua Smith plans to set up a 10,000-square-foot food manufacturing facility somewhere in the nearby area that will ultimately allow Moody's to distribute its foods to dining spots around the country.]

[December 10 update: It looks like the new "restaurant" section of Moody's is getting close to opening, as a post within the jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site indicates that it is now hiring for cook positions. In addition, an Instagram photo from this week shows a picture of the outside of the former Wings Express space, with a note saying "We have a storefront."]

[February 5, 2015 update: According to a new post within the jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site, the expanded space at Moody's will be a wine bar that features a wood-fired oven, with the restaurant/bar being open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.]

[March 20, 2015 update: A new article in Boston Magazine mentions that the new concept from Moody's--which will be called The Backroom--plans to open April 8.]


Brothers Marketplace May Be Coming to Somerville's Davis Square

It looks like a local supermarket chain could be opening a location of its upscale neighborhood market concept in one of the busiest parts of Somerville.

Cambridge Day is reporting that Wellesley-based Roche Bros. is hoping to bring Brothers Marketplace to Davis Square, with the grocery store looking to move into the Social Security building space at 240 Elm Street, which has been empty for several years. If approved, the market--which focuses on "fresh foods and regional artisan products" along with "all the favorites needed for a full grocery shopping experience"--would be the third of its kind, with others being found in Weston and Medfield. A community meeting will take place on the proposed grocery store on September 10.

Over the past couple of years, both World of Beer and Boston Beer Works have showed interest in the Elm Street space, but plans for both ended up falling through.

The website for Brothers Marketplace can be found at http://www.brothers-marketplace.com/


Monday, August 18, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending August 15, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a landmark South End restaurant announcing that it will close, a Somerville eatery being seized by the state, and location of a popular group of seafood restaurants closing for approximately a year. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a restaurant in Dorchester, an updated list of closings and openings for August (so far), and a photo of a donut from a Somerville shop.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Boston Beer Works to Open Location in Former Watch City Brewing Co. Space in Waltham

Hamersley's Bistro in the South End of Boston Is Closing

M3 in Somerville's Davis Square Has Been Seized by the State

Legal Sea Foods to Close Its Prudential Center Location Due to Construction; New Location Likely

Blackbird Doughnuts Is Coming to Boston's South End

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Ashmont Grill in Dorchester, MA

Photo: Meatball Sub from Tommy Floramo's in Chelsea, MA

Restaurant Closings and Openings for August, 2014 (So Far)

Photo: Maple Bacon Donut from Union Square Donuts in Somerville, MA

Photo: Burger from Cabot's Ice Cream and Restaurant in Newton, MA


Yumm Bai Food Truck Is On Its Way to the Boston Area

Yet another new food truck is planning to debut in the Boston area, and this one will feature food items found in Southeast Asia.

Eater Boston is reporting that Yumm Bai is looking to hit the streets soon, with the mother and daughter who will run the truck offering Cambodian fare, including  "Ma's Egg Rolls," with the egg rolls made fresh each day. Based on the truck's menu, expect to see such items as chicken skewers, prawn chips, lo mein, and shrimp fried rice in addition to the egg rolls.

According to EB, a Tweet from last month said that Yumm Bai could be opening sometime in August, while more recent pictures posted on its Facebook page show that the truck appears to be almost ready to hit the road.

[August 22 update: According to a post from UrbanDaddy, the Yumm Bai food truck is hoping to debut sometime next week.]

The website for Yumm Bai can be found at http://www.yummbai.com/


Zest Mediterranean Grill Opens in Boston's Back Bay

A new Mediterranean restaurant has opened on the western edge of Boston's Back Bay, replacing a location of a hot dog spot that closed this spring.

A Twitter post from Drew Starr mentions that Zest Mediterranean Grill is now open on Boylston Street, taking over the former Spike's Junkyard Dogs spot (Spike's has since consolidated operations to their location on Brighton Avenue in Allston). Based on Drew's post as well as a review within the Yelp site, it looks like Zest is a quick-service spot that offers shawarma and falafel, with dishes made via what the Yelp poster says is "a Chipotle-style assembly line."

The address for this new restaurant in the Back Bay is: Zest Mediterranean Grill, 1076 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Shake Shack Is Going Public

A New York-based burger and shake place that has two (and soon, three) locations in the Boston area is planning to offer shares of stock along with its food and drink.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Shake Shack is looking to go public, with an IPO in the works, though the majority owner of Shake Shack (Union Square Hospitality Group LLC) has not yet commented on this, nor has a Shake Shack spokesperson (and the sources have requested that they not be identified because the deliberations that are taking place are private). The article says that the sources say Union Square Hospitality Group has been talking with investment banks of late to appoint underwriters for the stock offering.

[August 22 update: The Orlando Sentinel mentions (via sources who are familiar with the proposal) that JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have been picked to lead the planned IPO for Shake Shack, which could happen as early as this year. (Thanks to @FoodserviceEast for bringing this to our attention.)]

[January 30, 2015 update: Eater Boston states that Shake Shack went public today, with its stock going from an IPO of $21 to as high as $50 per share as of this morning. (EB also says that the IPO is worth $1 billion.)]

Shake Shack, which is expected to earn approximately $20 million next year, has location in Cambridge's Harvard Square and in Chestnut Hill, with a Back Bay shop being in the works as well. Other locations can be found in the New York City area along with Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and overseas. (Its website is at http://www.shakeshack.com/)


Update: Biryani Park in Malden Is Reopening as Suvaai in North Cambridge

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 19 to reflect new information, including a new name for the place.]

It looks like a Sri Lankan restaurant that closed in Malden earlier this year is reopening in North Cambridge.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Biryani Park is getting ready to reopen in the Mass. Ave. space where Curry N Wok had been until closing several weeks ago (and before that, Copacabana, Garden of Eat-In Pizzeria and Good Food Cafe). The Facebook page for the eatery seems to confirm this, with the address showing that it will be located in that space, though an earlier note on the storefront from Curry N Wok had said "We are closed. Working on the new concept. We will update the opening date soon." A Facebook post from Biryani Park indicates it will be opening this Wednesday.

[August 19 update: According to a note sent from Rich O's Ravings (and confirmed by The Boston Globe), the new restaurant in North Cambridge is not called Biryani Park after all; the owner of Biryani Park is calling it Suvaai, with the eatery focusing on South Indian cuisine.]

Biryani Park first opened on Route 99 in Malden back in the summer of 2011. The restaurant closed in January, though its food truck is still running.

Suvaai is located at 2378 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[Earlier Articles]
Curry N Wok in North Cambridge Has Closed; New Concept on the Way
Biryani Park in Malden Has Closed


Friday, August 15, 2014

Woo Ri Is Replacing Manna House in Arlington Center

A Korean restaurant in Arlington Center has closed, and it looks like it will be replaced by another Korean dining spot.

A check on the place this week indicates that Manna House on Medford Street is no longer in business, with signs posted out front saying that a Korean fusion restaurant called Woo Ri is slated to move in at some point. It is not yet known whether the new eatery will be under the same ownership as the old place, nor is it known at this point in time when exactly it might open.

[October 2 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Woo Ri is now open, with another poster saying that it is apparently under different ownership from that of Manna House, but that the new owners are friends of the owners of the now-closed eatery.]

Manna House first opened in the summer of 2007 as a Japanese and Korean spot called Manna Sushi, eventually changing its name and putting more of a focus on Korean fare. Other restaurants have also been in the space, including a Mongolian place called Kong Luh and an Indian eatery called Bombay Classic, which was eventually replaced by Manna.

The address for the now-closed Manna Sushi (and new Woo Ri) is 9 Medford Street, Arlington, MA, 02476.


Del Sur Is Opening in Burlington

A fast-food place that focuses on empanadas is on its way to a northern suburb of Boston.

The Daily Times Chronicle is reporting that Del Sur is going to be opening in Burlington, with the Cambridge Street spot being mainly a takeout place with seating for nine. The article says that fresh empanadas will be the focus here, though it is not yet know whether they will offer anything else on their menu. Del Sur was recently given the green light by the Burlington Planning Board, and it looks like the eatery could be opening in the fall, according to the Daily Times Chronicle.

[April 9, 2015 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site, it looks like Del Sur may be opening during the week of April 22, and that it will be a small fast-food spot using fresh, natural, organic and locally-sourced ingredients. In addition, an earlier meeting minutes page within the Town of Burlington website indicates that it will be a Chilean restaurant.]

[May 21, 2015 update: A new post on Chowhound indicates that Del Sur is now open.]

The address for this new fast-food spot in Burlington is: Del Sur, 390 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



New Restaurant Coming to Club Passim Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A couple of months ago we reported that a vegetarian dining spot in Cambridge's Harvard Square was going to be leaving the space that it shares with a landmark music club. Now we have learned that another eatery will be coming to the site.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, a new restaurant is on its way to Club Passim on Palmer Street, with the place offering small plates, desserts, beer, and wine before and during the shows. It is not yet known if the restaurant will have a name, or whether it will be incorporated into the Passim name; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Back in June it was announced that Veggie Planet would be saying goodbye to the Club Passim space, and earlier this week we learned that its last official day August 17. The people behind the eatery will continue to operate their other spot--Veggie Galaxy on Mass. Ave. in Central Square.

[August 18 update: According to the Club Passim site, Veggie Planet is indeed closed, with the upcoming restaurant within the space offering local foods, small plates, and desserts. The new menu should be available in approximately two or three weeks, which is the expected renovation time for the kitchen; in the meantime, Passim will serve pre-prepared and packaged foods, along with beer, wine, cider, and nonalcoholic beverages.]

[March 2, 2015 update: Cambridge Day states that Passim's new restaurant should be in place sometime this month, and that Brandon Arms of the now-closed Garden at the Cellar will be heading up the kitchen with "globally inspired New American cuisine" offered.]

[March 23, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new restaurant at Club Passim (called The Kitchen at Club Passim) is debuting this evening.]

The address for Club Passim is 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at http://www.clubpassim.org/

[Earlier Article]
Veggie Planet in Cambridge's Harvard Square to Close; Club Passim to Remain Open


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Olea Cafe in Brookline Village May Be Reopening

It looks like a now-closed dining spot in Brookline Village could be reopening, with what appears to be a different menu.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Brookline Beacon) that the Board of Selectmen approved of license transfers for Rafael Pieretti of Newton to reopen Olea Cafe, with extensive renovations being made and the eatery featuring a modern Italian menu that would include bruschetta, panini, and pasta as well as beer and wine. (The original restaurant offered breakfast dishes, salads, wraps, panini, coffee, and tea, along with a few Mediterranean items.) The original Olea first opened in 2011, moving into the space where a location of Sandwich Works had been, but it closed its doors sometime over the past few months.

The address for Olea Cafe is 195 Washington Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Mrs. Jones in Dorchester's Lower Mills Could Reopen If a Buyer Is Found

We recently reported that a Southern-style soul food eatery in Dorchester had shut its doors. Now we have learned that it could be reopening, though it depends on whether a buyer can be found for it.

The Dorchester Reporter states that the now-closed Mrs. Jones on Dorchester Avenue in Lower Mills could return under new management, but it needs someone to purchase the place. The article says that the owner of the dining spot had to close the place due to health issues, but has asked the landlord to act as a broker to find someone to buy it. At least 20 prospective owners have been interviewed so far, according to the Reporter, with the plan ultimately being to keep it as a soul food spot.

Mrs. Jones had been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as a restaurant to go to for such items as corn bread, macaroni and cheese, deep-fried turkey, brisket, pork chops, and more. The review can be found below:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/MrsJones.html

The address for Mrs. Jones is 2255 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Mrs. Jones in Dorchester's Lower Mills Has Closed