Thursday, June 30, 2016

Precinct 10 Is Opening in Former Hilltop Butcher Shop Space in Weymouth

The person behind three popular restaurants south of Boston is going to be opening a fourth spot, and this one will take over the space where a meat market with a legendary name had been.

The Patriot Ledger is reporting that restaurateur--and retired police officer--Kevin Hynes is planning to open Precinct 10 in Weymouth, with the dining spot moving into the former Hilltop Butcher Shop space on Main Street. The article says that the new eatery will be an upscale family-friendly restaurant with reasonable prices and that it will feature such items as sandwiches, house-smoked meats, seafood, and pasta. If all goes as planned, Precinct 10 could be opening by late November, according to the Ledger.

Hynes's other restaurants include the Inn at Bay Pointe in Quincy and Stockholders in Weymouth, and he has also opened a number of other dining spots that he subsequently sold.

The Hilltop Butcher Shop closed down last December, with the original Hilltop Steak House in Saugus closing back in the fall of 2013; the meat market used to be in Braintree along with another location of the Hilltop Steakhouse, with that restaurant shutting down in 2007 at which point the butcher shop moved to Weymouth.

The address for this new restaurant in Weymouth is: Precinct 10, 116 Main Street, Weymouth, MA, 02188.

[January 5, 2017 update: According to several sources, Precinct 10 is now open, with the restaurant's Facebook page confirming this.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Top Catch at Joe's Waterfront Opens in Boston

A new seafood concept has debuted on the Boston waterfront, and it is located above a popular restaurant near the edge of the North End.

According to a press release, Top Catch at Joe's Waterfront is now open on the second floor of Joe's American Bar & Grill by Christopher Columbus Park, with the dining spot featuring New England seafood fare such as crab tater tots, clam chowder, lobster rolls, pan-seared scallops, fish and chips, broiled haddock, and more. The new eatery, which has views of Boston Harbor from its wraparound windows, has seating for 110 people, a bar and space for private events.

Joe's American Bar & Grill is a local group of restaurants that has locations in the Back Bay, Braintree, Dedham, Framingham, Franklin, Woburn, and Fairfield, CT, along with its waterfront location.

The address for this new spot on the Boston waterfront is: Top Catch at Joe's Waterfront, 100 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website can be found at http://www.topcatchatjoes.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Seafood Dishes from Boston-Area and New England Restaurants]





bfresh to Open in Brighton

A local grocery store that focuses on healthy options is looking to expand, and it will be one of two new outlets coming to the Boston area.

A Twitter post from @alli_rico indicates that bfresh is opening in Brighton, with an earlier tweet from the company confirming this, saying that it will open on Washington Street between Brighton Center and Oak Square. The new shop will join an existing one on Harvard Avenue in Allston along with an upcoming store on Elm Street in Somerville, with the latter hoping to open later this year. (Another location of bfresh in Fairfield, CT, is no longer in operation.)

The company that runs bfresh is the Fresh Formats division of Dutch retailer Ahold, which operates  the Stop & Shop supermarket chain.

The address for this new market in Brighton is: bfresh, 470 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for bfresh is at http://bfresh.com/

[August 19 update: A tweet from @BostonAttitude indicates that the new bfresh in Brighton has its grand opening today at noon.]

[Earlier Article]
bfresh to Open in Somerville's Davis Square

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Not Your Average Joe's in Medford Has Closed

A local chain of restaurants has closed one of its locations.

A message sent from the company indicates that Not Your Average Joe's in Medford closed at the end of business hours yesterday, as its lease was coming to an end and it decided not to renew. The message did say that all employees at the Station Landing location have been offered positions at other outlets. The Medford restaurant had been in business since 2006.

Other locations of Not Your Average Joe's can be found in Acton, Arlington, Beverly, Burlington, Dartmouth, Hyannis, Methuen, Needham. Newburyport, Norwell, Randolph, Seekonk, Waltham, Watertown, Westborough, and Westwood, along with a handful of outlets in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The address for this now-closed location of Not Your Average Joe's was 501 Fellsway, Medford, MA, 02155. The website for all of the restaurants is at http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe to Pop Up in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

A trio of vegan ice cream shops that recently opened a popup store is getting ready to open a second temporary location, and this one could be popular with Red Sox fans.

Eater Boston is reporting that FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe is opening in the Fenway, with an article in Boston Magazine saying that it will be a pop-up shop that will open in the Landmark Center in early July and remain through September (it could stay open beyond September depending on how things go, according to EB). Once it opens, the store will join another popup in Cambridge's Inman Square (which remains open through July) as well as brick-and-mortar shops in the South End, Allston, and Jamaica Plain.

FoMu first started out in Allston in 2012, with the Jamaica Plain and South End shops following; the Cambridge popup debuted last month.

The address for the upcoming pop-up location of FoMu in the Fenway is 201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all of the stores can be found at http://www.fomuicecream.com/

[Earlier Article]
FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe to Open in Boston's South End

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





En Boca Is Opening in Former Sandrine's Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Last spring, we reported that a new dining spot was moving into the space in Cambridge where an iconic French restaurant had been, and now it looks like the place is getting close to opening.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, En Boca is looking to open in the old Sandrine's Bistro space in Harvard Square late this summer, with the Holyoke Street eatery focusing on seasonal small plates using sources in the local area and elsewhere. The post says that the new restaurant will feature wine and cocktails in addition to shareable plates, and that it will "embody comfort, luxury, and small town charm." As mentioned earlier, Classic Restaurant Concepts (the group behind The Asgard and The Kinsale) is behind En Boca, and the job post says that Devin Broo (Bar Boulud, Belfry Inn & Bistro) will be the Executive Chef.

Sandrine's Bistro, which first opened in 1996, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December of 2014 and shut down a few months later.

The address for the upcoming En Boca is 8 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[September 27 update: A press release mentions that En Boca opens its doors on October 4.]

[October 4 update: A source tells us that En Boca now plans to open on Thursday, October 6.]

[October 6 update: A Twitter post from the restaurant confirms that En Boca opens today.]

[Earlier Articles]
En Boca to Open in Former Sandrine's Bistro Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square
Sandrine's Bistro in Cambridge's Harvard Square Declares Bankruptcy, Is Closing

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Monday, June 27, 2016

Benjamin's Restaurant in Taunton Demolished Today

A now-closed landmark restaurant has officially disappeared from the landscape after various proposals for the space--and plans to save the building itself--ended up failing.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Benjamin's restaurant in Taunton was demolished today after it was decided that all viable options for the Bay Street structure ran out. As reported here earlier, an unsuccessful attempt to auction the property took place last September, which was followed by a second auction in January of this year that focused on fixtures, furniture, kitchen equipment, and more. Around the time of the second auction, Mechanics Cooperative Bank filed an application for a demolition permit for the building in case a buyer was not found, then a proposal to replace it with new development was voted down by the city council last month and attempts over a period of at least six months to re-use the structure--possibly by having a new restaurant move in--failed as well.

Benjamin's first opened its doors in 1968 and became a dining destination for many as well as a popular spot for functions and events over the years; the place shut its doors in May of 2015 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The address for the Benjamin's property was 698 Bay Street, Taunton, MA, 02780.

[Earlier Articles]
City of Taunton to Hear Proposal to Replace Benjamin's with Residential Development
Auction for Benjamin's Fixtures, Equipment Being Held; Demolition Permit Application Submitted

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Friday, June 24, 2016

News Elsewhere: Building Housing Antonio's Pizza in Amherst to Go on the Auction Block

The building that a legendary pizza spot in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts calls home is going up for auction.

According to an article in the Amherst Bulletin, Antonio's Pizza on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst will have its building put up for sale at a foreclosure auction on August 16, with the post saying that the reason for the auction is "a breach of the conditions" of the mortgage. It is not yet known what might happen to the pizzeria itself, which first opened in 1991 and is known for its slices with offbeat topping combinations.

Other locations of Antonio's can be found in Belchertown, Easthampton, Worcester, Pawtucket, Providence, Champaign, IL, and College Station, TX.

The address for Antonio's is 31 N Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01002. Its website is at http://www.antoniospizza.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pizzas in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Thursday, June 23, 2016

Fava Bean Mediterranean Opens within CambridgeSide Galleria in East Cambridge

A brand new Mediterranean eatery has opened within a mall in East Cambridge.

Eater Boston is reporting that Fava Bean Mediterranean is now open in the food court of the CambridgeSide Galleria, with the place offering customizable dishes that include a base, protein options, toppings, and sauce/spread. A few of the ingredients available include rice, pita bread, falafel, steak shawarma, chicken kababs, pickles, sumac onions, tahini, and garlic sauce, with side orders including lentil soup, hummus, and more.

The people behind Fava Bean Mediterranean also operate a number of dining spots in Malaysia, according to Eater Boston.

The website for Fava Bean can be found at http://thefavabean.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Intelligentsia Coffee Is Opening Shop in Watertown

It looks like a Chicago-based coffee roaster is opening a shop in the Boston area.

Eater Boston is reporting that Intelligentsia Coffee is planning to open a retail outlet in Watertown and it is now looking to hire for the upcoming store. The coffee roasting company, which is majority-owned by California-based Peet's Coffee & Tea, currently has six locations in Chicago, three in the Los Angeles area, and one in New York City; the shops offer coffee and espresso options, along with some food items including pastries.

Intelligentsia first started out in 1995 on Broadway on the north side of Chicago and is now headquartered on West Fulton Street in the West Town/Near West Side area. Its website can be found at http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/

[June 21, 2017 update: According to a press release, Intelligentsia Coffee in Watertown plans to open to the public on Friday, June 30, with the address being 810 Mt. Auburn Street.]

[July 19, 2017 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that Intelligentsia Coffee officially opened its doors today, and that the retail space is at 810 Mt. Auburn Street while a coffee training lab and sales office is at 818 Mt. Auburn Street.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Heavenly Licks Moves from Melrose to Wakefield

An ice cream shop that had been in business for nearly 30 years until losing its home last fall has reopened a few miles to the north of its old spot.

According to The Passionate Foodie, Heavenly Licks is now open on North Avenue in Wakefield, with this being confirmed by the shop on Facebook. The store lost its home in October of 2015, as the building's owner had other plans for the space, so owner Kara Conley put the shop's equipment into storage and started looking for a new location, with the original plan being to find a new space somewhere in Melrose if possible. The store had been on W Wyoming Avenue since the late 1980s.

The address for the new location of Heavenly Licks is 253 North Avenue, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

[Earlier Article]
Heavenly Licks in Melrose Loses Its Home; Looking for New Location

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Nashoba Valley Winery Owner Faces License Issue That Could Force Restaurant or Winery to Close

A well-known winery west of Boston is going to court over a licensing issue that could ultimately cause at least part of the business to close.

WBUR is reporting that the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) is not going to be renewing all of the licenses for Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton for next year, saying that a Massachusetts business cannot have both a pouring license for a restaurant and a farmer's manufacturing license (in this case, a farmer's winery license). Because of this, owner Rich Pelletier indicates that he would have to either drop the pouring license which would mean that the dining spot on the premises--J's Restaurant--would not be able to sell the farm's wine, or he could drop the farmer's winery license and no longer be able to produce wine. A post from CBS Boston states that if Pelletier is not able to retain both licenses, he may have to close the restaurant around the end of the year--or the winery, according to WBUR--though stopping the production of wine does not seem like a viable option.

Pelletier is now looking to take regulators to court over the licensing issue, but the office of Attorney General Maura Healey is seeking to have the case dismissed because the licenses have not actually been denied for next year as of yet, saying that Pelletier needs to exhaust his "administrative remedies" before going to court. (A hearing on the dismissal is expected to take place June 29.)

Nashoba Valley Winery is a hilltop spot that includes a winery, orchard, tasting area, restaurant, and retail shop; it also hosts functions and events, including weddings, corporate outings, family reunions, private picnics, and more. Its website is at http://nashobawinery.com/

[June 28 update: A new article from WBUR indicates that Governor Charlie Baker is ready to support legal action or legislation that would make sure Nashoba Valley Winery will be able to continue operating as it has been for 16 years without having to choose one license or the other. The post also shows a statement from Treasurer Deborah Goldberg saying that "My office is working with the ABCC, the Attorney General's Office, and legislators on this issue, actively seeking an appropriate solution. I am confident that we will get there very soon."]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Study and Ames Street Deli in Cambridge's Kendall Square Reopen as Study at Ames

A pair of dining spots in Cambridge have merged and now are being run as one restaurant.

According to a press release, Study and Ames Street Deli have reopened after a brief closure, with the two eateries now being under one name--Study at Ames. The new spot will be a counter-service cafe at breakfast and lunch in the Ames Street Deli space while it will be a full-service restaurant at lunch in the Study space, and both spaces will have table service at dinner. (Note: The place will only be open on weekdays.) A few menu items include green garlic soup with lobster stock, a smoked char sandwich with tomatoes and turnip green pesto, a mushroom swiss sandwich, pork loin with yellow beets, and more.

In the fall of 2014, Tse Wei Lim, Diana Kudayarova and Sam Treadway opened both Study and Ames Street Deli; the trio are behind Journeyman and Backbar in Somerville's Union Square.

The address for Study at Ames is 73 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its website can be found at http://73amesstreet.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Building Housing Fuji 1546 Restaurant & Bar in Quincy May Be Demolished

It looks like a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar in Quincy may be losing its home, as the building in which it resides could end up being demolished.

The Patriot Ledger is reporting that three buildings in Quincy Center--including the structure at 1546 Hancock Street, which is home to 1546 Restaurant & Bar--are looking to be purchased by the city for demolition, though real-estate company LBC Boston says it has no intention of selling them to the city at this point in time. In the article, Mayor Thomas Koch says that the properties could be taken by eminent domain, though he would rather purchase them through "friendly takings."

The team behind Fuji 1546 Restaurant & Bar--JP Fuji Group--is opening a new restaurant called Fuji at West of Chestnut, which will be around the corner from the place. (The group also runs B Cafe, Shabu Restaurant, Bistro Chi, Kama Lounge, and YoCha in Quincy, along with locations of Fuji at Somerville's Assembly Row and in Cambridge's Kendall Square, and Shabu & Mein, also in Cambridge.)

The website for Fuji 1546 Restaurant & Bar is at http://www.fuji1546.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Farm and Fable to Close Its Shop in Boston's South End

A vintage cookbook and kitchen shop in the South End of Boston is getting ready to shut down for good, though the business itself will remain in operation.

According to an Instagram post from the place, Farm & Fable on Shawmut Avenue is going to be closing its store, with a "Sip, Shop & Celebrate" event being held this Friday (June 24) and a storewide sale taking place Friday through Sunday, at which point it presumably closes. The post mentions that Farm & Fable will debut an online shop starting in mid-July and that it will also be hosting a series of "pop-in shops" across the country.

Farm & Fable first opened in the fall of 2013.

The address for this soon-to-close store in Boston's South End is: Farm & Fable, 251 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website is at http://www.farmandfable.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Griddler's Burgers and Dogs Has Closed Its Beacon Hill Location

A pair of Boston dining spots featuring hamburgers and hot dogs is now down to one location (for now), as its original shop has shut down.

According to an article in the Patch, Griddler's Burgers and Dogs in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood is now closed, with the post saying that the lease on the Cambridge Street eatery expired. The Patch does say that the Boston Nightlife Ventures (BNV), which runs the dining spot, will be looking to expand the Griddler's brand, and that the shop on Boylston Street across from Boston Common remains in operation.

Griddler's first opened on Cambridge Street in December of 2011, taking over the space where The Federal had once been. The Federal had also been owned by BNV, which currently operates The Tap Trailhouse and Wink & Nod in Boston, and Southern Kin in Somerville.

The address for the now-closed Griddler's Burgers and Dogs in Beacon Hill was 204 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for its remaining location is at http://griddlersburgers.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Burgers from Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Lola 42 to Open at Boston's Fan Pier

A few years ago, we reported that the person behind three restaurants on Nantucket was planning to bring a second location of one of them to Boston's Back Bay. Now we have learned that a location of the dining spot is still coming to Boston, but it will apparently be in another section of the city.

According to a Twitter post from @DGoodison of The Boston Herald, Lola 42 is looking to open at Twenty Two Liberty, a luxury residential building at Fan Pier on the Boston waterfront. A notice from Fort Point Boston confirms this, saying that the upcoming eatery will be introduced to The Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) on June 28. It is not yet known when it might open or how similar it will be to the original Lola 41, an upscale restaurant on Nantucket owned by Marco Coelho which has a sister dining spot called Lola Burger. (Another eatery called Pazzo that was affiliated with the other two spots is no longer in operation.)

Earlier, we had mentioned that Lola 41 was planning to open on Gloucester Street in the Back Bay, but that may have ended up falling through. (We have reached out to Lola to confirm and are waiting to hear back from them.)

The website for Lola 41 on Nantucket can be found at http://lola41.com/

[May 15, 2017 update: Eater Boston states that Lola 42 opens its doors tomorrow (Tuesday, May 16).]

[Earlier Article]
Lola 41 Is Coming to Boston's Back Bay

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Back Bay Beats (B3) Is Opening within Berklee's New Building in Boston's Back Bay

A couple of years ago, we reported that a new restaurant may be coming to a new building that is part of the Berklee College of Music in Boston's Back Bay. Now it appears that this is still happening, and more information has just come out about it.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, B3 is planning to open at Berklee, with the place being a dining and drinking spot that is "inspired by the multicultural diversity of music and the variety of exciting culinary flavors and ingredients found across the world." The post continues, saying that it "will be a fluid space where food is alive with freshness and flavor and music just happens." Earlier, we had mentioned that a proposed restaurant would be moving into the ground floor of Berklee's new 16-floor tower at 160 Massachusetts Avenue and that it could feature live music.

Berklee's new building is located between Belvidere Street and St. Germain Street, just south of where Boylston Street crosses Massachusetts Avenue.

[September 20 update: Eater Boston mentions that the upcoming spot will actually be called Back Bay Beats (B3 for short).]

[February 8, 2017 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that B3 plans to open later this month and that it will offer Southern-style food along with live music.]

[March 2, 2017 update: A press release says that B3/Back Bay Beats opens in less than two weeks and that it will feature live music seven days a week along with Southern-style food that will also have Asian and European influences.]

[March 14, 2017 update: Eater Boston says that B3/Back Bay Beats opens tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15).]

[Earlier Article]
Restaurant May Open in Berklee's New Building in Boston's Back Bay

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Monday, June 20, 2016

51 Lincoln in Newton Highlands to Close for Good This Weekend

A couple of months ago, we reported that an award-winning suburban restaurant had filed for bankruptcy, though it planned to remain in operation. Now we have learned that the dining spot will actually be shutting down after all.

Eater Boston mentions (via bostonchefs.com) that 51 Lincoln in Newton Highlands will close for good after business hours this Saturday (June 25), which follows the shuttering of its sister restaurant--Waban Kitchen--in late March and a subsequent bankruptcy filing for 51 Lincoln a week later. The Lincoln Street eatery first opened approximately eight years ago and was known mostly for its upscale New American fare, with the place receiving various "best ofs" from The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, and Dig Boston, according to its site.

It is not yet known what restaurant--if any--might move into 51 Lincoln's space at this point in time.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant in Newton Highlands is: 51 Lincoln, 51 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA, 02461. Its website is at http://www.51lincolnnewton.com/

[Earlier Articles]
51 Lincoln in Newton Highlands Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
Waban Kitchen in Newton Has Closed

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Mainely Burgers Is Opening in Former Four Burgers Space in Cambridge's Central Square

Last night we reported that a burger place in Cambridge had shut down for good, and now we have learned that another burger spot is moving into the space, with this one having its roots in the food truck business.

According to a license commission general hearing page, Mainely Burgers is planning to open in the city's Central Square area, taking over the space on Mass. Ave. where Four Burgers had been until recently closing. The notice mentions that the upcoming eatery will have seating for 40 inside and another 8 on a seasonal outdoor patio, and that it looks like the place will be open for lunch and dinner daily with counter service offered.

Mainely Burgers is a food truck company that focuses on gourmet burgers; its trucks can be found in Portland and at Scarborough Beach.

The address for the new  brick-and-mortar location of Mainely Burgers is 704 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. Its Twitter page is at https://twitter.com/mainelyburgers

[August 19 update: Eater Boston states that Mainely Burger soft-opens in Cambridge's Central Square today, with a grand opening soon on the way.]

[September 14 update: The Boston Globe confirms what sources have told us, that Mainely Burger is now fully open.]

[Earlier Article]
Four Burgers in Cambridge's Central Square Has Closed

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Burgers from Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Sunday, June 19, 2016

Four Burgers in Cambridge's Central Square Has Closed

It looks like a burger spot in Cambridge has shut its doors for good.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Four Burgers in the Central Square section of the city has decided to close, with the note saying that its last day was looking like either June 15 or June 17; a commenter on the page mentions that the Mass. Ave. eatery has indeed closed--though the closing date was not specified--while phone calls to the dining spot this evening were not going through. The reason given for Four Burgers' closure is that the owner (Michael Bissanti) has "been in the restaurant business for over 25 years....it's time to move on. Also, I always told myself that when I couldn't get excited to go to work in the morning that I'd sell...that's how I've been feeling for quite a while now. So, I'm going to pursue new opportunities and new challenges." It appears that another burger place with a new name and new owner will be taking over the space at some point, according to the Facebook thread.

[June 20 update: A license commission general hearing page says that Mainely Burgers is looking to move into the Four Burgers space.]

Four Burgers first opened in Cambridge in the spring of 2008; a second location opened on Boylston Street by Boston Common in 2011, but it shut down two years later.

The address for the now-closed Four Burgers in Central Square was 704 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Burgers from Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Friday, June 17, 2016

Daddy's Dairy Is Opening in Braintree

An ice cream shop with three locations south of Boston will be opening a fourth, and this one will be just off one of the region's busiest highways.

According to a Facebook post, Daddy's Dairy is planning to open a new location in Braintree, with a comment within the post indicating that it will be located on Union Street a short distance west of the Route 3 intersection, near the entrance to the Marketplace at Braintree (where Best Buy, Staples, Bed Bath & Beyond, and other stores reside). Once it opens, the new shop will join others in Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton, and based on the offerings at those stores, expect to see a variety of ice cream, soft serve, and frozen yogurt options available.

The website for all of the Daddy's Dairy locations can be found at http://www.daddysdairy.net/

[July 27 update: The new location of Daddy's Dairy is one step closer to opening, as the Braintree Forum mentions that the town’s license board has approved of a restaurant license for the ice cream shop, whose exact address will be 120 Union Street. The post says that the place will have seating for 24 (12 inside and 12 outside) and 26 parking spaces.]

[September 5 update: A check on the place indicates that Daddy's Dairy is now open.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Rancatore's Opens within The Pop-Up at The Street in Chestnut Hill

A trio of ice cream shops that started out more than 30 years ago has popped up (literally) in a new space.

According to a press release, Rancatore's debuts today at The Pop-Up at The Street in Chestnut Hill (next to Star Market) where it will remain through August 21. The shop--which is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM seven days a week--offers such flavors as orange fennel, tiger milk, cookie dough, black raspberry, hydrox cookie, chocolate chip, mocha chip frozen yogurt, mango sorbet, and more. The Rancatore's pop-up is the eighth to come to The Street, with previous shops including Kane's Donuts, Alice's Table, The Third Piece and OMG! Bagels.

Rancatore's has been in business since 1985 and currently has locations in Belmont, Lexington, and Newtonville. Its website is at http://rancs.com/

The Street can be found on Boylston Street (Route 9) in Chestnut Hill by the Newton/Brookline border.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Thursday, June 16, 2016

Moat Mountain Brewing Co. in North Conway, NH, Bringing Its Beers to Massachusetts

A restaurant and brewery in New Hampshire that is a popular spot with hikers, skiers, and tourists alike has introduced its beers to the Bay State.

According to a Wicked Local article, Moat Mountain Brewing Co. is now selling four of its beers in Massachusetts--Bone Shaker Brown, East Intervale IPA, Hell Yes, and Single Speed IPL--with Kolsch and Hoffman Weiss possibly coming to the state at some point as well. The business, which is located in North Conway, also includes the Moat Mountain Smoke House, a restaurant that is known in part for its BBQ items along with pub grub and classic American fare.

Wicked Local mentions that Moat Mountain had been selling its beers in 24-ounce cans but now 16-ounce cans are being used for distribution.

The website for Moat Mountain Brewing Co. can be found at http://moatmountain.com/

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]





Frank Anthony's Gourmet Market to Open at Fan Pier on the Boston Waterfront

A new market is on its way to the Boston waterfront, and the person behind it also operates a grocery/convenience store in the North End that has been around for more than a quarter century.

The Boston Herald is reporting that Frank Anthony's Gourmet Market plans to open at 11 Fan Pier (just east of the Moakley Courthouse), with the 2,500-square-foot shop being what owner Frank Scire calls a "21st-century corner market." The article says that Scire also runs Going Bananas, which first opened on Salem Street 28 years ago and offers produce, meats and cheeses, sandwiches, and smoothies.

If all goes as planned, the new Frank Anthony's Gourmet Market should be opening late this summer, according to the Herald.

[December 9 update: Frank Anthony's Gourmet Market is not yet open, but a licensing board page within the City of Boston website indicates that it could be one step closer to opening by next week, as the board will look into the market's request for a common victualler license on Wednesday, December 14.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





New Development That Includes Restaurants Proposed for "Gateway to the North End"

Plans for a new development in one of Boston's most popular neighborhoods for dining have been presented, and it includes the potential for new restaurants.

According to an article in northendwaterfront.com, a development including restaurants, cafes, and retail space has been proposed for Cross Street between Salem Street and Hanover Street in the space housing The Juicery, Citizen's Bank ATMs, Amy's Nails, and the former Bread + Butter cafe. The post says that the site--which is often referred to as the "Gateway to the North End"--would have a main area on the ground floor, a mezzanine on the second floor, and a plaza that could be used for outdoor dining, with the old building currently found at the site being replaced by a brand new one.

The proposal was presented to the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council solely for informational purposes this week, with the Boston Redevelopment Authority expected to receive a formal version of the plans soon.

[August 30 update: The northendwaterfront.com site mentions that a community meeting centering around the proposed development for Cross Street will be held on Thursday, September 1, including a short presentation from the developer followed by a Q&A session.]

[September 12 update: A new post from northendwaterfront.com states that North End residents "vigorously" oppose the Cross Street development plans, in part because the structure "did not have a relationship to the [flavor] of the North End and it looks like it should be located in the Newbury Street area." Other concerns were the usage of the roof deck, the possibility of chains moving in, and issues focusing on the specific design. The article mentions that it looks like the project will be completed by next spring and that Charter Realty and Development will get in touch with residents as needed concerning "changes, tenant selection, and applications for any further licenses."]

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





Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Levend Bagelry Is Opening at the Boston Public Market

A local bagel maker is opening a retail shop within an indoor market in downtown Boston.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, Levend Bagelry will open at the Boston Public Market on Hanover Street by Haymarket Square, with the market's site saying that the shop plans to debut later this month. In the past, Levend has sold its bagels at such spots as the Cambridge Winter Farmers Market, CIC Cambridge, Debra's Natural Gourmet in West Concord, and elsewhere, as well as online; the business is know in part for its organic sourdough bagels along with its house-made cream cheese.

The website for Levend Bagelry can be found at http://www.levendbagelry.com/

[July 8 update: According to a press release, Levend Bagelry is now open within the Boston Public Market.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





New Concept in the Works for Tresca in Boston's North End

It looks like a high-end Italian restaurant in the North End of Boston that is owned by a former Boston Bruins player will have some changes come to the space.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, Tresca is now hiring for its "exciting new concept" that is coming soon, which basically confirms some chatter we heard that a reconcepting might be coming to at least part of the dining spot. Currently, Tresca has a main dining room and bar upstairs, along with a smaller dining area and bar section downstairs, though it is not known for sure whether one or both sections might undergo a reconcept.

Ray Bourque--who was a defenseman for the Boston Bruins in the 1980s and 1990s--is one of the people behind Tresca, which first opened approximately 10 years ago. A quote on the restaurant's website shows that USA Today once called the place "the best athlete-owned restaurant in the east."

The address for Tresca is 233 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at http://trescanorthend.com/

[July 15 update: According to an update on its Facebook page, Tresca now has a new co-owner and chef--Rich Ansara, who has been involved with such places as Amrheins, Meadhall, Telegraph Hill, and the now-closed CF Donovan's and Sauce Trattoria and joins Ray Bourque, who continues on as co-owner. (Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.)]

[July 29 update: Eater Boston gives some info on some of the changes coming to Tresca; the downstairs will become a casual bar section called Cafe 77 at Tresca, with lower-priced pasta dishes and small plates offered, while the upstairs area will be more of a finer-dining section--but the entire restaurant will generally have more of a casual feel to it and while it will remain an Italian restaurant, there will also be some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The article mentions that while some changes are currently being made, the major upgrades will come in early September when the restaurant closes for approximately a week.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pasta Dishes from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Oat Shop Is Opening in Somerville's Davis Square

A dining spot that will apparently be the first of its kind in the region is on its way to Somerville.

Eater Boston is reporting that Oat Shop is planning to open in Davis Square, with the eatery being an oatmeal-based spot offering customized bowls of oatmeal along with an array of hot beverages. The article states that an exact address has not been given for the place as of yet, and it is not known exactly when it might open at this point in time, though EB says it plans to be up and running sometime this fall while the shop's website and social media pages simply say "opening soon."

Currently, no other oatmeal cafes can be found in the Greater Boston area, with Eater mentioning a couple in other parts of the country--one in Mesa, AZ, called The Oatmeal Cafe, and another in the Greenwich Village section of New York City called OatMeals.

The website for Oat Shop will be at http://oatshopboston.com/

[October 13 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Oat Shop will be opening in the old American Bakers Cafe space, with the exact address being 22A College Avenue.]

[January 10, 2017 update: Eater Boston states that Oat Shop is now open.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton and Arlington Considering Third Location

It looks like a pair of Boston-area barbecue joints could be joined by a third location.

An Eater Boston interview with Blue Ribbon BBQ owner Ron Stoloff indicates that he is eyeing potential sites for a new shop that would join the existing restaurants in West Newton and Arlington, with Stoloff saying "Now, we think we're ready for a third store, and we're actively looking for a location." Earlier this month, we had also mentioned that the West Newton shop was possibly going to be expanding into the space next door, though this did not come up in the interview.

Blue Ribbon BBQ first opened on Washington Street in West Newton in 1995, with the Mass. Ave. location in Arlington debuting in 1997. The website for both shops can be found at http://www.blueribbonbbq.com/

[Earlier Article]
Blue Ribbon BBQ Plans to Expand Its West Newton Space

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Article 24 Opens in Brighton

Approximately two years after its plans were first announced, a brand new dining and drinking spot from a local restaurant group has opened its doors.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Article 24 is now open in Brighton, taking over the space on Western Avenue where The Boyne had once been. The post says that the new spot has two levels of dining and offers an eclectic menu with influences coming from various cuisines, along with a full bar featuring an array of cocktails. Weekends will bring live music and DJs to Article 24, and a music-themed brunch will be included as well, according to EB.

The Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Local 149 in South Boston, The Biltmore Bar & Grille in Newton, Biltmore & Main in Reading) is behind the new Article 24, which was originally planning to be called Kitchen Sink, then Local 458.

The address for Article 24 is 458 Western Avenue, Brighton, MA, 02135.

[Earlier Article]
Article 24 to Replace The Boyne in Brighton

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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