Friday, December 30, 2016

Bobby's Burger Palace in Burlington Has Closed

A local burger spot that a celebrity chef and Food Network personality opened four years ago has very quietly closed.

According to a source, Bobby's Burger Palace at the Burlington Mall in Burlington is locked up with the windows papered over, with a post from Burlington Cable Access Television confirming that it has indeed shut down, saying that the Burlington Mall website mentions it closed for good on Wednesday. It is not known why the dining spot closed, nor is it known what might go into its space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Bobby Flay is behind the Bobby's Burger Palace chain, which opened its Burlington outlet in January of 2013; a total of 17 locations can be found mostly on the East Coast, including one at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

The website for Bobby's Burger Palace can be found at http://www.bobbysburgerpalace.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]





Chilacates in Jamaica Plain Is Opening in Former Pink Samurai Space

It looks like a taqueria that debuted in Jamaica Plain last year is opening a second location nearby--and it will also be expanding its original location.

According to a source within the restaurant industry, Chilacates on Amory Street is planning to open in the space on Centre Street where Pink Samurai had briefly been, and it will be increasing the size of its current space as well. We have also been told that a third location could be in the works for Dedham, but this has not been confirmed as of yet.

Chilacates first opened in the summer of 2015, offering such items as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and tortas. Pink Samurai, whose plans were first announced in the summer of 2015 as well, never really got off the ground, opening very briefly in September of this year before shutting right down again.

The address for the original location of Chilacates is 224 Amory Street, while the address for the upcoming location is 658 Centre Street.

[February 25, 2017 update: The Jamaica Plain News states that the new location of Chilacates opens today.]

[Earlier Article]
Pink Samurai in Jamaica Plain Closed, Windows Papered Over; Exact Status Unknown

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]





Craft Beer Cellar Opens in Renovated Substation in Roslindale January 14

Last year, we reported that a growing group of specialty beer stores was planning on opening in an historic location in Boston. Now we have learned that the shop is just about ready to open.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Craft Beer Cellar is opening in the renovated substation in Roslindale Village on January 14, with a ribbon cutting and tastings taking place that day, along with live entertainment from Keytar Bear. The new shop joins a number of others in the Greater Boston area, including the original store in Belmont Center.

The Roslindale substation, which is more than a century old, will also be home to Third Rail, a new dining spot from local restaurateur Chris Douglass (Ashmont Grill, Tavolo).

[Earlier Article]
Craft Beer Cellar Plans to Open in Former Substation in Roslindale

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Thursday, December 29, 2016

Trillium Brewing Company to Relocate in Boston's Fort Point

A Boston brewery that expanded to a second location in the suburbs last year is looking to relocate its original space in the city.

Eater Boston is reporting (via a blog post from the business) that Trillium Brewing Company has a new space in Fort Point that is currently under agreement, with co-founder Esther Tetreault saying that "there will be more of everything: more beer, (way) more space, and more fun (but still no dedicated parking...sorry, just not possible in downtown Boston)." It is not yet known exactly where in Fort Point the new location of Trillium will be, nor is it known when the move might happen; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The original Trillium--which offers growler, can, and bottle fills only--is at 369 Congress Street in Boston's Fort Point while its second location is at 110 Shawmut Road in Canton and features a taproom. The website for Trillium can be found at http://www.trilliumbrewing.com/

[January 3, 2017 update: BostInno mentions (via Brewbound) that Trillium's proposed new space could have a "full-scale" restaurant, an outdoor patio, a full-pour taproom, and possibly a roof deck bar.]

[May 25, 2017 update: BostInno states that Trillium will be moving to 47 Farnsworth Street, and that the two-story space is expected to include a brewery, taproom, full-service restaurant, patio out front, and a rooftop terrace. If all goes as planned, the move could be completed by mid to late 2018.]

[March 15, 2018 update: Eater Boston says (via bldup.com) that a restaurant occupancy permit for the new location of Trillium has been submitted, with EB also saying that the space will have a brewpub and microbrewery, a bar on each floor, two outdoor patios (including a rooftop one), a retail shop, and a function/event space. An update from bldup.com also says that the new location could be open by the end of the year.]

[October 3, 2018 update: Boston Magazine notes that the new location of Trillium's restaurant and brewery plans to open later this month.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille Opens within Hilton Hotel in Boston's Financial District

A brand new restaurant has come to a hotel in downtown Boston, and it takes over the space where a couple of other dining spots had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille is now open within the Hilton Hotel in the city's Financial District, replacing a restaurant called 89 Broad that had been there for a short time, and before that, Nix's Mate. The article says that the new eatery focuses on seafood items along with classic New England dishes, and it also offers beer, wine, and cocktails.

Nix's Mate first opened in the space in 2012 and was once part of a group of restaurants that included locations in Nantucket, Newburyport, Plymouth, Hartford, CT, and South Windsor, CT (the two Connecticut locations are the only ones that currently remain in operation).

The address for Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille (and the Hilton) is 89 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for Fin Point will be at https://www.finpointboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Nix's Mate in Boston's Financial District Is Closing; Being Replaced by 89 Broad

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, December 27, 2016

Simply Smith's to Open in Cohasset

A new deli is on its way to the South Shore, and its inspiration comes from a long-closed (and legendary) place in Brookline.

According to an article in the Cohasset Mariner, Simply Smith's is getting ready to open in the former Green Light juice shop space on Pleasant Street in the center of Cohasset. The post says that owners Greg Smith and Jean Sullivan are planning to make the new eatery an upscale but affordable old-fashioned deli with sitdown service, and Smith indicates that he was inspired by Jack and Marion's, an old-fashioned deli in Brookline's Coolidge Corner that closed back in the early 1970s. Some of the offerings at Simply Smith's will include deli meats that are cured in-house, imported Italian cold cuts, cold-smoked cheeses, "giant" sandwiches, Kobe beef burgers, and dinners such as veal dishes, lobster, and prime rib.

If all goes as planned, Simply Smith's will open in January, according to the Mariner.

The address for this upcoming deli in Cohasset is: Simply Smith's, 1 Pleasant Street, Cohasset, MA, 02025.

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]





Villa Rosa in Quincy Gutted; Exact Status Still Unknown

A now-closed Quincy institution that had been around for many years has been completely taken apart, and it is still not known what will happen to the space.

According to a post on the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page, Villa Rosa on Adams Street is gutted, with a picture showing that the ceiling, walls, and floor are gone. Rumors have been flying about the space ever since the Italian eatery closed last summer, but there has been no confirmation on what might take it over as of yet, and several checks on the city of Quincy site show no potential license transfers or any activity at all posted over there.

Villa Rosa, which first opened approximately 65 years ago, was a family-friendly restaurant that featured pizza, pasta dishes, and more.

The address for Villa Rosa was 703 Adams Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

[Earlier Article]
Villa Rosa in Quincy Has Closed

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]





Friday, December 23, 2016

The Simple Greek Is Expanding to Boston

It looks like a Pennsylvania-based chain of quick-service Greek restaurants is on its way to the local area.

According to a Twitter post from @JustinA_PZD, The Simple Greek is bringing "a bunch" of locations to Massachusetts, with Eater Boston stating (via a press release on marcuslemonis.com) that new shops will be coming to 15 states, including Massachusetts. EB mentions that The Simple Greek's website shows the first locations in the area coming to Boston and Westborough while the site also mentions shops coming to Nashua, NH, and Providence, RI.

The Simple Greek, which traces its roots back to 2004 in the Pittsburgh area, is a chain of counter-service eateries featuring customized pita and salad/rice/lentil bowl options along with sides such as spinach pie, hummus, and stuffed grape leaves. The dining spots also offer Greek yogurt and baklava.

The website for The Simple Greek can be found at http://thesimplegreek.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]





New Concept for Hungry Mother Space Hung Up by Bathroom Issue

Last year, we reported that an award-winning Cambridge restaurant was closing its doors, though the team involved with the place was planning to open a new concept in the space. Now we have learned that the planned dining spot is facing a plumbing issue that could negatively affect the business.

According to an article from Eater Boston, the people behind the now-closed Hungry Mother in Kendall Square are facing the prospect of being required to build a third bathroom for the upcoming eatery, with a Facebook post on the State Park page saying that "In our view, over the 7 years Hungry Mother was open, there was never a challenge for guests to find an available bathroom when there were only 2. The cost of adding another bathroom and the space that will be lost will have a tremendous impact on the viability of a successful business." The team has also posted a petition that asks the plumbing board for a variance that would keep them from having to add the extra bathroom to the space.

Hungry Mother closed in July of 2015 with owner Barry Maiden leaving to pursue other projects, but the rest of the team stayed on with the plan being to develop a new concept in the space. (The team is also behind Mamaleh's and the aforementioned State Park, both of which are also in Kendall Square.)

The address for the former Hungry Mother space  is 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

[January 18, 2017 update: An update to the above article from Eater Boston states that the the team behind the upcoming concept for the Hungry Mother space have been granted the variance, which means they will not need to build a third bathroom and can apparently go ahead with their plans to open the new restaurant.]

[Earlier Article]
Hungry Mother in Cambridge's Kendall Square 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]





Emma's Pizza in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing

A neighborhood pizzeria that has been in Cambridge for a half century is closing its doors.

A source from earlier this week told us that he got word Emma's Pizza in the city's Kendall Square neighborhood was apparently shutting down, with a Twitter poster seeming to confirm this last night, while a Boston Magazine article out this morning mentions that employees have said that it is indeed closing--probably around the end of next week. (Boston Magazine also confirms more of what we heard--that the South End location of Emma's--which opened on Columbus Avenue in August--will remain in operation.)

Emma's Pizza was established in the 1960s in Cambridge's Huron Village, moving to its current home on Hampshire Street in 2000. The pizzeria is known for its wide variety of toppings, sauces, and cheeses, with 25 specific pizza options available as well as make-your-own customized pies.

The address for Emma's in Kendall Square is 40 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.emmaspizza.com/

[December 23 update: According to a Facebook post from the restaurant, Emma's will close at the end of business hours on December 30.]

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, December 22, 2016

Blue Ribbon BBQ to Open in Dedham

Several months ago, it first came out that a pair of barbecue joints may be joined by a third location. Now we have learned that this will indeed be taking place.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Blue Ribbon BBQ will be opening in Dedham, with the lease being signed last week for a space in Dedham Square. An exact address has not yet been given for the upcoming place, but Eater says that it will be much larger than the West Newton and Arlington locations, with a seating capacity somewhere around or above 50. In June, EB interviewed owner Ron Stoloff, who said that he had been eyeing potential sites for a new shop somewhere in the local area.

Blue Ribbon BBQ opened on Washington Street in West Newton in 1995, while the Mass. Ave. location in Arlington opened its doors in 1997. The website for both locations is at http://www.blueribbonbbq.com/

[January 9, 2017 update: The Dedham Patch indicates that the new location of Blue Ribbon BBQ will be at 350 Washington Street.]

[February 7, 2018 update: According to a source, the new location of Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham plans to open on Monday, February 12.]

[Earlier Article]
Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton and Arlington Considering Third 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]





Comella's Plans to Open in Winchester

A local group of Italian food retailers and caterers is looking to open a new location a few miles north of Boston.

According to an article from the Winchester Star, Comella's has gotten approval from the town for a beer and wine license, with the plan being to open on Main Street where Pizza Express NY Deli has been. It is not yet known when the eatery might open, but when it does, the new location of Comella's will join others in Bedford, Belmont, Chestnut Hill, Concord, Hingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Natick, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, West Roxbury, and Westwood.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in Winchester is: Comella's, 529 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Piattini in Boston's Back Bay Reopens After Fire

A Back Bay dining and drinking spot is open once again, more than two months after being forced to close due to a fire.

An email sent today indicates that Piattini has reopened on Newbury Street and as hinted at earlier, it has a new look and feel along with a menu with both new and "tried and true" items and an expanded craft cocktail program. The building in which the restaurant is housed suffered an electrical fire on October 16 that reportedly caused nearly $1 million in damage.

The address for Piattini is 226 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website is at http://piattini.com/

[Earlier Article]
Building Housing Piattini in Boston's Back Bay Hit by Fire

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, December 20, 2016

The Kitchen Cafe Is Opening in Boston's Leather District

It looks like a new restaurant may be on its way to the outer edge of downtown Boston.

According to a licensing board page within the city of Boston website, a place tentatively called The Kitchen: Farm to Table Cafe is looking to open on South Street in the Leather District, with the exact address indicating that it may be moving into the space where Trattoria Andiamo currently resides. Very little is known about the proposed eatery at this point in time other than the fact that the parent company is JDT Investments, LLC, the manager listed is Jayme Valdez, and its proposed hours would be 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

As soon as we find out more about The Kitchen, we will post an update here.

The address for this new dining spot in the Leather District of Boston is 104 South Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[July 31 update: According to a reader, The Kitchen is now open, with its full name being The Kitchen Cafe rather than The Kitchen: Farm to Table Cafe. We are told that the place focuses on sandwiches, though it is also open for breakfast as well.]

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]





Caffe Nero and Wingstop to Open in Same Building in South Boston

A London-based chain of coffee shops and a Texas-based chicken wing chain are looking to open new locations in South Boston, and they will apparently be housed in the same building.

Eater Boston is reporting (via @draftgods) that Caffe Nero and Wingstop are both planning on opening at 416 W. Broadway, which is at the corner of F Street one block west of the Dorchester Street intersection. Caffe Nero currently has nine locations in the Greater Boston area (including a nearby location in Fort Point), while Wingstop has two locations in East Boston and Medford.

It is not yet known when the South Boston location of Wingstop might open, but Eater says that Caffe Nero could possibly debut in mid- to late spring in 2017.

The website for Caffe Nero can be found at http://www.caffenero.com/ while the website for http://www.wingstop.com/ is at http://www.wingstop.com/

[June 10, 2017 update: The new location of Caffe Nero could be one step closer to opening by this coming week, as the Boston Licensing Board will look into its request for a common victualler license on Wednesday, June 14. (The status of Wingstop is still not known.)]

[August 9, 2017 update: According to a tweet, Caffe Nero soft-opened in South Boston today, with the place being open from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and serving free coffee to its customers.]

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, December 19, 2016

Gennaro's Five North Square in Boston's North End to Become North Square Oyster Bar

[Ed note: This article was updated on February 21, 2017 to reflect new information given, including a new name for the place.]

A mainstay for Italian-American food in the North End of Boston is changing hands, and it looks like the menu will change as well--though everything else should stay the same.

According to an article in northendwaterfront.com, Gennaro's Five North Square is being sold to Nick Frattaroli, who owns Ward 8 on N. Washington Street, and whose family members are behind such places as Lucia, Ducali, and Filippo Ristorante in the North End (there is a second Lucia in Winchester), and the upcoming Cunard Tavern in East Boston. Frattaroli, who is buying the restaurant from Gerry Riccio (Caffe Vittoria), may change the name to simply "Five North Square," with the place being a casual, moderately-priced spot featuring locally-sourced seafood and having American, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Greek influences. The video in the article indicates that nothing else about the restaurant will change.

The website for Five North Square can be found at http://www.5northsquare.com/

[February 21, 2017 update: In addition to an ownership change and changes to its menu, Eater Boston now states that a name change will be coming to Gennaro's Five North Square as well; it will be called North Square Oyster.]

[May 1 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that North Square Oyster plans to open on May 15.]

[May 15 update: A press release indicates that North Square Oyster indeed opens today, and that Chef Douglas Rodrigues (Clio, Liquid Art House) heads up the kitchen while Ward 8's General Manager Mike Wyatt oversees the bar program. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, with the menu including such items as clam chowder, sea urchin, foie gras pate, a lobster roll, steak tips, a lobster pie, and more.]

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]





Caffe Nero Opens in Brookline Village

A rapidly-growing chain of European-style coffee shops has very quietly opened yet another location in the Greater Boston area.

According to a Twitter post from the company, Caffe Nero is now open in Brookline Village, with the Harvard Street spot giving out free coffee until 3:00 PM today, and having normal hours starting tomorrow. A few months ago, we learned that the chain was looking to open in the Washington Square section of Brookline, but we had not heard anything about one coming to Brookline Village until this morning.

In addition to the new Brookline Village shop, the London-based Caffe Nero chain currently has locations in Boston's Downtown Crossing (two), the South End, Fort Point, Longwood, Jamaica Plain, Cambridge's Central Square, Andover, and Wellesley.

The address for this new coffee shop in Brookline Village is: Caffe Nero, 1 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.caffenero.com/

[Earlier Article]
Caffe Nero to Open in Brookline's Washington 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]





Friday, December 16, 2016

Plans for Wegmans to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Hit a Snag

A few years ago, we reported that a location of a popular chain of supermarkets was being planned for Boston's Fenway area. Now we have learned that these plans are now in question.

According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, Wegmans Food Markets said today that it is "unlikely" it will be opening in the first phase of development of the Landmark Center, and that while it will continue to be in talks with developer Samuels & Associates, no lease has been signed for the grocery store. The renovation and expansion of the Landmark Center, which was approved in 2013, is expected to include apartments, retail, office space, and parking space, with the original plan being for Wegmans to reside in a 75,000-square-foot space in a "food hall" within the development.

Currently, locations of Wegmans can be found in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Northborough, and Westwood, with upcoming stores planned for Medford and the Natick Mall. The website for Wegmans can be found at http://www.wegmans.com/

[April 4, 2017 update: The Boston Herald mentions (in an article on a park coming to the Landmark Center property) that Samuels & Associates is modifying the expansion plans for the development, and when asked about the status of Wegmans coming to the complex, principal Peter Sougarides said that "We're still working though that. There are some physical changes to the building that are changing how we do the retail."]

[August 20, 2017 update: A new article in The Boston Globe says that plans for Wegmans to open in the Fenway now appear to be "in doubt," citing issues with parking, as keeping most or all of the existing parking garage could make it difficult to have a large grocery store included in the complex. The article mentions that Wegmans still does not have a lease, though the supermarket chain will apparently continue to be in contact with Samuels & Associates about possibly of opening a store at the site at some point in the future.]

[Earlier Article]
Wegmans Planning to Open a Market in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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]





Rail Stop 96 Restaurant & Bar Is Opening at Boston Landing in Brighton

This summer, we reported that a Gloucester-based hospitality company was opening a restaurant at the site of a new development in Brighton. Now we have learned that they are still opening a dining spot, but it now has a different name.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, Rail Stop 96 Restaurant & Bar is opening at Boston Landing, a new complex off Market Street by the Mass. Pike where the site of the New Balance world headquarters is. The description of the place is very similar to that of the proposed Seaport Grille that the Beauport Hospitality Group had been planning to open there, and a check on their site confirms that they are indeed behind Rail Stop 96 Restaurant & Bar. The job post mentions that it will still be an upscale casual spot that features contemporary New England cuisine, and that it will still have seating for 274, a bar, and an outdoor patio, while it plans to be open for lunch and dinner daily.

As mentioned earlier, Boston Landing is expected to have several other dining spots as well, including a pizza and bowling spot, a Greek eatery, a cafe, and a juice bar.

[January 19, 2017 update: According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Rail Stop may be getting its liquor license from the never-opened Painted Burro in Downtown Crossing. (The Temple Place location of the Somerville restaurant had been hoping to open in the former Windsor Button space, but the plans ended up falling through.)]

[June 8, 2017 update: A press release sent today mentions that Rail Stop 96 Restaurant & Bar plans to open on Saturday, June 10.]

[June 10, 2017 update: A Facebook post indicates that Rail Stop 96 Restaurant & Bar is open.]

[Earlier Articles]
Seaport Grille to Open at Boston Landing in Brighton
Pizza/Bowling Spot, Greek Eatery, Cafe, Juice Bar to Join Seaport Grille at Boston Landing 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]





Bishop's Legacy Restaurant in Lowell Is Closing

It looks like an iconic restaurant name north of Boston is going away.

According to a source, Bishop's Legacy Restaurant in Lowell has announced that it is shutting down for good effective December 24. A Facebook post from the Merrimack Street dining spot confirms this, saying that "Unfortunately family dynamics have changed and we are announcing that we will close....we would like to thank all of our guests for supporting us over this time." Bishop's got its start in Lawrence in 1949, eventually saying goodbye to the city in 2001 and opening in its present location in Lowell in March of 2015, according to an article in the Lowell Sun. The restaurant focused on Eastern Mediterranean fare, with an emphasis on Lebanese dishes.

The address for this soon-to-close dining spot in Lowell is: Bishop's Legacy Restaurant, 143 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, 01852. Its website can be found at http://www.bishopslegacyrestaurant.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]





Thursday, December 15, 2016

Landwer Cafe to Open in Boston

A chain of cafes in Israel is getting ready to expand to North America, with one of its first locations opening in the local area.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com website, Landwer Cafe is planning to open in Boston and Toronto, and it looks like the Boston outlet will be the second location to open on the continent after Toronto, based on an earlier article from the Daily Hive. The post from the Hive also mentions that the range of offerings on the menu of the Toronto location are expected to "stay 90% true to the original menu in Israel while also incorporating a few tweaks and additions exclusive to the new Canadian market," which may indicate that at least a good part of the original menu may be offered at the new shop in Boston as well. A few items available on Landwer Cafe's menu include roasted eggplant in tahini, crispy cauliflower, shakshouka halloumi, a Mediterranean salad, lemony tuna, chicken, and hot roast beef sandwiches, pasta with sweet potatoes and chestnuts, pink tomato gnocchi, pizza with eggplant and feta, chicken pullet steak, schnitzel, lentil patty stew, rozalach, carrot cake, cheesecake, and coffee.

The website for Landwer Cafe can be found at http://www.landwercafe.co.il/

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, December 14, 2016

Barrett's Alehouse Is Opening in The Charlie Horse Space in West Bridgewater

A trio of restaurants and bars south of Boston is going to be joined by a fourth, and it will be taking over the space where an iconic sports bar and entertainment spot had been.

According to an article in The Enterprise, Barrett's Alehouse is planning to open in the former Charlie Horse Space in West Bridgewater, with the post saying that owner Mike Barrett is the brother of Charlie Horse co-owner Mary Barrett-Costello. The article says that major renovations will be done to the West Center Street space, including the bowling alley and stage for live music both being removed, a function room being added, and the dance floor being moved.

Once it opens, the new location of  Barrett's will join others in Bridgewater, North Attleboro, and Fall River, along with two other spots run by Mike Barrett--Castaways Bar and Grille in Bridgewater and Fireside Grille in Middleboro. If all goes as planned, the new spot could be opening within the next six months.

The Charlie Horse closed this summer after approximately 25 years in business; its other location in Kingston remains open.

The address for the new location of Barrett's Alehouse is 674 West Center Street, West Bridgewater, MA, 02379. The website for the other locations of Barrett's can be found at http://barrettsalehouse.com/

[June 21, 2017 update: The Taunton Gazette says that Barrett's Alehouse is now open in the former Charlie Horse space in West Bridgewater.]

[Earlier Article]
The Charlie Horse in West Bridgewater 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]





Gyro City Is Opening in Brighton

A Greek eatery that opened in Boston's Fenway neighborhood a couple of years ago is expanding to another part of the city.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Gyro City has gotten approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals to open in Brighton, moving into a "long vacant, once fire ravaged block" on Chestnut Hill Avenue that will also become home to a cat cafe called PURR. The post says that the new dining spot will have seating for 40 and it will be a full-service restaurant, possibly with beer and wine if it is approved for a license. (UH also says that Gyro City still needs approval from the city licensing board to serve food.)

Gyro City first opened on Peterborough Street in March of 2014, moving into a block that was also destroyed in a fire.

The address for this new Green dining spot in Brighton is: Gyro City, 181 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the original location can be found at http://www.gyrocity.com/

[September 5 update: Eater Boston states that Gyro City is now open 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]





Stone L'oven Pizza Co. to Open in Waban

It looks like a pair of pizzerias will soon be joined by a third location, with this one being in the space where a restaurant from a well-known local chef and restaurateur had been.

According to a source, Stone L'oven Pizza Co. has a sign up in the window of the former Waban Kitchen space in the Waban section of Newton, with the sign simply saying "coming soon" and showing its website address. Once it opens, the new Beacon Street eatery will join others in Brewster and Canton, and based on the menu at those locations, expect to see a variety of pizzas cooked in a stone-fired oven along with the possibility of soups, salads, appetizers, calzones, panini, pasta dishes, and desserts.

Waban Kitchen, which closed earlier this year, was owned by Jeff Fournier, who also ran the now-closed 51 Lincoln in Newton Highlands. (The space in which Waban Kitchen resided has also been home to Kouzina.)

The address for this upcoming pizzeria in Waban is: Stone L'oven Pizza Co., 1649 Beacon Street, Waban, MA, 02465. The website for the other two locations can be found at http://stoneloven.com/

[January 18, 2017 update: A tipster tells us that Stone L'oven Pizza Co. has a sign out front that says it plans to open at the end of this month, while an earlier Facebook post from the place mentions the same.]

[January 30, 2017 update: A message from the place indicates that Stone L'oven Pizza Co. plans to open in Waban tomorrow (Tuesday, January 31).]

[Earlier Article]
Waban Kitchen in Newton Has Closed 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]





Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Poke City Is Opening in Cambridge

A new restaurant is on its way to Cambridge, and it may be offering a type of food that has just made its debut in the Boston area.

According to a License Commission Hearing Agenda page within the city's website, Poke City is seeking a license to operate on Mass. Ave., with the address indicating that it would be taking over the space near Porter Square where Tisan Coffee Express had been. Little is currently known about the place other than the fact that it would have seating for 20 and possible hours of 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Based on its name, it appears that Poke City will be serving a Hawaiian raw fish salad called poke, which can be found at the new Pokeworks in Somerville's Davis Square and will also be offered at the upcoming Manoa in Somerville near Porter Square.

The address for this new restaurant in Cambridge is: Poke City, 1722 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[January 26, 2017 update: Eater Boston states that Poke City is now open in Cambridge, and that it indeed offers Hawaiian-style poke.]

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]





Limoo Tea Bar in Allston Is Closing

A dining and drinking spot in Allston is getting ready to close for good, though the people involved with it plan to open a couple of new places.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Limoo Tea Bar in Allston will have its last day of service on Friday, December 23, with the note saying that "we received an attractive buy out offer at a time when the partners wanted to pursue other opportunities." The post goes on to say that Reza (the "mastermind behind the amazing kabobs") will open a new restaurant in the near future, while Joe and Ray will open a "sister shop" in Allston called LimeRed Teahouse that could debut early next year.

Limoo Tea Bar, which first opened in the summer of 2014, offers such items as steamed buns, popcorn chicken, meat on a stick, and pita pockets, along with bubble tea-inspired cocktails. (The Facebook post says that the upcoming LimeRed Teahouse will only have non-alcoholic versions of bubble tea, at least initially.)

The address for Limoo Tea Bar is 1032 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA, 02215.

[December 23 update: According to an event page, Limoo Tea Bar is having a "liquidation party" today from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.]

Thanks to @teddyballgame83 for bringing this to our attention.

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]





Philly Pretzel Factory Is Opening in Revere

A Philadelphia-based chain of pretzel shops is on its way to the Boston area.

According to a message sent by @CappyinBoston, Philly Pretzel Factory is getting ready to debut in Revere, with a Facebook post from the place earlier this month indicating that it is on the verge of opening its doors. Philly Pretzel Factory mentions on its website that it is "the world's largest Philly-style pretzel bakery," with well over 100 franchised shops--though there are none currently in New England and the closest locations are in the New York metropolitan area. In addition to scratch-made pretzels, the chain offers such items as pretzel dogs, pretzel cheesesteak, spicy pretzel sausages, pepperoni pretzel melts, cinnamon pretzel sticks, rivets (pretzel nuggets), and frozen lemonade.

The address for this new pretzel shop in Revere is: Philly Pretzel Factory, 4 Squire Road, Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the chain can be found at http://phillypretzelfactory.com/

[January 10, 2017 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that Philly Pretzel Factory has its grand opening in Revere on Friday, January 13.]

[January 16, 2017 update: The Facebook page for the place confirms that Philly Pretzel Factory is now open in Revere.]

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]





Investment Group Purchases Cosi Restaurant Chain

A troubled Boston-based group of dining spots has been bought by an investment group.

According to an article in The Boston Herald, LIMAB LLC was picked as the winning bidder for Cosi in what is called a "stalking horse" bid (an initial bid that is not matched by any other subsequent bidders), with the price being $6.8 million. The post says that the bid from LIMAB, which is made up of AB Opportunity Fund LLC, AB Value Partners LP and entities connected to Milfam LLC, still needs court approval, and it is not yet known what might happen to the remaining locations of the chain.

Cosi has gone through a rough stretch of late, declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy and subsequently having its common stock delisted from The Nasdaq Stock Market. Several locations have shut down, including outlets in Boston's Back Bay, State Street in the Financial District, South Station, and in Cambridge's Kendall Square.

[Earlier Article]
Cosi Seeks to Sell Its Assets in What Could Be an Auction

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, December 12, 2016

Eventide Oyster Co. Is Coming to Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

An award-winning restaurant in Portland, ME, that is considered by many to be one of the best dining spots in the Northeast is on its way to Boston.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Eventide Oyster Co. is planning to open a new location in the city's Fenway neighborhood, moving into a space in the Van Ness building on Boylston Street. The post says that the eatery will be a "casual, counter-service" spot that has a "concise and creative seafood menu," though plans are in their very early stages so exact details on the restaurant have not been given as of yet.

The original Portland location of Eventide Oyster Co. is owned by Arlin Smith, Michael Wiley, and Andrew Taylor, with the latter two being nominated twice for James Beard Awards for Best Chefs: Northeast. (Boston Magazine calls it "potentially the buzziest oyster bar in the country.) The dining spot offers such items as oysters on the half shell, tuna crudo, lobster chowder, cured salmon, crab rolls, lobster tail ceviche, and a variety of beer, wine, and cocktail options.

The website for Eventide Oyster Co. can be found at http://www.eventideoysterco.com/

[January 30, 2017 update: According to a source, Eventide Oyster Co. could be one step closer to opening by next week, as the city of Boston will look at their request for a liquor license on Wednesday, February 8. It appears that the restaurant is looking to offer only beer and wine, as a hearing notice supplied by the source shows that it is applying for a malt and wine license.]

[October 5, 2017 update: According to several sources (and confirmed via a Facebook post), Eventide Oyster Co. is currently going through a soft opening, though it is not yet known when its grand opening will take place.]

[October 6, 2017 update: Eater Boston states that Eventide officially opens to the public tomorrow (Saturday, October 7).]

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]





Plans Fall Through for STK Rebel to Open in Boston; Original STK Concept May Open Instead

Early this year, we reported that a small New York-based group of "female-friendly" steakhouses was planning to come to the Boston waterfront, but now we have learned that this will not be happening after all.

Eater Boston mentions (via Eater Austin) that the STK Rebel concept has been ditched by the hospitality company The One Group, with the plan now apparently being to open the original STK concept in the cities where STK Rebel was supposed to open. As mentioned here earlier, a location of the Rebel concept was being planned for One Seaport Square in Boston's Seaport District, with One Group Hospitality CEO and founder Jonathan Segal saying of the concept, "We went into this with the sole intention to create a different steakhouse that appealed to the female market....If you want to make a lot of money in this world, focus on the female market and women, because men only get to make 3 percent of the decisions."

The original STK concept is what the restaurant describes as a modern steakhouse that offers the "superior quality" of a traditional steakhouse, according to its website.

Eater Boston has not completely confirmed that STK will be coming to Boston, but it says that Boston is still shown within the restaurant's location list, and there have been some recent job postings for the place as well.

[January 16, 2017 update: A hearing notice sent from a source indicates that STK has applied for a liquor license to operate at 33 Northern Avenue in the Seaport District, with the city looking at the request on January 25. The name given, however, is "STK Rebel," so it is not known for sure whether the "female-friendly" concept might be returning after all or whether it will indeed be a location of the original concept.]

[Earlier Article]
STK Rebel to Open at One Seaport Square in Boston

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]