Boston Restaurant Talk: November 2016

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Mario Batali May Be Looking to Open New Restaurant on Boston Waterfront

A celebrity chef and restaurateur is apparently not done yet with opening new spots in Boston.

According to an article in the Boston Herald, Mario Batali is reportedly looking at sites along the Boston waterfront and mentions that "I’ve always loved the idea of a ceviche and raw bar with a great beer program." This comes on the heels of this week's opening of Eataly, an Italian emporium in the Prudential Center that Batali is involved with, joining Babbo, a waterfront pizzeria and enoteca that Batali and his business partners opened last year.

As soon as we find out more about Batali's plans for a possible new restaurant coming to the waterfront, we will post an update here.

[Earlier Article]
Eataly Is Opening within the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay in November

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]

Lulu's Kitchen Opens in Boston's Haymarket Area

Last month we mentioned that the person behind a recently-moved North End bakeshop was also getting ready to open a new dining spot nearby. Now we have learned that the restaurant is open--and we have also found out what kinds of foods it is offering.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Lulu's Kitchen is now open in the Haymarket section of Boston, with the Blackstone Street breakfast and lunch spot apparently focusing on comfort food such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, po' boys, egg sandwiches, buttermilk biscuits, and grits. The owner of the new restaurant is Sandy Russo, who runs Lulu's Sweet Shoppe, a store that moved from Salem Street to Parmenter Street a short time ago and which is known in part for its cupcakes.

Earlier we had reported that Lulu's Kitchen would be on Hanover Street, but the exact address is actually 120 Blackstone Street, which is at the corner of Hanover and Blackstone.

The Instagram page for Lulu's Kitchen is at https://www.instagram.com/lulus_kitchen_boston/

[Earlier Article]
Lulu's Sweet Shoppe Moves to New Space in Boston's North End; Lulu's Kitchen Coming to Haymarket

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]

Finagle a Bagel Opens Bakery, Cafe, and Test Kitchen in Newton

A local group of bagel shops has opened a new location--and this one apparently has a few different features to it.

According to a Twitter post from the place, Finagle a Bagel is in the process of opening a bakery, cafe, and test kitchen in the Auburndale section of Newton, with an earlier boston.com article indicating that the Rowe Street space is located within the company's headquarters and it will show how its bagels are made, along with letting customers try new menu items before they debut at their other shops. The locations page for the business mentions that seats are arriving today and that it is indeed open, though the grand opening celebrations begin December 5.

Based on an old Yelp page, it appears that the headquarters for Finagle a Bagel contained a factory outlet several years ago; it is not yet known if the new shop will be going into this exact space.

Finagle a Bagel currently has a shop on Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay along with a location at MGH and a kiosk within the Kinko's building in Chestnut Hill.

The address for Finagle a Bagel bakery, cafe, and test kitchen is 77 Rowe Street, Auburndale (Newton), MA, 02466. The website for the company can be found at http://www.finagleabagel.com/

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]

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

UPDATE: Teranga Restaurant in Boston's South End Reopening After Being Seized by the State

[Ed note: This article was updated on Friday, December 2 to reflect the fact that the restaurant is opening back up again.]

A South End dining spot that is the only one of its kind in Boston is reopening after being shut down by the state.

According to a source, Teranga Restaurant was closed early this week with an orange "seized" sign in the window, with photos sent to us showing that the Washington Street eatery was shut down for nonpayment of taxes and is now in the possession of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A note on Friday from CBH Communications, however, indicates that the restaurant is opening back up again, apparently this evening, though definitely this weekend.

Teranga first opened in 2009, bringing to the South End the first (and only) Senegalese dining spot in the city of Boston. Its menu includes such items as fish cakes, lamb stew, grilled tilapia, skewered cubes of filet mignon, and fried millet donuts.,

The address for Teranga Restaurant is 1746 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118. Its website can be found at http://www.terangaboston.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]

A Sneak Peek at Eataly Boston, Which Opens Today

The day that many have been waiting for has finally arrived, as Eataly Boston opens later today (4:00 PM) within the Prudential Center in the city's Back Bay neighborhood. For those who are wondering what the space looks like, here are some photos taken earlier this month during a press event.

photo of Eataly Boston

A Restaurant/Bar Could Move into the Former Johnny D's Space in Somerville's Davis Square

More than eight months after a Somerville institution shut its doors forever, we have now learned what might be going into its space, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

According to an article in The Somerville Journal, Carla DeLellis of the now-closed Johnny D's in Davis Square has told city officials that she plans to add three stories of residential space to the site in the form of seven rental units, while having the ground floor of the Holland Street structure be commercial retail space that could become home to a new restaurant and/or bar. The post says that while DeLellis is "not sure what kind of business will operate there," she does mention that she could transfer the Johnny D's liquor license to a new restaurant/bar owner or possibly open a dining/drinking spot of her own using the license.

It does not look like any new business would be opening in the Johnny D's space before the fall of 2017, which means the license would be inactive for at least a year and a half, but the Journal indicates that commission members don't seem to have a problem with this because of the new licenses coming to Somerville this year--along with the solid reputation of Johnny D's. They will ask DeLellis to give the commission a written update next June and meet with them once again in September.

Johnny D's first opened in 1969, starting out as a bar then becoming a country music venue before transforming into a renowned music club and restaurant that featured a variety of local and national acts.

The address for the old Johnny D's space is 17 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

[Earlier Article]
Johnny D's in Somerville's Davis 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]

Monday, November 28, 2016

Hough Many Scoops in Quincy Reopens, Offering Soups, Bagels, and Coffee

An ice cream shop in Quincy that closed for the season last month is open once again, this time offering food and drink that's more suited for the colder months.

According to a post on the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page, Hough Many Scoops in the Hough's Neck section of the city officially reopened today, with a post from the Sea Street shop confirming this. Based on the Facebook page from Hough Many Scoops, the place is now serving such items as soups, bagels, and coffee, and its hours are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends.

Hough Many Scoops had initially closed for the season on October 30; during the warmer months it was offering ice cream, Italian ice, frappes, floats, sundaes, banana splits, frozen yogurt, and more.

The address for Hough Many Scoops is 1094 Sea Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

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]

Emilio's Pizza in Boston's South End Is Closing

A South End pizzeria that has been in business for nearly 40 years is shutting down, and its closure is apparently related to medical issues.

According to a tweet from @BostonGuardian, Emilio's Pizza on Tremont Street is closing, as owner Emilios Ventouris has suffered a "severe back injury," slipping two discs a couple of months ago that caused him to have to close the business while he was getting treatment. The article indicates that it is not yet known when the eatery will permanently close or what might take over the space.

Emilio's Pizza first opened in 1979, offering pizza, calzones, salads, subs, seafood, and dinner entrees. According to an earlier blog post from Callum Borchers, Ventouris and his family have also been involved with Sofia Italian Steakhouse in West Roxbury and Amelia's in Stoughton, as well as Alfredo's Restaurant in Quincy (based on a Facebook post from that place), the latter of which is getting ready to shut down after more than a half century in business.

The address for Emilio's Pizza is 536 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

Thanks to one of our sources for initially bringing this to our attention.

[December 23 update: According to several sources, it appears that Emilio's Pizza has officially closed, with one source saying there is a for lease/for rent sign out front, while others simply hear that it is done. (Multiple phone calls place to the spot over the past couple of days have gone unanswered.)]

[Earlier Article]
Alfredo's Restaurant in Quincy May Be Replaced by Fusion Kitchen

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]

Cosi on State Street in Downtown Boston Has Closed

A troubled local chain of dining spots that may be on its way to the auction block has closed another one of its locations.

According to a Twitter post from @ThePatInTheHat, the State Street location of Cosi in Downtown Boston is no longer in operation, as the space has been cleared and the ads have been removed from the windows. A check on Cosi's website seems to confirm this, as the shop is no longer shown in the locations section of the site, while the section also indicates that locations on Federal Street, High Street, and Milk Street in the downtown area as well as the Seaport District and Logan Airport remain in operation for now.

In September, the Cosi chain filed for bankruptcy and had its stock delisted the following month, while an article here also mentioned that most or all of Cosi's assets could be sold in an auction on November 30, depending on whether one or more qualified bids are received. A few other locations of the chain have closed this fall, including ones in South Station, Boston's Back Bay, and Cambridge's Kendall Square.

[Earlier Articles]
Cosi Seeks to Sell Its Assets in What Could Be an Auction
Cosi to Be Delisted from The Nasdaq Stock Market
Cosi Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

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]

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Benedetto Opens Within the Charles Hotel in Cambridge's Harvard Square

One of the most highly-anticipated restaurants of 2016 has opened its doors, and it takes over a landmark space.

A phone call placed this evening indicates that Benedetto has opened within the Charles Hotel in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge, with the dining spot being closed tonight but opening back up tomorrow. This follows on the heels of what appeared to be a soft opening of the eatery last week according to various social media posts that referred to friends and family nights there.

As mentioned over the summer, Benedetto takes over the space where Rialto had been for more than 20 years until the place closed, following the news that owner Jody Adams would be leaving the eatery. The new restaurant is an Italian spot run by chef/owner Michael Pagliarini of Giulia, and while a menu has not been posted on Benedetto's website yet, an earlier article mentioned that it would have a table where pasta is made along with an "extensive" wine display.

The website for Benedetto can be found at http://www.benedettocambridge.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Michael Pagliarini of Giulia to Open Benedetto in Former Rialto Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square
Rialto in Cambridge's Harvard Square is Closing

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]

Friday, November 25, 2016

Reign Drink Lab Has Opened in Dorchester

A new shop featuring drinks made with "real ingredients" has come to a Boston neighborhood.

Eater Boston is reporting that Reign Drink Lab is now open in Dorchester, with its grand opening taking place sometime last month. The article mentions that the new shop features coffee, tea, smoothies, slushies, and more, while a check on the website for the Dorchester Avenue place shows the menu having sections including seasonal drinks, nitro cold brew Vietnamese coffees, royal elixirs, and extra toppings for the drinks such as herbal jelly, honey boba, and sea salt cream.

Reign Drink Lab's hours are 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.

The address for this new shop in Dorchester is: Reign Drink Lab, 1370 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at http://www.reigndrinklab.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]

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Miyuki Sushi Opens in Brighton

A brand new Japanese restaurant has come to Brighton, taking over the space where a pizzeria had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that Miyuki Sushi is now open on Washington Street, with the address indicating that it has moved into the storefront where The Proper Slice was from 2011 until last year, when it shut down and the space went on the market. (Another location of The Proper Slice had briefly been on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay in 2013.) According to EB, Miyuki offers sushi and sashimi along with items such as tempura, gyoza, teriyaki, katsu, and it also has bento box combos as well.

It appears that Miyuki Sushi opened around the end of last month, according to the article.

The address for this new Japanese restaurant in Brighton is: Miyuki Sushi, 547 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135.

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]

Acapulcos Is Closing Its Framingham Location

A local group of Mexican restaurants is shutting down one of its locations.

According to a post in the Framingham Source, Acapulcos is closing in Framingham at the end of business hours today, with the manager of the Worcester Road dining spot saying that the company has decided not to renew the lease, which does not include necessary renovations but does come with a hike in the rent. The article says that the other locations of Acapulcos--including Boston-area outlets in Beverly, Needham, Norwood, Quincy, and Sudbury--will remain open.

Acapulcos, which first started out in Sudbury in 2001, is a family-friendly group of Mexican restaurants that offers such items as burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and chimichangas.

The address for Acapulcos in Framingham is 1656 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01702. The website for all of the locations can be found at http://acapulcos.net/

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, November 22, 2016

Sebastiana's Plans to Open in Victor's Italian Cuisine Space in Saugus; Victor's to Move to New Spot

A brand new pizza spot may be on its way to a well-known stretch of highway north of Boston, and it would be opening in the space where a soon-to-move Italian restaurant resides.

The Saugus Advertiser is reporting that Sebastiana's hopes to open on Route 1, taking over the Victor's Italian Cuisine space just south of the Essex Street intersection. (Victor's is moving from its current home at 1539 Broadway to a new space at 639 Broadway where Maddy's and the Blue Star had been.) The article indicates that owner Frank Perry still has some hurdles to clear before the pizzeria becomes reality, and town selectmen have voted to continue a liquor license transfer request in part because of concerns about Perry's "unclear resume and lack of knowledge of the town's liquor regulations." (The Advertiser says that when asked about the restaurants he has worked at, Perry said he didn't know the names of the places off the top of his head.)

As reported earlier, the liquor license in question would be coming from Sully C's, a Route 1 spot that was hit by a fire last year and never reopened.

Victor's Italian Cuisine is hoping to have a grand opening in its new space on December 31.

[Earlier Articles]
Sully C's in Saugus Sells Its Liquor License
Victor's Italian Cuisine in Saugus to Move to Former Maddy's Space

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]

The Inn at Bay Pointe in Quincy Is Now Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant

A casual upscale waterside restaurant south of Boston has changed its name, though the place itself is not changing.

According to a Facebook post from the dining spot, The Inn at Bay Pointe in Quincy is now called Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant, with the note saying that "There is no secret that we have never been an actual "inn"....We initially chose that moniker back when we opened in the late 1990s to impart a sense of hospitality. While ownership has remained the same since day one...the time has come to evolve not only in look and feel but also in name itself." Over the past year or two, the Washington Court restaurant has made a number of upgrades, including an expansion of its waterfront deck, the addition of an outdoor bar and raw bar, updates to its menu, and renovations to its interior.

The Inn at Bay Pointe/Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as an out-of-the-way place along the Town River Bay in the Quincy Point area, with the review being found at this link:

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

The address for Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant is 64 Washington Court, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website can be found at http://www.innatbaypointe.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]

Power Cafe in Watertown Has Closed

A cafe that was staffed and run by people with disabilities has closed its doors after a year in business.

According to one of our sources, Power Cafe in Watertown is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Lexington Street spot indicating that it shut down last month, saying that "After much deliberation, we regretfully decided to remain closed indefinitely, due to personal reasons. We wish to thank our customers, partners, and the wider community for all your support over the past year." Power Cafe first opened last November, bringing to Watertown an eatery that was operated by people with physical and/or developmental disabilities; the cafe offered such items as salads, sandwiches, breads, cookies, muffins, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for the now-closed Power Cafe was 45 Lexington Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

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]

Sabatino's Italian Kitchen in East Arlington Looking for New Home After Heating-Oil Spill

A popular pizzeria in East Arlington that was forced to shut down a couple of months ago due to a heating-oil spill is now looking for a new home.

According to a post in Your Arlington, Sabatino's Italian Kitchen on Mass. Ave. is planning to open in a new space somewhere in town, though a specific location has not been nailed down as of yet. A representative for the pizza spot is hoping that they can stay as "close as possible" to the old location, which closed after something went wrong with a delivery of heating oil, flooding the basement of the building and causing Sabatino's and the adjacent post office to close (the post office has since reopened). The article indicates that the opening depends at least in part on when insurance payments come through, but if all goes well and a new space is found soon, Sabatino's could reopen sometime around the beginning of 2017.

Other locations of Sabatino's can be found in Brighton and Quincy.

The address for the now-closed location of Sabatino's is 242 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

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]

Monday, November 21, 2016

New Hotel, 500-Seat Restaurant in Boston's Seaport District Receives Approval

It looks like a new hotel will be coming to a part of Boston's Seaport District that currently has little in the way of development--and the building will include what appears to be a very large restaurant.

According to a post from Commercial Property Executive, a project called Marine Wharf has received approval to go into a vacant space on Summer Street by Drydock Avenue and the Reserved Channel, with the 15-story structure including a dual-branded Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites hotel along with a 500-seat restaurant and space for retail. It is not yet known what kind of dining spot might go into the building--nor is it known who might be operating the place--and it looks like both the hotel and the restaurant are still a long way off, with a possible opening date sometime in early 2019.

Marine Wharf will be in an area a short distance east of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and by the entrance to the Boston Marine Industrial Park (which is now called the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park); currently, there is little in the way of dining in this section of the Seaport District, with such places as Yankee Lobster, M.J. O'Connor's, and Sauciety all being a few blocks away.

The address for this upcoming hotel and restaurant is 660 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210.

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]

Smokey's Almost Famous Hot Dog/Sausage Stand in Raynham Has Closed

A seasonal hot dog and sausage stand south of Boston has closed after a quarter century in business, though there may still be a ray of hope that it returns.

According to its Facebook page, Smokey's Almost Famous in Raynham shut down on Saturday, with the owner thanking his customers and saying "I don't know the status of my trailer...will someone buy it return as a new Smokey...unknown right now...But remember this there is only one Smokey ---ME Thanks everyone bye." A more recent post hints that the owner will actually be renewing the permit for the place, but he states that it "doesn't mean I'll return...Later this month and the winter will tell me more." Based on earlier posts, it appears that the reason for the trailer shutting down is because the owner has been hoping to retire.

Smokey's Almost Famous, which started out in 1992, offered hot dogs and sausages along with burgers, chicken, and drinks from its cart, which was set up in the Raynham Shopping Plaza (also known as Raynham Crossing) on Route 44, usually from March 1 to November 30 each year.

[December 6 update: A new Facebook post indicates that the trailer that housed the now-closed Smokey's Almost Famous is up for sale, though the owner emphasizes that it is the trailer--and not the business--that is for sale.]

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]

Update: Matt O'Neil of The Blue Ox in Lynn to Open The Ledger in Salem

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

The person behind a modern American bistro on the North Shore is getting ready to open a second restaurant.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, The Blue Ox in Lynn will soon be joined by a "second concept" in Salem and is now looking for a host/hostess, confirming what we heard from a few people over the past several months that chef/owner Matt O'Neil is indeed bringing a new dining spot to the city. The new restaurant--which does not appear to have a name as of yet--will be opening in an old bank building at 125 Washington Street in the downtown area of Salem, just south of the Essex Street intersection.

The address for The Blue Ox in Lynn is 191 Oxford Street, Lynn, MA, 01901.

[December 21 update: The Boston Herald mentions that the new restaurant in Salem that Matt O'Neil is opening will be called The Ledger, and that it will focus on locally-sourced meats cooked over a wood-fired grill (it will also have a raw bar and charcuterie counter).]

[June 15, 2017 update: Eater Boston mentions that The Ledger opens on Tuesday, June 20.]

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]

The Automatic Opens in Cambridge

A neighborhood restaurant and bar has come to Cambridge, and a couple of very big names are behind the place.

According to its website, The Automatic is now open on Hampshire Street, with an article from Eater Boston saying that it opened for drinks only on Friday and Saturday and begins dinner service this evening. (Lunch service will be coming soon, according to EB.) As mentioned earlier, Dave Cagle (B-Side Lounge, Green Street, Lone Star Taco Bar, Deep Ellum, Trina's Starlite Lounge, the ONCE Lounge) and Chris Schlesinger (East Coast Grill, Back Eddy, Jake and Earl's Dixie BBQ, The Blue Room) will be running the place, which will feature an eclectic menu that includes such items as a frito pie from hell, mixed olives, beef heart skewers, chili, hot dogs, seared shishito peppers, buffalo fried sweet plantain, and pork schnitzel, while the drink menu includes classic cocktails along with a number of beers on tap and in cans.

The Automatic moves into the space where Atasca had been until closing this spring.

The address for The Automatic is 50 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.theautomaticbar.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Automatic Bar to Replace Atasca in Cambridge

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, November 18, 2016

Update: The Industry Is Replacing Sonny's in Dorchester's Adams Village

Last month we reported that a decades-old restaurant and bar in Dorchester abruptly shut down, and now we have learned that what we had heard last year about the future of the spot indeed seems to be taking place.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Dorchester Reporter) that a dining and drinking spot will be opening in the space in Adams Village where Sonny's Pub & Restaurant had been until suddenly closing in late October. The articles say that the space will be completely gutted and it will be rebuilt as a new restaurant and bar that will have a "downtown feel and neighborhood prices," with the plan being to open sometime next spring if all goes well.

Last October, we had mentioned that it appeared a new spot called Industry might replace Sonny's and that Martin Davis (from the now-closed Littlest Bar in downtown Boston) and David Arrowsmith would be behind it, and while the two of them are definitely partners in the new spot, it turns out that the place does not yet have a name.

Sonny's Pub & Restaurant had been open for approximately 50 years.

The address for the former Sonny's space in Adams Village is 750 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

[April 14, 2017 update: The Dorchester Reporter mentions that the upcoming spot moving into the Sonny's space will indeed be called The Industry, and it will be a restaurant and lounge that features American comfort food and an extensive list of wines and whiskeys. If all goes as planned, the place should open sometime this summer.]

[June 13, 2017 update: Eater Boston states that The Industry is now open.]

[Earlier Articles]
Sonny's Pub and Restaurant in Dorchester Abruptly Closes; Status Unknown
Sonny's Pub and Restaurant in Dorchester's Adams Village May Be Replaced by Industry

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]

Blue Fuji in Medford Opens New Location in Bedford

An Asian restaurant just north of Boston has expanded a little further outside of the city.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Blue Fuji in Medford now has a new location in Bedford, apparently moving into the space on Great Road where Asiana Bistro had been, based on an earlier Bedford Citizen post. It appears that the new dining spot will offer Asian fusion cuisine much like the original location in Medford Square, with the focus being on Chinese and Japanese fare.

Blue Fuji first opened in Medford in the spring of 2011.

The address for this new Asian eatery in Bedford is: Blue Fuji, 200 Great Road, Bedford, MA, 01730. The website for the original Blue Fuji in Medford can be found at http://www.bluefuji.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]

UPDATE: Kelly's Landing in Weymouth Has Closed

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 27 to reflect the fact that the restaurant has closed for good.]

A decades-old South Shore restaurant that is known in part for its seafood is getting ready to call it a day.

According to a poster on the Weymouth is Everything Facebook group page, Kelly's Landing in Weymouth will be shutting down on December 20, with a phone call placed to the Bridge Street dining spot confirming this, though it is possible that the place could remain open until December 21. No specific reason has been given for the closure of Kelly's Landing; as soon as we find out why it is closing--and what might be moving into the space--we will post an update here.

An earlier article from the Patriot Ledger mentions that Kelly's Landing first opened in Weymouth in 1979, and that it was named after the now-closed (and unrelated) Kelly's Landing in South Boston. A second location of the restaurant can be found in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant in Weymouth is: Kelly's Landing, 159 Bridge Street, Weymouth, MA, 02191.

Thanks to one of our sources who initially brought this to our attention.

[December 4 update: The Patriot Ledger states that Kelly's Landing will close on December 22, with the main reason for the closure being rising costs. The article also mentions that the place has been purchased and that a new spot called True North Kitchen and Bar will replace it, opening its doors after several months of renovations.]

[December 22 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Kelly's Landing will remain open through Christmas Eve, with the dining room being open from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM today and tomorrow and the lounge being open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, while only the lounge will be open on Christmas Eve, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.]

[December 26 update: A new article from the Patriot Ledger mentions that the closing of Kelly's Landing has been postponed as, the lawyers involved have not yet scheduled the real estate closing.]

[December 27 update: A phone call placed to the restaurant indicates that Kelly's Landing in Weymouth has closed its doors for good.]

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]

Smith & Wollensky Considering Global Expansion

It looks like a Boston-based group of steakhouses could be expanding in a major way.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that Smith & Wollensky is planning to open multiple restaurants outside of the United States, including in such places as Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. This comes on the heels of the opening of the chain's first international outlet last year (in London)--and the acquisition of the company by Dublin-based Danu Investment Partners Ltd. early this year. Smith & Wollensky is also looking to upgrade existing outlets in Chicago, Columbus, and Miami, according to the BBJ.

Smith & Wollensky currently has a total of ten locations, including ones at "The Castle" on Arlington Street in Boston's Back Bay and at Atlantic Wharf on Commercial Street along the waterfront. The website for Smith & Wollensky can be found at http://www.smithandwollensky.com/

[Earlier Article]
Smith & Wollensky Sold to Irish Investment Firm

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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]

Thursday, November 17, 2016

UPDATE: The Rattlesnake Bar & Grill in Boston's Back Bay Is Not Reopening

photo of the Rattlenake Bar and Grill, Boston, MA

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 18 to reflect the fact that the place is not reopening after all.]

Last night, we reported that a renowned restaurant and bar in Boston's Back Bay that closed its doors a few days ago appeared to be reopening, but now we have learned that this is not true.

A source told us yesterday evening that signs out front at the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill on Boylston Street indicated the dining and drinking spot would apparently be opening back up again, with photos sent showing that the signs said "We will reopen on Friday at noon." Messages sent to sources within the restaurant industry came up with nothing last night, but this morning an official source told us that the signs were actually for a private farewell party that was supposed to have taken place on Friday but ended up taking place on Wednesday instead, and the signs for the party were never taken down.

The address for the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill was 384 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Source of photo: anonymous tipster]

[Earlier Article]
Rattlesnake Bar & Grill in Boston's Back Bay 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]

Eataly Boston in Collaboration with Barbara Lynch on Il Pesce

An Italian emporium that is on the verge of opening in Boston's Back Bay is teaming up with an award-winning local chef who will be involved with one of its restaurants.

According to a press release, Eataly Boston has announced that Barbara Lynch will be collaborating with them on Il Pesce, an elegant but casual seafood spot that will be located within Eataly, a huge marketplace that is slated to open at the Prudential Center on November 29. The release says that the restaurant will include a 64-seat dining room, a 12-seat bar, and 10 additional seats that face Il Crudo, a raw bar connected to the dining spot. In addition to being involved with Il Pesce, Lynch will also be teaching classes at La Scuola di Eataly by Valcucine, which will be a cooking school within the space.

One of the people involved with Eataly Boston is celebrity chef and restaurateur Mario Batali.

Barbara Lynch's restaurant group--Barbara Lynch Gruppo--includes such places as Menton, Drink, Sportello, The Butcher Shop, B&G Oysters, and No. 9 Park, all of which are located 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]

Hopsters Looking at Major Expansion Beyond the Boston Area

The person behind a brewpub and "community" brewery where customers can make their own beer could be taking the concept well beyond the local area.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that Lee Cooper of Hopsters in Newton Corner has set up an equity crowdfunding campaign that would allow small investors to become a part of the business, potentially making the company become "the first brew-it-yourself franchise business." The initial plans are to raise $1.7 million for its expansion to Sleeper Street in Boston's Fort Point/Seaport District area, but Cooper is hoping to ultimately open 16 locations of Hopsters, including in Philadelphia, Stamford, CT, Austin, TX, and Jacksonville, FL.

Hopsters first opened on Centre Street in Newton Corner in 2013; a package store called Hopsters Alley can also be found in the Boston Public Market.

The website for Hopsters is at http://www.hopstersbrew.com/

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]

Boston Bean Coming to Route 1 in Saugus

A new restaurant is coming to well-known stretch of highway north of Boston, and it will be featuring the foods of two different countries.

The Saugus Advertiser is reporting that town selectmen have approved of a common victualer license for Boston Bean, which will open in the space on Route 1 where Domino's Pizza used to be (just south of the Essex Street exit). The article says that the dining spot will offer a mix of Mexican and Brazilian dishes, including tapas and burritos, and it looks like it will have seating for approximately 20.

If all goes as planned, Boston Bean should open sometime in December, with hours being 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 11:00 PM on Sundays.

The address for this upcoming restaurant on Route 1 is: Boston Bean, 1268 Broadway, Saugus, MA, 01906.

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]

Sugar Heaven at Legacy Place in Dedham Has Closed

A trio of Boston-area shops featuring all kinds of sweets is now down to two, as one of its stores has shut down.

According to a Twitter post from @Lin_Dolin, Sugar Heaven at Dedham's Legacy Place is no longer in operation, with a followup message confirming that it has indeed closed. The shops on Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay and at Assembly Row in Somerville remain in operation.

The Sugar Heaven stores sell such items as jelly beans, lollipops, gum, mints, and much more in the way of sweets, along with novelties and toys.

The address for this now-closed candy shop in Dedham was: Sugar Heaven, 544 Legacy Place, Dedham, MA, 02026. The website for the other shops can be found at https://www.sugarheaven.us/

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, November 16, 2016

WuBurger Gourmet in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed

A second location of a burger spot has quietly closed, leaving only the original one remaining.

According to a source, WuBurger Gourmet in Cambridge's Inman Square has been locked up and dark for at least a couple of days now, and a phone call placed to the Woburn location confirms that this is a permanent closure. The Cambridge Street eatery first opened in May of this year, joining the original on Route 38 in North Woburn, which debuted in September of 2015; the Cambridge location offered hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, chili, turkey and veggie burgers, and boozy milkshakes, along with fried chicken that was available on Sundays.

The address for the now-closed WuBurger Gourmet in Inman Square was 1128 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for the original location can be found at http://www.wuburger.com/

[November 17 update: A message sent by The Daily Lunch indicates that the WuBurger space in Inman Square is already up for sale.]

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]