A brand new cafe and coffee shop has debuted in the northern suburbs of Boston, joining several other dining spots that have opened in the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Studio Cafe is now open in Woburn, with its Facebook page showing that the new Main Street eatery offers such items as breakfast sandwiches, bowls, brick-pressed lunch sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea, and more. The address for the place indicates that it takes over the former Malvy's Flowers & Gifts space on the southern edge of Woburn Center.
The Studio Cafe is one of a handful of spots to debut over the past several weeks as the coronavirus crisis continues, with some of the others including Popeyes in West Roxbury, Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe in East Bridgewater, My Happy Hunan Kitchen in Brighton, Sina's Kabob House in Peabody, and Casa Blanca in Wilmington.
The address for The Studio Cafe is 327 Main Street, Woburn, MA, 01801. Its website can be found at https://thestudio.cafe/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
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Thursday, April 30, 2020
The Alumni Is Returning to Quincy
A legendary name in the bar pizza world is returning to its hometown.
According to City of Quincy consultant and publicist Kerry J. Byrne, the Alumni is opening back up in Quincy, moving into a new spot on Washington Street that is adjacent to Rags Tavern and had been home to Quincy House of Pizza. Byrne tells us that the people behind Rags are actually opening the place and are currently renovating the space, which will include a small bar area.
The original Alumni Cafe first opened on Hancock Street in Quincy's Wollaston neighborhood back in 1960, closing its doors in 2013; another Alumni opened in Weymouth in 2016 and that spot has the same ownership as both Rags and the upcoming Alumni in Quincy--and they use similar Alumni recipes for their bar pizzas (Braintree Brewhouse in Braintree also serves Alumni-style pies).
The address for the new location of the Alumni in Quincy is 379 Washington Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.
[July 7 update: A check on the place over the weekend indicates that the Alumni has quietly opened its doors.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Belmont, Essex, Needham, and Lawrence Require Restaurant Workers and Customers to Wear Protective Face Coverings
At least four more communities in the Greater Boston area have put stricter rules in place that will affect both restaurant workers and customers.
According to a source as well as a list from WBZ 1030, people are now required to wear masks or another form of protective face covering in Belmont, Essex, Needham, and Lawrence, with the Lawrence ruling also including outdoor spaces in certain cases, according to a post from WHDH 7News. The four communities join an increasingly-long list of others in the region, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Danvers, Everett, Framingham, Lynn, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Peabody, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Swampscott, and Whitman, though as of this writing, no such requirement has been set in place for the city of Boston.
Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to be under a shutdown of sorts where they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the end date being extended from May 4 to May 18 a couple of days ago.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source as well as a list from WBZ 1030, people are now required to wear masks or another form of protective face covering in Belmont, Essex, Needham, and Lawrence, with the Lawrence ruling also including outdoor spaces in certain cases, according to a post from WHDH 7News. The four communities join an increasingly-long list of others in the region, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Danvers, Everett, Framingham, Lynn, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Peabody, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Swampscott, and Whitman, though as of this writing, no such requirement has been set in place for the city of Boston.
Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to be under a shutdown of sorts where they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the end date being extended from May 4 to May 18 a couple of days ago.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Cosi Sues SBA After Being Denied PPP Loan Due to Its Being in Bankruptcy
A local chain of dining spots that filed for bankruptcy and closed nearly all of its Boston-area locations earlier this year is now suing the U.S. Small Business Administration after being rejected for a federal stimulus loan.
According to an article from the Restaurant Business site, Cosi filed a lawsuit against the SBA earlier this week after being denied a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan because the company is in bankruptcy. The Charlestown-based business was hoping to receive as much as $3.7 million to help maintain payroll and said that several other companies were able to secure loans just before their bankruptcy filings, but the article indicates the SBA requires that companies can't receive loans if they are actually in bankruptcy at the time. Cosi filed for bankruptcy in February and is looking to emerge from it as more of a catering company.
The PPP, which is part of the CARES Act, has been criticized for allowing national restaurant chains to be granted funding while also running out of money within two weeks of its introduction. (Most of the chains have since said that they will return the loans.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article from the Restaurant Business site, Cosi filed a lawsuit against the SBA earlier this week after being denied a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan because the company is in bankruptcy. The Charlestown-based business was hoping to receive as much as $3.7 million to help maintain payroll and said that several other companies were able to secure loans just before their bankruptcy filings, but the article indicates the SBA requires that companies can't receive loans if they are actually in bankruptcy at the time. Cosi filed for bankruptcy in February and is looking to emerge from it as more of a catering company.
The PPP, which is part of the CARES Act, has been criticized for allowing national restaurant chains to be granted funding while also running out of money within two weeks of its introduction. (Most of the chains have since said that they will return the loans.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 29, 2020
The Market Restaurant in Gloucester's Annisquam Neighborhood Has Closed for Good
A seasonal restaurant on the North Shore that was known in part for its scenic water views has closed for good, though the COVID-19 pandemic is apparently not the cause.
According to a source (Cynthia Lawry), The Market Restaurant in the Annisquam neighborhood of Gloucester is permanently shuttered, with a note on its website saying that "Although this coincides with the closing of many restaurants due to the ongoing pandemic, this was a decision we made some time ago. Our priority right now is to create a lifestyle more conducive to raising a family." The note goes on to say that the people behind The Market Restaurant are cooking at Short & Main in Gloucester (their sister dining spot) for the time being, and they plan to debut Market Catering at some point.
The address for The Market Restaurant in Annisquam was 33 River Road, Gloucester, MA, 01930.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source (Cynthia Lawry), The Market Restaurant in the Annisquam neighborhood of Gloucester is permanently shuttered, with a note on its website saying that "Although this coincides with the closing of many restaurants due to the ongoing pandemic, this was a decision we made some time ago. Our priority right now is to create a lifestyle more conducive to raising a family." The note goes on to say that the people behind The Market Restaurant are cooking at Short & Main in Gloucester (their sister dining spot) for the time being, and they plan to debut Market Catering at some point.
The address for The Market Restaurant in Annisquam was 33 River Road, Gloucester, MA, 01930.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe Opens in East Bridgewater
A new dining spot has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston during the height of the pandemic, and a couple of Johnson & Wales graduates are behind the place.
According to an article from The Enterprise, Nicole Bartlett and David Casey opened Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe in East Bridgewater this week, with the restaurant focusing on ready-to-go comfort food meals such as honey balsamic steak tips, bacon-wrapped barbecue meatloaf, and blackened salmon. Bartlett and Casey have been behind a couple of delivery services--Perfectly Prepped and Davas Flavahs, respectively--while Bartlett had also been a sous chef at House of Blues in Boston's Fenway neighborhood and Casey was head chef at Niko Bar and Grill in West Bridgewater.
Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe will also be selling retail food products such as salad dressings, marinades, and spice rubs, and the business will offer catering as well.
The address for this new dining spot in East Bridgewater is: Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe, 224 N Bedford Street, East Bridgewater, MA, 02333. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/perfectlyflavahd/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article from The Enterprise, Nicole Bartlett and David Casey opened Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe in East Bridgewater this week, with the restaurant focusing on ready-to-go comfort food meals such as honey balsamic steak tips, bacon-wrapped barbecue meatloaf, and blackened salmon. Bartlett and Casey have been behind a couple of delivery services--Perfectly Prepped and Davas Flavahs, respectively--while Bartlett had also been a sous chef at House of Blues in Boston's Fenway neighborhood and Casey was head chef at Niko Bar and Grill in West Bridgewater.
Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe will also be selling retail food products such as salad dressings, marinades, and spice rubs, and the business will offer catering as well.
The address for this new dining spot in East Bridgewater is: Perfectly Flavah'D Cafe, 224 N Bedford Street, East Bridgewater, MA, 02333. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/perfectlyflavahd/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Colette Bakery Opens in South Medford
Last spring, it was reported that a new bakery might be taking over the space where another bakery that was known for its pizza had been. Now we have learned that the place is officially open.
According to a source, Colette Bakery is now open in the former Italo space in South Medford, with a Facebook post from the Main Street shop indicating that it apparently debuted a couple of weekends ago. The new bakery--whose owners come from France--features breads, croissants, flatbreads, quiche, sandwiches, and more.
The address for Colette Bakery is 509 Main Street, Medford, MA, 02155. Its website can be found at https://colettebakery.com/
[Earlier Article]
Colette Bakery Could Be Opening in Former Italo Bakery Space in South Medford
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, Colette Bakery is now open in the former Italo space in South Medford, with a Facebook post from the Main Street shop indicating that it apparently debuted a couple of weekends ago. The new bakery--whose owners come from France--features breads, croissants, flatbreads, quiche, sandwiches, and more.
The address for Colette Bakery is 509 Main Street, Medford, MA, 02155. Its website can be found at https://colettebakery.com/
[Earlier Article]
Colette Bakery Could Be Opening in Former Italo Bakery Space in South Medford
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Tripadvisor to Close Boston Office, Lay Off 25 Percent of Workers
An online travel company that is used in part for restaurant information is making some serious cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an article from NBC 10 Boston, Tripadvisor is closing its Boston office and laying off 900 workers, or approximately 25% of its total workforce. The post mentions that the company will also be shuttering its San Francisco office as well, while also saying that remaining workers in the Boston area will be able to work either remotely or out of its Needham headquarters.
In the article, Tripadvisor CEO and co-founder Steve Kaufer explains in a statement why the cuts are needed, saying that "Since mid-to-late February, COVID's impact on the travel industry and our business has slowly revealed itself day by day. The pandemic has had an impact on the economy that no one expected. Our personal and professional lives have changed in profound ways." Kaufer will be forgoing his salary for the rest of 2020, according to NBC.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article from NBC 10 Boston, Tripadvisor is closing its Boston office and laying off 900 workers, or approximately 25% of its total workforce. The post mentions that the company will also be shuttering its San Francisco office as well, while also saying that remaining workers in the Boston area will be able to work either remotely or out of its Needham headquarters.
In the article, Tripadvisor CEO and co-founder Steve Kaufer explains in a statement why the cuts are needed, saying that "Since mid-to-late February, COVID's impact on the travel industry and our business has slowly revealed itself day by day. The pandemic has had an impact on the economy that no one expected. Our personal and professional lives have changed in profound ways." Kaufer will be forgoing his salary for the rest of 2020, according to NBC.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 28, 2020
More Restaurants and Food Spots Are Reopening for Takeout/Delivery, Including Royal India Bistro, Empire
We are now heading into the fifth week of restaurant shutdowns/restrictions in the Boston area and elsewhere in Massachusetts, and the recent trend of places reopening for takeout and/or delivery appears to be picking up even more.
According to a number of sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants and via Universal Hub, Royal India Bistro in Lexington, Fresco's Roast Beef and Seafood in Malden, Cafe Porto Bello in South Boston, Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge, Bon Me (Binney Street location in Cambridge) and Effie's Kitchen and Romano's Pizzeria and Taqueria in Roslindale are now open once again for takeout and/or delivery, while Empire Restaurant and Lounge in Boston's Seaport District plans to be open Thursdays through Sundays and Blackbird Doughnuts (multiple locations) hopes to open sometime this week. It looks like a few other dining spots are getting ready to reopen as well, so stay tuned for more updates.
Currently, restaurants in the Boston area and across the state remain in a shutdown of sorts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last day of the restrictions being extended to May 18 today.
[May 1 update: A number of other restaurants have opened for takeout this week--Vee Vee in Jamaica Plain, the Somerville location of El Potro, the Arlington location of La Victoria Taqueria, Barking Crab in Boston, Sycamore in Newton, Oak and Rowan in Fort Point, Shanti in Dorchester and Roslindale, Spice Delight in Belmont, and District Kitchen in Malden, with the last two also offering delivery.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Governor Baker Extends Restaurant Restrictions Order to May 18
An earlier order issued by Governor Charlie Baker that banned on-site consumption in Massachusetts restaurants and bars has been extended once again.
Based on information from today's press conference, Governor Baker has changed the end date of the stay-at-home advisory and the closure of non-essential businesses in the state to May 18, which means that the restaurant restrictions will also continue until May 18; this is the second extension of the date, with the original end date being April 6. The ruling that only allows restaurants and bars in Massachusetts to offer takeout/delivery began on March 17 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
In the press conference, Baker also mentions the formation of an advisory board that will devise a plan for reopening the state.
Yesterday's press conference from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh hinted that an extension of the date may be coming from Baker, as Walsh stated that the May 4 date would definitely not hold.
[Earlier Articles]
Governor Baker Extends Restaurant Restrictions Order to May 4
Massachusetts Restaurants and Bars Are Now Limited to Takeout and Delivery Only
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Based on information from today's press conference, Governor Baker has changed the end date of the stay-at-home advisory and the closure of non-essential businesses in the state to May 18, which means that the restaurant restrictions will also continue until May 18; this is the second extension of the date, with the original end date being April 6. The ruling that only allows restaurants and bars in Massachusetts to offer takeout/delivery began on March 17 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
In the press conference, Baker also mentions the formation of an advisory board that will devise a plan for reopening the state.
Yesterday's press conference from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh hinted that an extension of the date may be coming from Baker, as Walsh stated that the May 4 date would definitely not hold.
[Earlier Articles]
Governor Baker Extends Restaurant Restrictions Order to May 4
Massachusetts Restaurants and Bars Are Now Limited to Takeout and Delivery Only
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Tyson Closes Pork Processing Plant in Iowa Indefinitely
Another large pork-processing plant has closed for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a source, Tyson is suspending operations at its plant in Waterloo Iowa, with a USA Today article mentioning that the decision comes on the heels of news that workers at both its Waterloo and Dakota City, Nebraska plants have died from the coronavirus. The post says that the Arkansas-based company will offer testing for all 2,800 of the workers at the facility and that its employees there will continue to be paid while the plant is shuttered.
Earlier this month, Smithfield closed its facility in Sioux Falls, SD indefinitely, while the USA Today article says that the United States has "lost 25% of its processing capacity as meatpacking plants slowed or closed during COVID-19."
[Earlier Article]
Smithfield Closes Major Pork Processing Plant, Putting Country's Meat Supply in Danger
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, Tyson is suspending operations at its plant in Waterloo Iowa, with a USA Today article mentioning that the decision comes on the heels of news that workers at both its Waterloo and Dakota City, Nebraska plants have died from the coronavirus. The post says that the Arkansas-based company will offer testing for all 2,800 of the workers at the facility and that its employees there will continue to be paid while the plant is shuttered.
Earlier this month, Smithfield closed its facility in Sioux Falls, SD indefinitely, while the USA Today article says that the United States has "lost 25% of its processing capacity as meatpacking plants slowed or closed during COVID-19."
[Earlier Article]
Smithfield Closes Major Pork Processing Plant, Putting Country's Meat Supply in Danger
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Cambridge Issues Emergency Order That Requires Masks for Restaurant Workers and Customers
Cities and towns all over the Greater Boston area have been issuing orders that go beyond the face mask advisory set by the state as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and Cambridge has joined Somerville in setting some of the strictest rules of them all--and ones that will affect both restaurant workers and customers.
According to the emergency order that goes into effect tomorrow, anyone in an indoor or outdoor public space in Cambridge will be required to wear a mask or another form of protective face covering, which means that not only will restaurant employees and diners going into dining spots to pick up food have to cover their noses and mouths, but masks will also likely be needed for curbside pickup as well, though the rules about wearing a mask in a car while being handed food (via a drive-thru, for instance) appear to be uncertain. As with Somerville, there will be a one-week grace period, while the order says that after the grace period ends, those who don't wear protective face covering could receive a $300 fine.
Cambridge joins a number of communities in the region that now require protective face coverings, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Danvers, Everett, Framingham Lynn, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Peabody, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Swampscott, and Whitman.
[Earlier Article]
Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, Somerville, and Whitman Set Up Stricter Rules for Restaurant Workers and Customers
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to the emergency order that goes into effect tomorrow, anyone in an indoor or outdoor public space in Cambridge will be required to wear a mask or another form of protective face covering, which means that not only will restaurant employees and diners going into dining spots to pick up food have to cover their noses and mouths, but masks will also likely be needed for curbside pickup as well, though the rules about wearing a mask in a car while being handed food (via a drive-thru, for instance) appear to be uncertain. As with Somerville, there will be a one-week grace period, while the order says that after the grace period ends, those who don't wear protective face covering could receive a $300 fine.
Cambridge joins a number of communities in the region that now require protective face coverings, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Danvers, Everett, Framingham Lynn, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Peabody, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Swampscott, and Whitman.
[Earlier Article]
Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, Somerville, and Whitman Set Up Stricter Rules for Restaurant Workers and Customers
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 27, 2020
Mayor Walsh Says May 4 Reopening Will Not Happen in Boston
A short time after Governor Charlie Baker stated that the May 4 lifting of restrictions would be revisited later this week, Mayor Marty Walsh had a much more blunt answer to the chance of that date holding.
In today's press conference, Mayor Walsh said that "I can tell you right now, [Boston] will not open on May fourth," based on a tweet from Karyn Regal of WBZ. Walsh did not specify a new date for the lifting of the restrictions, presumably because it would be based any upcoming decision from Baker that would affect the entire state, but he indeed indicated that the current date will not hold, saying that while plans are in the works for a reopening, "We cannot afford to make mistakes."
A ruling from Governor Baker that went into effect on March 17 effectively shut down restaurants and bars except for takeout/delivery, while an emergency order commenced on March 24 that closed all nonessential businesses in Massachusetts. (An initial April 6 date of the ending of restrictions was subsequently pushed back to May 4.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
In today's press conference, Mayor Walsh said that "I can tell you right now, [Boston] will not open on May fourth," based on a tweet from Karyn Regal of WBZ. Walsh did not specify a new date for the lifting of the restrictions, presumably because it would be based any upcoming decision from Baker that would affect the entire state, but he indeed indicated that the current date will not hold, saying that while plans are in the works for a reopening, "We cannot afford to make mistakes."
A ruling from Governor Baker that went into effect on March 17 effectively shut down restaurants and bars except for takeout/delivery, while an emergency order commenced on March 24 that closed all nonessential businesses in Massachusetts. (An initial April 6 date of the ending of restrictions was subsequently pushed back to May 4.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, Somerville, and Whitman Set Up Stricter Rules for Restaurant Workers and Customers
At least seven more communities in the Greater Boston area have set up stricter rules when it comes to getting takeout from restaurants, joining a number of others in the region that have also put such orders into place.
According to several sources, both customers and restaurant workers in Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, and Whitman are now required to wear face masks or other forms of protective face coverings, with customers having to do so when going inside an establishment to pick up food. In addition, Somerville's ruling goes into effect on Wednesday and applies to both indoor and outdoor public spaces, though there will be a one-week grace period, according to the official order.
These cities and towns are just a few of an ever-growing list of communities instituting rules that go beyond the simple recommendation of wearing masks by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Everett, Lynn, Medford, Quincy, Revere, Salem, and Swampscott.
Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to be under a shutdown of sorts where they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to several sources, both customers and restaurant workers in Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, and Whitman are now required to wear face masks or other forms of protective face coverings, with customers having to do so when going inside an establishment to pick up food. In addition, Somerville's ruling goes into effect on Wednesday and applies to both indoor and outdoor public spaces, though there will be a one-week grace period, according to the official order.
These cities and towns are just a few of an ever-growing list of communities instituting rules that go beyond the simple recommendation of wearing masks by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Everett, Lynn, Medford, Quincy, Revere, Salem, and Swampscott.
Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to be under a shutdown of sorts where they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Potbelly Returning $10 Million Loan Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
A Chicago-based chain of sandwich places is returning the money granted them as part of a government stimulus package designed to help small businesses, joining several other chains that have done the same over the past week or so.
According to a source, Potbelly Sandwich Shop has decided to return its $10 million forgivable loan granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act. An article from BuzzFeed News mentions this while also showing a Tweet thread from the chain saying the following:
Potbelly's decision to return the money comes on the heels of such chains as Ruth's Chris Steak House, Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, and Kura Sushi returning their loans as well. (The PPP was set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, Potbelly Sandwich Shop has decided to return its $10 million forgivable loan granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act. An article from BuzzFeed News mentions this while also showing a Tweet thread from the chain saying the following:
Potbelly's sales dropped dramatically when COVID-19 hit, forcing us to furlough employees, close shops, and significantly cut salaries at all levels of the organization. In order to financially support our in-shop employees, and based on SBA guidelines we applied and qualified for assistance under the Payroll Protection Program. We were surprised and disappointed when the fund was quickly exhausted, leaving many without help. We are returning the PPP loan after further clarification from the Treasury Department. We will continue to seek alternatives to help support our employees and enable them to return to work so they can serve our loyal customers.
Potbelly's decision to return the money comes on the heels of such chains as Ruth's Chris Steak House, Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, and Kura Sushi returning their loans as well. (The PPP was set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Tew-Mac Tavern Restaurant & Bar in Tewksbury Has Closed for Good
A casual upscale restaurant that was located at a suburban golf course has shut down permanently.
According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tew-Mac Tavern Restaurant & Bar in Tewksbury is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Tewksbury Country Club confirming this, saying that "After painful consideration to our staff, our loyal customers, and the community we have decided to close the Tew-Mac Tavern permanently and repurpose this existing space into a brand new event room to support our ever-growing function department." The new function space will be called Magnolia Room and it will include a private entrance and an outdoor patio, with the country club saying that it "will be a great addition to our award-winning Event Facility."
Tew-Mac Tavern was known in part for its fireside dining area along with its variety of classic American and New American dishes including warm brie, tomato soup, lobster rolls, crab cakes, hummus, macaroni and cheese, baked schrod, and steak tips.
The address for Tew-Mac Tavern Restaurant & Bar (and the Tewksbury Country Club) is 1880 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA, 01876. The website for the country club is at https://tewksburycc.com/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tew-Mac Tavern Restaurant & Bar in Tewksbury is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Tewksbury Country Club confirming this, saying that "After painful consideration to our staff, our loyal customers, and the community we have decided to close the Tew-Mac Tavern permanently and repurpose this existing space into a brand new event room to support our ever-growing function department." The new function space will be called Magnolia Room and it will include a private entrance and an outdoor patio, with the country club saying that it "will be a great addition to our award-winning Event Facility."
Tew-Mac Tavern was known in part for its fireside dining area along with its variety of classic American and New American dishes including warm brie, tomato soup, lobster rolls, crab cakes, hummus, macaroni and cheese, baked schrod, and steak tips.
The address for Tew-Mac Tavern Restaurant & Bar (and the Tewksbury Country Club) is 1880 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA, 01876. The website for the country club is at https://tewksburycc.com/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 24, 2020
The City of Boston to Allow Restaurants to Sell Grocery Items
Early last week, it was reported that the Boston Inspectional Services had told at least one restaurant to stop selling groceries because it did not have the needed permitting to do so. Now we have learned that the rules are apparently being relaxed, though the exact details are still on the way.
According to WBZ 1030, the office of Mayor Marty Walsh is saying that dining spots in Boston will be able to sell grocery items, with specific information coming from the mayor in his press conference later today. This jibes with one of our sources telling us that there will be some kind of change of wording that allows restaurants to be able to do so, though we probably won't know more until the press conference.
A couple of weeks ago, it appeared that at least a handful of Boston dining spots were offering groceries along with takeout/delivery options in order to help stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a few days later the city apparently started to crack down on this if the places didn't have what would appear to be a Food Service Health Permit. Other cities and towns in the Boston area are now allowing restaurants to be able to sell grocery items at least until the restaurant restrictions are lifted, including Arlington and Somerville.
[April 24 update: Mayor Marty Walsh said in his press conference this afternoon that restaurants are indeed now being allowed to sell groceries, including produce, paper products, and more. The dining spots will need to follow safety, packaging, and labeling guidelines, and they should sent a health safety operations plan to the licensing board. (Walsh also thanked the city of Somerville and Mayor Curtatone for helping Boston hash out its plans.)]
[Earlier Articles]
More and More Boston-Area Dining Spots Offering Groceries to the Public
City of Boston Cracking Down on Restaurants Selling Grocery Items
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to WBZ 1030, the office of Mayor Marty Walsh is saying that dining spots in Boston will be able to sell grocery items, with specific information coming from the mayor in his press conference later today. This jibes with one of our sources telling us that there will be some kind of change of wording that allows restaurants to be able to do so, though we probably won't know more until the press conference.
A couple of weeks ago, it appeared that at least a handful of Boston dining spots were offering groceries along with takeout/delivery options in order to help stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a few days later the city apparently started to crack down on this if the places didn't have what would appear to be a Food Service Health Permit. Other cities and towns in the Boston area are now allowing restaurants to be able to sell grocery items at least until the restaurant restrictions are lifted, including Arlington and Somerville.
[April 24 update: Mayor Marty Walsh said in his press conference this afternoon that restaurants are indeed now being allowed to sell groceries, including produce, paper products, and more. The dining spots will need to follow safety, packaging, and labeling guidelines, and they should sent a health safety operations plan to the licensing board. (Walsh also thanked the city of Somerville and Mayor Curtatone for helping Boston hash out its plans.)]
[Earlier Articles]
More and More Boston-Area Dining Spots Offering Groceries to the Public
City of Boston Cracking Down on Restaurants Selling Grocery Items
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
News Elsewhere: New York City Looking at Bill That Would Pause Evictions For One Year
The City Council of New York has introduced a set of bills designed to help both the workers and owners of restaurants and other businesses, and one looks at an issue that is also facing countless dining and drinking spots across the country.
Eater New York is reporting (via Curbed New York) that Council Speaker Corey Johnson has sponsored legislation that would keep landlords from evicting restaurants and other businesses until April of 2021, which would greatly extend the current statewide moratorium on evictions that goes until this June. In addition, the council is also looking into fining landlords who harass tenants for their rent payments, with fines being between $10,000 and $50,000.
The Eater article also mentions other legislation being looked at in New York, including hazard pay for grocery store workers, paid sick leave for delivery people, and the suspension of fees for outdoor patios.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Eater New York is reporting (via Curbed New York) that Council Speaker Corey Johnson has sponsored legislation that would keep landlords from evicting restaurants and other businesses until April of 2021, which would greatly extend the current statewide moratorium on evictions that goes until this June. In addition, the council is also looking into fining landlords who harass tenants for their rent payments, with fines being between $10,000 and $50,000.
The Eater article also mentions other legislation being looked at in New York, including hazard pay for grocery store workers, paid sick leave for delivery people, and the suspension of fees for outdoor patios.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Ruth's Chris, Sweetgreen Returning Loans Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Two more restaurant chains have decided to return the money granted them as part of a government stimulus package designed to help small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an article from NBC and a post from Grub Street, Ruth's Chris Steak House is returning its $20 million forgivable loan while Sweetgreen is returning the $10 million that it had received, both of which were granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act. The two chains join two others that are returning their loans--Shake Shack, which was given $10 million and Kura Sushi, which was granted $5.98 million.
Several restaurant chains have been criticized for securing funding from the PPP which ran out of money in under two weeks, leaving many independent restaurants not getting any funding at least for now. (The PPP was set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.)
[Earlier Articles]
Shake Shack Returning $10 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Kura Sushi Returning $5.98 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article from NBC and a post from Grub Street, Ruth's Chris Steak House is returning its $20 million forgivable loan while Sweetgreen is returning the $10 million that it had received, both of which were granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act. The two chains join two others that are returning their loans--Shake Shack, which was given $10 million and Kura Sushi, which was granted $5.98 million.
Several restaurant chains have been criticized for securing funding from the PPP which ran out of money in under two weeks, leaving many independent restaurants not getting any funding at least for now. (The PPP was set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.)
[Earlier Articles]
Shake Shack Returning $10 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Kura Sushi Returning $5.98 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 23, 2020
Update: Everett, Winthrop, and Abington Now Have Stricter Rules in Place for Restaurant Workers and Customers
Three more communities in the Greater Boston area have set up stricter rules when it comes to dining.
According to an article in the Everett Independent, customers who wish to pick up takeout orders at restaurants in Everett are now required to wear a mask or another type of protective face covering as do the restaurant workers, while the town of Winthrop has instituted a similar ruling as has Abington. (In addition, plexiglass shields will need to be set up in Everett dining spots so that people behind the counter and customers are separated.) Everett, Winthrop, and Abington join a growing number of cities and towns in the region that are instituting rules that go beyond the basic face mask recommendations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with Braintree, Lynn, Medford, Swampscott, Beverly, Revere, Quincy, Brookline, and Salem all having similar mandates, though Lynn (and the Revere Beach part of Revere) is also not allowing customers to go inside dining spots.
Currently, Massachusetts restaurants and bars are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the tentative end date of the restrictions being May 4, though this date could certainly be pushed back.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article in the Everett Independent, customers who wish to pick up takeout orders at restaurants in Everett are now required to wear a mask or another type of protective face covering as do the restaurant workers, while the town of Winthrop has instituted a similar ruling as has Abington. (In addition, plexiglass shields will need to be set up in Everett dining spots so that people behind the counter and customers are separated.) Everett, Winthrop, and Abington join a growing number of cities and towns in the region that are instituting rules that go beyond the basic face mask recommendations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with Braintree, Lynn, Medford, Swampscott, Beverly, Revere, Quincy, Brookline, and Salem all having similar mandates, though Lynn (and the Revere Beach part of Revere) is also not allowing customers to go inside dining spots.
Currently, Massachusetts restaurants and bars are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the tentative end date of the restrictions being May 4, though this date could certainly be pushed back.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Kura Sushi Returning $5.98 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Earlier this week, it was reported that a restaurant chain known for its burgers and shakes was returning the loan it received as part of a government stimulus package designed to help small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we have learned that another chain is doing the same thing.
According to an article from Forbes, Kura Sushi announced on Wednesday that it would be giving back the $5.98 million it was granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act, and this comes on the heels of Shake Shack returning the $10 million that it had received. Chains such as Kura Sushi and Shake Shack have been criticized for getting funding from the PPP which ran out of money in under two weeks, leaving many small businesses--including independent restaurants--in a waiting game for funds. (The PPP is supposed to be set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.) Other chains that have also received stimulus money include Ruth's Chris Steak House and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
Kura Sushi, which is a chain of conveyor-belt sushi spots, has approximately 25 locations in the United States with the closest outlet to Boston being in Fort Lee, NJ; the chain also has several hundred locations in Japan and Taiwan.
[Earlier Article]
Shake Shack Returning $10 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article from Forbes, Kura Sushi announced on Wednesday that it would be giving back the $5.98 million it was granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act, and this comes on the heels of Shake Shack returning the $10 million that it had received. Chains such as Kura Sushi and Shake Shack have been criticized for getting funding from the PPP which ran out of money in under two weeks, leaving many small businesses--including independent restaurants--in a waiting game for funds. (The PPP is supposed to be set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.) Other chains that have also received stimulus money include Ruth's Chris Steak House and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
Kura Sushi, which is a chain of conveyor-belt sushi spots, has approximately 25 locations in the United States with the closest outlet to Boston being in Fort Lee, NJ; the chain also has several hundred locations in Japan and Taiwan.
[Earlier Article]
Shake Shack Returning $10 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 "Bar Pizza Bandit" Is Helping Feed First Responders in Quincy
Like many communities south of Boston, the city of Quincy is known in part for its bar pizza, and a mystery person has been purchasing a huge number of them for local first responders.
According to City of Quincy consultant and publicist Kerry J. Byrne, an unknown woman wearing a black hoodie and a ball cap has walked into Rags Tavern on Washington Street three times over the past couple of weeks and ordered $200 in bar pizza each time, with the first delivery going to the Quincy Police Department, the second going to the Quincy Fire Department, and the third being sent to EMTs at Brewster Ambulance. Courtney Rego, who is manager of Rags, says that "I've seen her in here before, but I don't know who she is....Either way, we're happy to be a part of her effort to feed local first responders and delighted to know that there are so many great people out there working to help our neighbors on the front lines of the battle against Coronavirus."
Byrne tells us that the three orders amount to approximately 25 bar pizzas each, or 75 pizzas in total that have gone to first responders in the city.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to City of Quincy consultant and publicist Kerry J. Byrne, an unknown woman wearing a black hoodie and a ball cap has walked into Rags Tavern on Washington Street three times over the past couple of weeks and ordered $200 in bar pizza each time, with the first delivery going to the Quincy Police Department, the second going to the Quincy Fire Department, and the third being sent to EMTs at Brewster Ambulance. Courtney Rego, who is manager of Rags, says that "I've seen her in here before, but I don't know who she is....Either way, we're happy to be a part of her effort to feed local first responders and delighted to know that there are so many great people out there working to help our neighbors on the front lines of the battle against Coronavirus."
Byrne tells us that the three orders amount to approximately 25 bar pizzas each, or 75 pizzas in total that have gone to first responders in the city.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
More Than 211,000 Massachusetts Restaurant Workers Have Been Laid Off; 93% of Restaurants Have Cut Staff
It should come as no surprise that restaurants workers in Massachusetts and elsewhere have taken a big hit since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the actual numbers are still pretty shocking.
MassLive is reporting that 93% of restaurant operators in the state have cut their staff with the average reduction being 87%, and more than 211,000 restaurant workers have either been laid off or furloughed, which is a stunning number considering that 261,000 people were working at dining and drinking spots in Massachusetts as recently as February. These numbers, which come via the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and a survey done by the National Restaurant Association, also include a 96% decline in restaurant sales in the state, with the average loss being more than 80%, leading to an estimate of a more than $1.3 billion loss in restaurant sales for the month of April.
The MassLive article mentions that the above data comes from a nationwide survey taken between April 10 and April 16 that included a total of 6,500 responses.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
MassLive is reporting that 93% of restaurant operators in the state have cut their staff with the average reduction being 87%, and more than 211,000 restaurant workers have either been laid off or furloughed, which is a stunning number considering that 261,000 people were working at dining and drinking spots in Massachusetts as recently as February. These numbers, which come via the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and a survey done by the National Restaurant Association, also include a 96% decline in restaurant sales in the state, with the average loss being more than 80%, leading to an estimate of a more than $1.3 billion loss in restaurant sales for the month of April.
The MassLive article mentions that the above data comes from a nationwide survey taken between April 10 and April 16 that included a total of 6,500 responses.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 22, 2020
Soall Viet Kitchen Is Opening in Beverly
The people behind a Vietnamese restaurant on the North Shore are going to be opening a second restaurant north of Boston.
According to a press release, Sa Nguyen and Mia Lunt are planning to open Soall Viet Kitchen in Beverly, with the Rantoul Street eatery joining Soall Bistro on Bessom Street in Marblehead. The new dining spot will offer such items as pho, bowls, banh mi, local beers, and wines, and the space will also include Soall Market, an Asian market that sells house-made broths and sauces as well as spices and condiments. If all goes as planned, the new location of Soall will open sometime this summer.
The original Soall Bistro first opened in Marblehead a bit less than 10 years ago.
The address for the new Soall Viet Kitchen is 211 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.
[September 6 update: A source tells us that Soall Viet Kitchen could be starting a "phased" opening on September 8, possibly with takeout being offered initially.]
According to a press release, Sa Nguyen and Mia Lunt are planning to open Soall Viet Kitchen in Beverly, with the Rantoul Street eatery joining Soall Bistro on Bessom Street in Marblehead. The new dining spot will offer such items as pho, bowls, banh mi, local beers, and wines, and the space will also include Soall Market, an Asian market that sells house-made broths and sauces as well as spices and condiments. If all goes as planned, the new location of Soall will open sometime this summer.
The original Soall Bistro first opened in Marblehead a bit less than 10 years ago.
The address for the new Soall Viet Kitchen is 211 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.
[September 6 update: A source tells us that Soall Viet Kitchen could be starting a "phased" opening on September 8, possibly with takeout being offered initially.]
[October 16 update: Wicked Local mentions that Soall Viet Kitchen is now open in Beverly, though for takeout only for now, with its indoor dining and market debuting at some point.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
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by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Braintree Enforces Stricter Rules for Restaurants, Customers
Over the past couple of weeks, we have reported that a number of cities and towns in the Boston area have instituted new orders requiring both restaurant workers and customers to wear protective face covering. Now we have learned that yet another local community has joined in on the enforcing of stricter rules.
According to a source, Braintree is now requiring anyone who is in a public building to wear a face mask, with the emergency order indicating that it requires "face coverings to be worn by members of the general public who are in the communal areas of all residential or commercial buildings" while this also applies to "anyone entering an essential business as defined by Gov. Charlie Baker's Executive Orders, as well as employees of essential businesses." The South Shore suburb joins Lynn, Medford, Swampscott, Beverly, Revere, Quincy, Brookline, and Salem in enforcing this type of strict regulation, with Lynn and Revere not allowing customers to go inside restaurants. (The Commonwealth of Massachusetts simply recommends that people wear masks in public buildings at this point in time.)
Massachusetts restaurants continue to only be allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery until at least May 4, though this date may end up being extended by Governor Charlie Baker.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, Braintree is now requiring anyone who is in a public building to wear a face mask, with the emergency order indicating that it requires "face coverings to be worn by members of the general public who are in the communal areas of all residential or commercial buildings" while this also applies to "anyone entering an essential business as defined by Gov. Charlie Baker's Executive Orders, as well as employees of essential businesses." The South Shore suburb joins Lynn, Medford, Swampscott, Beverly, Revere, Quincy, Brookline, and Salem in enforcing this type of strict regulation, with Lynn and Revere not allowing customers to go inside restaurants. (The Commonwealth of Massachusetts simply recommends that people wear masks in public buildings at this point in time.)
Massachusetts restaurants continue to only be allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery until at least May 4, though this date may end up being extended by Governor Charlie Baker.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 Long-Closed Dive Bar in Brighton Continues to Pretend to Be Open During the Pandemic
While a number of restaurants and bars in the Boston area remain open for takeout/delivery as the coronavirus crisis continues, a Brighton bar is using social media to say that it is planning to do the same, though there happens to be one small problem--it hasn't been open in years.
According to a source, Hogan's Run is stating on its Facebook page that it is looking into offering hot dogs and more for curbside pickup, with a recent post indeed saying that "We're working with our vendors to offer take out during these trying times. Coming this week we plan to offer Hot Dogs, Beer and Scratch Tickets to go - curbside pickup!" The post goes on to say that "My nephew shared his Netflix info with us and honestly if you order some take out, we will share with you too. Netflix don't look into this." The dive, which had been located on Lincoln street until early 2014 when it was replaced by the Lincoln Bar and Grill (which closed last month), is also posting an events page for April 17, 2021 when the Dropkick Murphys are scheduled to play at the long-closed bar.
Hogan's Run has been putting up gag posts every now and then since closing down, including one from 2017 when it was claiming to be looking to hire interns who would be expected to "come away with a much deeper understanding of the industry and perhaps even a few tips from our regulars regarding scratch tickets and Keno."
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, Hogan's Run is stating on its Facebook page that it is looking into offering hot dogs and more for curbside pickup, with a recent post indeed saying that "We're working with our vendors to offer take out during these trying times. Coming this week we plan to offer Hot Dogs, Beer and Scratch Tickets to go - curbside pickup!" The post goes on to say that "My nephew shared his Netflix info with us and honestly if you order some take out, we will share with you too. Netflix don't look into this." The dive, which had been located on Lincoln street until early 2014 when it was replaced by the Lincoln Bar and Grill (which closed last month), is also posting an events page for April 17, 2021 when the Dropkick Murphys are scheduled to play at the long-closed bar.
Hogan's Run has been putting up gag posts every now and then since closing down, including one from 2017 when it was claiming to be looking to hire interns who would be expected to "come away with a much deeper understanding of the industry and perhaps even a few tips from our regulars regarding scratch tickets and Keno."
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 21, 2020
The Foodery Has Closed for Good; Cites COVID-19 Crisis As Reason for Closing
A local business that focused on food delivery has shut down permanently, and the coronavirus outbreak appears to have been the cause of its closure.
According to a message sent from Lillie Marshall, The Foodery is no longer in business, with a note on the company's website saying the following:
The Foodery, which was headquartered in Malden, was known for its ever-changing seasonal dishes made using locally sourced and organic ingredients. The food delivery company first started out approximately seven years ago.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a message sent from Lillie Marshall, The Foodery is no longer in business, with a note on the company's website saying the following:
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, it is no longer possible for us to continue operations. Our methods of preparation and delivery of our products inherently requires intense team collaboration and interaction with suppliers, purveyors and customers. The effect of this crisis on our team and operations has become too uncertain to continue accepting customer orders, so it is in the best interest of all of our stakeholders to close The Foodery.
The Foodery, which was headquartered in Malden, was known for its ever-changing seasonal dishes made using locally sourced and organic ingredients. The food delivery company first started out approximately seven years ago.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
More Restaurants and Food Spots Are Opening Back Up This Week for Takeout/Delivery
As we head into the fifth week of restaurant shutdowns/restrictions in the Greater Boston area and elsewhere in Massachusetts, it appears that the trend of dining spots reopening seems to be continuing.
According to a number of sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Fat Baby and Loco in South Boston opened yesterday, with Caught in Southie also saying that Capo opens for takeout on Wednesday, April 22 (all three are under the same ownership). In addition, Brick & Beam in Quincy reopens today while The Publick House in Brookline hopes to open sometime mid to late week and China King in Chinatown reopens on Thursday, the last of which is according to a press release. Finally, Hough Many Scoops in Quincy opened back up over the weekend, though this looks like more of a seasonal reopening.
As always, keep checking back for more updates, as more dining spots could be reopening (or closing) over the coming days.
[April 22 update: Even more dining spots have recently reopened, including Parziale's and Bricco in the North End, Myers + Chang in the South End, Daddy Jones in Somerville, and Hong Kong Cafe and Delfino in Roslindale (thanks to multiple sources for all of these, including Universal Hub).]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 20, 2020
Could "Restaurmarts" Become a Hot New Concept in a Post-Pandemic World?
An article that was posted here last week looked at one dining concept that could take off once the coronavirus crisis lessens--the ghost kitchen--and now another concept is being looked at as a possible booming subcategory within the restaurant industry.
Based on an article in Forbes, it appears that the "restaurmart" could be a big player in the future, especially considering that cities and towns across the country, including Arlington and Somerville, are currently allowing restaurants to sell grocery items until restrictions are lifted on dining and drinking spots. The question is, will at least some restaurants decide to continue to sell groceries once things get better, either by applying for the required permits that will be going back into place, and/or perhaps seeing cities and towns make it easier for dining spots to acquire the needed permits? This remains to be seen, but as Forbes says, Sysco (which is a food distributor) has already begun something called a "Sysco Pop Up Shop" which helps restaurants sell "essential" products in addition to its usual food/drink items, while chains such as Panera are now offering an array of grocery items to customers.
Forbes also notes that one chain has actually done very well with their own version of the "restaurmart" concept over the years--Cracker Barrel, a Southern-style chain of eateries that features combination restaurants/country stores and which also sells some of its products in a variety of supermarkets.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Based on an article in Forbes, it appears that the "restaurmart" could be a big player in the future, especially considering that cities and towns across the country, including Arlington and Somerville, are currently allowing restaurants to sell grocery items until restrictions are lifted on dining and drinking spots. The question is, will at least some restaurants decide to continue to sell groceries once things get better, either by applying for the required permits that will be going back into place, and/or perhaps seeing cities and towns make it easier for dining spots to acquire the needed permits? This remains to be seen, but as Forbes says, Sysco (which is a food distributor) has already begun something called a "Sysco Pop Up Shop" which helps restaurants sell "essential" products in addition to its usual food/drink items, while chains such as Panera are now offering an array of grocery items to customers.
Forbes also notes that one chain has actually done very well with their own version of the "restaurmart" concept over the years--Cracker Barrel, a Southern-style chain of eateries that features combination restaurants/country stores and which also sells some of its products in a variety of supermarkets.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Apex Entertainment Facility May Be Opening in Saugus
A few years ago, it was reported that an entertainment center could be coming to the old Sears location on Route 1 in Saugus, only to have those plans fall through. Now we have learned that another entertainment complex might be coming to the space instead.
According to an article in Wicked Local, Apex Entertainment is seeking a special permit to open on the first floor of the former Sears space at the Square One Mall, with the place potentially offering miniature golf, bumper cars, an arcade, a ropes course, and a full-service restaurant and bar. If approved by the town, this would be the fourth location of the entertainment center, joining its original location in Marlborough along with other outlets in Albany, Syracuse, and Virginia Beach.
Back in the summer of 2017, Round 1 Bowling & Amusements was seeking to open on the second floor of the Sears building, but those plans were withdrawn a month later and the place never ended up opening.
[Earlier Articles]
Round 1 Bowling & Amusements May Be Opening in Saugus
Plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements in Saugus Withdrawn, May Be Modified
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article in Wicked Local, Apex Entertainment is seeking a special permit to open on the first floor of the former Sears space at the Square One Mall, with the place potentially offering miniature golf, bumper cars, an arcade, a ropes course, and a full-service restaurant and bar. If approved by the town, this would be the fourth location of the entertainment center, joining its original location in Marlborough along with other outlets in Albany, Syracuse, and Virginia Beach.
Back in the summer of 2017, Round 1 Bowling & Amusements was seeking to open on the second floor of the Sears building, but those plans were withdrawn a month later and the place never ended up opening.
[Earlier Articles]
Round 1 Bowling & Amusements May Be Opening in Saugus
Plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements in Saugus Withdrawn, May Be Modified
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 Bittersweet Shoppe Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay
A new food place is coming to one of Boston's busiest streets, and its name may be familiar to those who frequent farmers markets and festivals.
According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, The Bittersweet Shoppe is planning to open on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, with the notice mentioning that the restaurant space would include a lower garden level along with a lower patio and the manager being Tracy Casavant. A post on the designcrowd.com site indicates that Casavant is the owner of Bittersweet Homestead, a business known in part for its fresh-squeezed lemonade along with such items as sweet and salty kettle corn and maple vanilla walnuts, and the post indicates that she may be calling the brick-and-mortar "The Bittersweet Shoppe & Soda Fountain."
Bittersweet Homestead, which was formed in 2015, has been set up at such spots as City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston and the Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/bittersweethomestead/
[July 10 update: Eater Boston states that The Bittersweet Shoppe is now open at 257 Newbury Street in the Back Bay.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, The Bittersweet Shoppe is planning to open on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, with the notice mentioning that the restaurant space would include a lower garden level along with a lower patio and the manager being Tracy Casavant. A post on the designcrowd.com site indicates that Casavant is the owner of Bittersweet Homestead, a business known in part for its fresh-squeezed lemonade along with such items as sweet and salty kettle corn and maple vanilla walnuts, and the post indicates that she may be calling the brick-and-mortar "The Bittersweet Shoppe & Soda Fountain."
Bittersweet Homestead, which was formed in 2015, has been set up at such spots as City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston and the Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/bittersweethomestead/
[July 10 update: Eater Boston states that The Bittersweet Shoppe is now open at 257 Newbury Street in the Back Bay.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
City of Somerville Allowing Restaurants to Sell Groceries
Late last week, it was reported that a Boston suburb would be allowing restaurants to sell grocery items. Now we have learned that one of its neighbors is now doing this as well.
According to an emergency order page, the city of Somerville is letting restaurants offer groceries along with takeout and/or delivery, with Mayor Curtatone and the Board of Health saying that zoning and/or licensing requirements allowing groceries to be sold are being waived until the restrictions on restaurants are lifted. The note does say, however, that dining spots that have not sold groceries in the past need to give the Director of Inspectional Services a detailed operations and safety plan for storing and distributing goods. Currently, only one restaurant listed on the somervilledelivers.com site is offering groceries--Earls at Assembly Row.
Early last week, the town of Arlington had reportedly told a restaurant and bar to stop selling grocery items, though the situation was quickly resolved where approved restaurants would be able to sell groceries directly to residents until restrictions were lifted, waiving the $150 permit fee and having a special notice put up in the windows of eateries doing it in order to let people know.
Last month, Somerville, Arlington, and all other communities in Massachusetts were required to have their dining rooms and bar areas shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead allowing only takeout and/or delivery.
[Earlier Articles]
Arlington Tells Dining/Drinking Spot to Stop Selling Grocery Items Without Correct Permitting
Town of Arlington to Allow Restaurants to Sell Groceries
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an emergency order page, the city of Somerville is letting restaurants offer groceries along with takeout and/or delivery, with Mayor Curtatone and the Board of Health saying that zoning and/or licensing requirements allowing groceries to be sold are being waived until the restrictions on restaurants are lifted. The note does say, however, that dining spots that have not sold groceries in the past need to give the Director of Inspectional Services a detailed operations and safety plan for storing and distributing goods. Currently, only one restaurant listed on the somervilledelivers.com site is offering groceries--Earls at Assembly Row.
Early last week, the town of Arlington had reportedly told a restaurant and bar to stop selling grocery items, though the situation was quickly resolved where approved restaurants would be able to sell groceries directly to residents until restrictions were lifted, waiving the $150 permit fee and having a special notice put up in the windows of eateries doing it in order to let people know.
Last month, Somerville, Arlington, and all other communities in Massachusetts were required to have their dining rooms and bar areas shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead allowing only takeout and/or delivery.
[Earlier Articles]
Arlington Tells Dining/Drinking Spot to Stop Selling Grocery Items Without Correct Permitting
Town of Arlington to Allow Restaurants to Sell Groceries
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Shake Shack Returning $10 Million Granted Through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
A restaurant chain known for its burgers and shakes is giving back the money it received as part of a government stimulus package designed to help small businesses.
According to an article from NBC, Shake Shack is returning the $10 million that it was granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act, with founder Danny Meyer and CEO Randy Garutti saying in a letter that "We now know that the first phase of the PPP was underfunded, and many who need it most, haven't gotten any assistance....Our people would benefit from a $10 million PPP loan, but we're fortunate to now have access to capital that others do not....Until every restaurant that needs it has had the same opportunity to receive assistance, we're returning ours." NBC mentions that Shake Shack and its parent company Union Square Hospitality Group were able to secure additional capital separately last week, prompting them to return the stimulus money.
The PPP currently allows restaurant locations to pursue loans if they have no more than 500 employees, and as the letter from Meyer and Garutti indicates, Shake Shack outlets apparently have an average of approximately 45 employees. Shake Shack and other chains, including Ruth's Chris Steak House and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, have caught flack over the past few days for securing funding from the PPP, which ran out of money in less than two weeks, leaving many small businesses--including restaurants--still awaiting funding. (The PPP is supposedly set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to an article from NBC, Shake Shack is returning the $10 million that it was granted via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act, with founder Danny Meyer and CEO Randy Garutti saying in a letter that "We now know that the first phase of the PPP was underfunded, and many who need it most, haven't gotten any assistance....Our people would benefit from a $10 million PPP loan, but we're fortunate to now have access to capital that others do not....Until every restaurant that needs it has had the same opportunity to receive assistance, we're returning ours." NBC mentions that Shake Shack and its parent company Union Square Hospitality Group were able to secure additional capital separately last week, prompting them to return the stimulus money.
The PPP currently allows restaurant locations to pursue loans if they have no more than 500 employees, and as the letter from Meyer and Garutti indicates, Shake Shack outlets apparently have an average of approximately 45 employees. Shake Shack and other chains, including Ruth's Chris Steak House and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, have caught flack over the past few days for securing funding from the PPP, which ran out of money in less than two weeks, leaving many small businesses--including restaurants--still awaiting funding. (The PPP is supposedly set up to help small businesses maintain their payrolls.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 17, 2020
My Happy Hunan Kitchen Opens in Former Feng Shui Space in Brighton's Cleveland Circle
A brand new Chinese restaurant is now open in Brighton, taking over the space where a location of a Chinese and Japanese spot had been.
Eater Boston is reporting that My Happy Hunan Kitchen has opened in the old Feng Shui space in Cleveland Circle, offering spicy fare commonly found in the Hunan province of China. The post says that the new restaurant is open for both takeout and delivery, with the menu showing such items as steamed chicken with chili, fried sticky rice cakes, spicy chicken wings, pork lard fried rice, sizzling cumin beef, spicy crawfish, steamed eggs with minced pork, and lamb chops.
It is not known if any other locations of Feng Shui have closed; the website for the local group of eateries still shows locations being open in Burlington, Chelmsford, Cohasset, Tyngsboro, and Waltham, though it also still shows the now-closed Brighton outlet as well.
The address for My Happy Hunan Kitchen in Cleveland Circle is 1924 Beacon Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://myhappyhunan.com/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Eater Boston is reporting that My Happy Hunan Kitchen has opened in the old Feng Shui space in Cleveland Circle, offering spicy fare commonly found in the Hunan province of China. The post says that the new restaurant is open for both takeout and delivery, with the menu showing such items as steamed chicken with chili, fried sticky rice cakes, spicy chicken wings, pork lard fried rice, sizzling cumin beef, spicy crawfish, steamed eggs with minced pork, and lamb chops.
It is not known if any other locations of Feng Shui have closed; the website for the local group of eateries still shows locations being open in Burlington, Chelmsford, Cohasset, Tyngsboro, and Waltham, though it also still shows the now-closed Brighton outlet as well.
The address for My Happy Hunan Kitchen in Cleveland Circle is 1924 Beacon Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://myhappyhunan.com/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 Spot Is Opening in The Waterfield Kitchen Space in Winchester
It looks like a local restaurant group is making changes to one of its spaces, and it will apparently have the same name as one of its other places.
According to a Twitter post from @WinchesterPics, The Spot: A Local's Tavern is opening in The Waterfield Kitchen (TWK) space in Winchester Center, with one sign out front saying "See you on the other side..." and another sign saying "We look forward to seeing you..." each of which has the logo for The Spot in Georgetown. Based on the menu at its original location, it appears that the new location of The Spot could feature a mix of New American and classic American fare along with sushi, with a source confirming that the space could indeed include a sushi bar. It appears that The Spot will be taking over the entire TWK space, though we are waiting to hear back from Serenitee Restaurant Group to confirm this.
In addition to The Spot and TWK, the Serenitee Restaurant Group also runs Opus in Salem, Maggie's Farm in Middleton, 15 Walnut in Hamilton, Hale St Tavern in Beverly Farms, Cala's in Manchester by the Sea, and Minglewood Harborside in Gloucester. Its website is at https://sereniteerestaurants.com/
[April 28 update: Wicked Local confirms that The Spot will be taking over the entire TWK space, with a sushi bar downstairs and a new bar upstairs.]
[May 11 update: According to its website, The Spot plans to open (for takeout and delivery) in Winchester on Wednesday, May 13.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a Twitter post from @WinchesterPics, The Spot: A Local's Tavern is opening in The Waterfield Kitchen (TWK) space in Winchester Center, with one sign out front saying "See you on the other side..." and another sign saying "We look forward to seeing you..." each of which has the logo for The Spot in Georgetown. Based on the menu at its original location, it appears that the new location of The Spot could feature a mix of New American and classic American fare along with sushi, with a source confirming that the space could indeed include a sushi bar. It appears that The Spot will be taking over the entire TWK space, though we are waiting to hear back from Serenitee Restaurant Group to confirm this.
In addition to The Spot and TWK, the Serenitee Restaurant Group also runs Opus in Salem, Maggie's Farm in Middleton, 15 Walnut in Hamilton, Hale St Tavern in Beverly Farms, Cala's in Manchester by the Sea, and Minglewood Harborside in Gloucester. Its website is at https://sereniteerestaurants.com/
[April 28 update: Wicked Local confirms that The Spot will be taking over the entire TWK space, with a sushi bar downstairs and a new bar upstairs.]
[May 11 update: According to its website, The Spot plans to open (for takeout and delivery) in Winchester on Wednesday, May 13.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Heady Topper, Focal Banger No Longer Available in the Greater Boston Area for At Least the Time Being
Earlier this month, it was reported that a couple of Vermont beers with cult-like followings had become available in the Boston area and in other parts of Massachusetts. Now we have learned that distribution of the beers has ended, though the door apparently remains open for their possible return.
Based on an updated note shown on the distribution list for the beers, Heady Topper and Focal Banger are now "sold out" in the local area, with Night Shift Distributing thanking people for their support over the past couple of weeks. A message sent to us from Night Shift Brewing seems to indicate that the two brews from The Alchemist could perhaps make a return at some point, as they say that it is "possible it'll come back but TBD timeline." We have reached out to The Alchemist for more information and will report back with any addition information given.
The Alchemist, which is based on Stowe, is known in part for its Heady Topper beer, an award-winning double IPA, and Focal Banger, an IPA that isn't as well-known but also has a rabid following.
[Earlier Article]
Heady Topper, Focal Banger Now Available in the Greater Boston Area
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Based on an updated note shown on the distribution list for the beers, Heady Topper and Focal Banger are now "sold out" in the local area, with Night Shift Distributing thanking people for their support over the past couple of weeks. A message sent to us from Night Shift Brewing seems to indicate that the two brews from The Alchemist could perhaps make a return at some point, as they say that it is "possible it'll come back but TBD timeline." We have reached out to The Alchemist for more information and will report back with any addition information given.
The Alchemist, which is based on Stowe, is known in part for its Heady Topper beer, an award-winning double IPA, and Focal Banger, an IPA that isn't as well-known but also has a rabid following.
[Earlier Article]
Heady Topper, Focal Banger Now Available in the Greater Boston Area
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 16, 2020
News Elsewhere: Spending at Restaurants in New York City Down More Than 90 Percent in Late March
It is no secret that restaurants across the United States have taken a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in the nation's largest city, the numbers may shock even those who were expecting the worst.
Eater New York is reporting (via an Executive Budget document for the fiscal year 2021) that spending at restaurants in New York City fell by more than 90% as compared to the prior year, with this leading to the city missing its projected sales tax collection by more than 40 percent for the fourth quarter of 2020, or more $1 billion in lost sales tax collections. The extreme dropoff in business at restaurants and bars can be attributed to places in the city having to shut down their indoor dining areas and bars, only allowing takeout and delivery like so many other parts of the country.
The budget document does say that sales tax collections in New York City are expected to pick up in 2021, though because of unemployment and losses in income, collections are slated to be "over $1 billion below the January Plan estimate for the year."
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Eater New York is reporting (via an Executive Budget document for the fiscal year 2021) that spending at restaurants in New York City fell by more than 90% as compared to the prior year, with this leading to the city missing its projected sales tax collection by more than 40 percent for the fourth quarter of 2020, or more $1 billion in lost sales tax collections. The extreme dropoff in business at restaurants and bars can be attributed to places in the city having to shut down their indoor dining areas and bars, only allowing takeout and delivery like so many other parts of the country.
The budget document does say that sales tax collections in New York City are expected to pick up in 2021, though because of unemployment and losses in income, collections are slated to be "over $1 billion below the January Plan estimate for the year."
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Cinquecento in Boston's South End Is Closed After Suffering Major Flood Damage; First Floor a "Total Loss"
An upscale Italian restaurant in the South End of Boston is closed for the foreseeable future after sustaining serious damage due to a water main break.
According to a Facebook post from Jeffrey Gates, Cinquecento on Harrison Avenue is shuttered for the time being due to flood damage from a broken water main that also flooded a large part of the SoWa section of the South End on Tuesday night. Gates, who is one of the business partners behind the place, says in the post that "The water was 4 feet high throughout the area and in the restaurant....Unfortunately, the first floor is a total loss exceeding $1M....The water from the broken 36" main was similar to a damn breaking," and he also says that "Lives would have been lost" if the restaurant had been open at the time. There doesn't appear to be any timeline for the possible reopening of Cinquecento, though Gates does say that he believes "insurance and time will solve this particular issue."
Gates and his Aquitaine Group is also behind such restaurants as Aquitaine in the South End, Chestnut Hill, and Dedham, Gaslight in the South End and Lynnfield, and Metropolis in the South End.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a Facebook post from Jeffrey Gates, Cinquecento on Harrison Avenue is shuttered for the time being due to flood damage from a broken water main that also flooded a large part of the SoWa section of the South End on Tuesday night. Gates, who is one of the business partners behind the place, says in the post that "The water was 4 feet high throughout the area and in the restaurant....Unfortunately, the first floor is a total loss exceeding $1M....The water from the broken 36" main was similar to a damn breaking," and he also says that "Lives would have been lost" if the restaurant had been open at the time. There doesn't appear to be any timeline for the possible reopening of Cinquecento, though Gates does say that he believes "insurance and time will solve this particular issue."
Gates and his Aquitaine Group is also behind such restaurants as Aquitaine in the South End, Chestnut Hill, and Dedham, Gaslight in the South End and Lynnfield, and Metropolis in the South End.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Town of Arlington to Allow Restaurants to Sell Groceries
Earlier this week, it was reported that a Boston suburb had told a restaurant and bar to stop selling grocery items. Now we have learned that the town will be easing the restrictions in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
According to a source, the town of Arlington is setting up a process that will allow dining and drinking spots to sell groceries, with a Facebook post from Select Board member Diane Snell Mahon confirming this, saying that "In an effort to make sure residents can get the essentials they need and to help local businesses stay in business, Arlington is to allow our restaurants to start selling groceries. Approved restaurants will be able to sell their inventory, including meat, eggs and milk directly to residents in Arlington." In addition, the town is waiving the $150 permit fee for the selling of grocery items, while a special notice will be put up in the windows of places that are doing this in order to let people know. An article in Your Arlington mentions that Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine gives praise to the Health Department for such a quick solution to this problem, saying that "These are extraordinary circumstances, and with everything going on surrounding Covid-19, I am very proud of our Health Department for quickly developing a process that will help businesses and keep residents safe at the same time." The post does indicate that the easing of restrictions will end once the restaurant shutdown is lifted.
It is not yet known if the city of Boston will be working out a similar compromise with restaurants and bars that are located there; earlier, it was reported that the Boston Inspectional Services had notified at least one dining spot that it could not sell groceries unless it had what appeared to be a Food Service Health Permit.
[Earlier Article]
Arlington Tells Dining/Drinking Spot to Stop Selling Grocery Items Without Correct Permitting
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, the town of Arlington is setting up a process that will allow dining and drinking spots to sell groceries, with a Facebook post from Select Board member Diane Snell Mahon confirming this, saying that "In an effort to make sure residents can get the essentials they need and to help local businesses stay in business, Arlington is to allow our restaurants to start selling groceries. Approved restaurants will be able to sell their inventory, including meat, eggs and milk directly to residents in Arlington." In addition, the town is waiving the $150 permit fee for the selling of grocery items, while a special notice will be put up in the windows of places that are doing this in order to let people know. An article in Your Arlington mentions that Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine gives praise to the Health Department for such a quick solution to this problem, saying that "These are extraordinary circumstances, and with everything going on surrounding Covid-19, I am very proud of our Health Department for quickly developing a process that will help businesses and keep residents safe at the same time." The post does indicate that the easing of restrictions will end once the restaurant shutdown is lifted.
It is not yet known if the city of Boston will be working out a similar compromise with restaurants and bars that are located there; earlier, it was reported that the Boston Inspectional Services had notified at least one dining spot that it could not sell groceries unless it had what appeared to be a Food Service Health Permit.
[Earlier Article]
Arlington Tells Dining/Drinking Spot to Stop Selling Grocery Items Without Correct Permitting
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 15, 2020
The Confusion of Wearing Protective Face Coverings Inside Boston-Area Restaurants
With several communities in the Greater Boston area now requiring both restaurant workers and customers to wear masks or other forms of protective face coverings, there can be some confusion as to the exact guidelines from place to place, especially for folks who decide to go to another city or town to get takeout food.
As of this writing, both employees of dining spots and patrons in such cities and towns as Beverly, Brookline, Medford, Salem, and Swampscott are either required to cover up their noses and mouths when entering a dining establishment or soon will be (and some communities such as Arlington and Lynn don't even allow customers inside restaurants now), while the state guidelines are for customers to be encouraged to wear masks or other face coverings when walking into a place to pick up food. However, because the guidelines for the state of Massachusetts only advise people to wear masks when in public areas, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do if you don't know the specific guidelines for a given community, which means if you order food to pick up at a restaurant in a neighboring city or town, it is possible that they won't allow you inside without a face covering.
So what does this all mean for diners? If you're calling your order in to a place for pickup, the obvious answer is to ask what the policy is, and if there is a strict face-covering policy and you don't have a mask, ask if they can do curbside pickup. If you're ordering online, it gets more difficult unless you call before ordering online, and if you don't have a mask and the restaurant doesn't do curbside pickup, you may actually be out of luck and have to go elsewhere.
For now, it seems that the easiest option is to have a mask or covering with you just in case, even if it's just a scarf or a turtleneck since it would be for just a brief amount of time. And perhaps Governor Charlie Baker might ultimately end the confusion by ordering that all people in the Commonwealth who go inside public spaces such as restaurants wear protective face coverings, but it remains to be seen as to whether he actually does that, so stay tuned.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
As of this writing, both employees of dining spots and patrons in such cities and towns as Beverly, Brookline, Medford, Salem, and Swampscott are either required to cover up their noses and mouths when entering a dining establishment or soon will be (and some communities such as Arlington and Lynn don't even allow customers inside restaurants now), while the state guidelines are for customers to be encouraged to wear masks or other face coverings when walking into a place to pick up food. However, because the guidelines for the state of Massachusetts only advise people to wear masks when in public areas, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do if you don't know the specific guidelines for a given community, which means if you order food to pick up at a restaurant in a neighboring city or town, it is possible that they won't allow you inside without a face covering.
So what does this all mean for diners? If you're calling your order in to a place for pickup, the obvious answer is to ask what the policy is, and if there is a strict face-covering policy and you don't have a mask, ask if they can do curbside pickup. If you're ordering online, it gets more difficult unless you call before ordering online, and if you don't have a mask and the restaurant doesn't do curbside pickup, you may actually be out of luck and have to go elsewhere.
For now, it seems that the easiest option is to have a mask or covering with you just in case, even if it's just a scarf or a turtleneck since it would be for just a brief amount of time. And perhaps Governor Charlie Baker might ultimately end the confusion by ordering that all people in the Commonwealth who go inside public spaces such as restaurants wear protective face coverings, but it remains to be seen as to whether he actually does that, so stay tuned.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Sina's Kabob House Opens in Peabody
While the COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in countless restaurants in the Greater Boston area closing at least temporarily, a few brand new dining spots have actually debuted as well, including a restaurant on the North Shore.
According to a source, Sina's Kabob House is now open in Peabody, with the Main Street eatery apparently opening at 11:00 today for takeout and delivery. A Facebook post from the dining spot seems to confirm this, saying that "We decided to go forward with our opening during the pandemic. Please be patient with us as we are here to serve you fresh food" while also indicating that it will be offering curbside pickup. The menu for Sina's shows such items as falafel, tahini, a cabbage salad, pizza, and a variety of kabobs being offered.
A couple of other restaurants that have opened during the pandemic include Popeyes in West Roxbury and Casa Blanca in Wilmington.
The address for this new restaurant in Peabody is: Sina's Kabob House, 150 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://www.sinaskabobhouse.com/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
According to a source, Sina's Kabob House is now open in Peabody, with the Main Street eatery apparently opening at 11:00 today for takeout and delivery. A Facebook post from the dining spot seems to confirm this, saying that "We decided to go forward with our opening during the pandemic. Please be patient with us as we are here to serve you fresh food" while also indicating that it will be offering curbside pickup. The menu for Sina's shows such items as falafel, tahini, a cabbage salad, pizza, and a variety of kabobs being offered.
A couple of other restaurants that have opened during the pandemic include Popeyes in West Roxbury and Casa Blanca in Wilmington.
The address for this new restaurant in Peabody is: Sina's Kabob House, 150 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://www.sinaskabobhouse.com/
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
As Restaurants Continue to Suffer Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Ghost Kitchens Could Begin to Flourish
With restaurant restrictions and shutdowns continuing across the country, it is no secret that the industry is reeling, but it looks like an emerging sector of the business might be in better shape than others, especially as the coronavirus crisis begins to plateau and hopefully lessen.
Based on an article from CNBC, it appears that "ghost kitchens" may be primed to take off, with C3--which is a consortium that is part of SBE Entertainment Group--planning to hire 1,000 workers while also signing leases with CloudKitchens, a startup that was founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. The post says that mall owner Simon Property is partnering with SBE to bring ghost kitchen cooking facilities to malls and hotels, with the plan being to open 138 kitchens by the end of the year.
CNBC mentions that at least some ghost kitchens--which are basically food prep/cooking facilities set up for creating delivery-only meals and are also known as cloud kitchens or virtual kitchens--are being set up within empty restaurant spaces, with SBE Entertainment CEO Sam Nazarian saying that "It's an interesting solution to what we believe, post-Covid, when a lot of restaurateurs will not be able to survive, and these restaurants will be going dark." (C3's delivery-only brands include Krispy Rice, which focuses on sushi, and Sam's Crispy Chicken, which offers chicken sandwiches.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Based on an article from CNBC, it appears that "ghost kitchens" may be primed to take off, with C3--which is a consortium that is part of SBE Entertainment Group--planning to hire 1,000 workers while also signing leases with CloudKitchens, a startup that was founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. The post says that mall owner Simon Property is partnering with SBE to bring ghost kitchen cooking facilities to malls and hotels, with the plan being to open 138 kitchens by the end of the year.
CNBC mentions that at least some ghost kitchens--which are basically food prep/cooking facilities set up for creating delivery-only meals and are also known as cloud kitchens or virtual kitchens--are being set up within empty restaurant spaces, with SBE Entertainment CEO Sam Nazarian saying that "It's an interesting solution to what we believe, post-Covid, when a lot of restaurateurs will not be able to survive, and these restaurants will be going dark." (C3's delivery-only brands include Krispy Rice, which focuses on sushi, and Sam's Crispy Chicken, which offers chicken sandwiches.)
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, April 14, 2020
More Boston-Area Restaurants and Food Spots Close, Reopen as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
It has now been exactly four weeks since restaurants in Massachusetts were ordered to close except for takeout and/or delivery, and changes continue to happen among dining spots and other food places in the Greater Boston area, including more closings and reopenings.
According to various sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, at least two places have decided to completely close for now (including takeout/delivery), with both being in Malden--Pearl Street Station and Fresco's Roast Beef & Seafood. At least two others have either reopened or are in the process of reopening, with The Painted Burro in Somerville's Davis Square now being open for takeout and delivery and Gracie's Ice Cream in the Union Square section of Somerville beginning ice cream pint pickup on Friday, April 17.
It seems likely that other restaurants and food spots could be closing or reopening over the coming days, so keep checking back for more updates.
[April 17 update: More spots are either reopening or in the process of reopening, including Joseph's Bakery in South Boston, which opened back up yesterday for takeout/pickup, and both Ebi Sushi in Somerville and Sushi Kappo, which reopen today for takeout/delivery according to owner Jose Garcia. In addition, an email sent to us indicates that Zuma Boston in the Boston's Back Bay is now open for takeout and delivery Wednesday through Saturday for dinner, while sources tell us that the Watertown location of Not Your Average Joe's and the Newton location of Cook have both reopened for takeout/delivery as well.]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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: Lynn, Medford, Swampscott, Beverly, Revere, Quincy Enforce Stricter Rules for Restaurants, Customers
[Ed note: This article was updated on April 16 to reflect the fact that Revere has been added to this list.]
On Friday, we reported that two communities in the Greater Boston area are requiring both restaurant workers and customers to wear protective face covering. Now we have learned that several other communities in the local area have instituted similarly strict rules as well.
According to a post from masslive.com, an article from itemlive.com, a community update page, and another update page, the city of Lynn is now requiring restaurant workers to wear masks or another form of face covering when interacting with the public or other employees, while Swampscott, Medford, and Beverly are all requiring both restaurant workers and customers to wear face covering, with the difference being that customers in Lynn are not allowed to go into restaurants, instead having to rely on curbside pickup, drive-thru, or delivery. (It looks like diners in Swampscott can go into restaurants to pick up their meals for now, as can Medford and Beverly diners.)
Late last week, it was learned that both Brookline and Salem are now requiring that restaurant workers and customers wear a mask or some other kind of protective face covering while inside dining spots.
[April 17 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page states that Revere is now requiring restaurant workers to wear masks inside, and like Lynn, customers are no longer allowed to go into dining spots, instead having to rely on curbside pickup, drive-thru, or delivery. (This has been confirmed by the city's website.) In addition, the Quincy Is Everything Facebook page states that both restaurant workers and customers in Quincy are now required to wear protective face covering as well, with customers having to do so when walking into a dining establishment to pick up food.]
[Earlier Article]
Workers, Customers Required to Wear Protective Face Covering Inside Restaurants in Brookline, Salem
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
On Friday, we reported that two communities in the Greater Boston area are requiring both restaurant workers and customers to wear protective face covering. Now we have learned that several other communities in the local area have instituted similarly strict rules as well.
According to a post from masslive.com, an article from itemlive.com, a community update page, and another update page, the city of Lynn is now requiring restaurant workers to wear masks or another form of face covering when interacting with the public or other employees, while Swampscott, Medford, and Beverly are all requiring both restaurant workers and customers to wear face covering, with the difference being that customers in Lynn are not allowed to go into restaurants, instead having to rely on curbside pickup, drive-thru, or delivery. (It looks like diners in Swampscott can go into restaurants to pick up their meals for now, as can Medford and Beverly diners.)
Late last week, it was learned that both Brookline and Salem are now requiring that restaurant workers and customers wear a mask or some other kind of protective face covering while inside dining spots.
[April 17 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page states that Revere is now requiring restaurant workers to wear masks inside, and like Lynn, customers are no longer allowed to go into dining spots, instead having to rely on curbside pickup, drive-thru, or delivery. (This has been confirmed by the city's website.) In addition, the Quincy Is Everything Facebook page states that both restaurant workers and customers in Quincy are now required to wear protective face covering as well, with customers having to do so when walking into a dining establishment to pick up food.]
[Earlier Article]
Workers, Customers Required to Wear Protective Face Covering Inside Restaurants in Brookline, Salem
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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: Arlington Tells Dining/Drinking Spot to Stop Selling Grocery Items Without Correct Permitting
[Ed note: This article was edited on April 15 to reflect new information given, including the fact that only one spot was apparently warned, and that it isn't necessarily a townwide ban.]
Yesterday, it was reported that the city of Boston has been telling restaurants to stop selling grocery items if they don't have the correct permit, and now we have learned that another community in the local area has gone a similar route with a place in town as well.
According to a source, the Arlington Health Department has told a dining and drinking spot that it cannot sell groceries without the correct permitting and that it would need to apply for such a permit (which would apparently be some sort of food retail permit) in order to be able to do so. This is somewhat similar to what Boston is doing, as the Boston Inspectional Services is notifying restaurants that they cannot sell groceries unless they have what appears to be a Food Service Health Permit. It is not yet known if other restaurants and bars in Arlington have been warned about this, and it is also not known if the business in Arlington (or the ones affected in Boston) will try to appeal, especially considering that it would just be a temporary situation; if we hear of any developments on this front, we will post an update here.
According to a source within the town government in Arlington, this is not a townwide ban on restaurants being able to sell groceries, but it does appear that a restaurant can only do so if it has the correct permitting.
Some restaurants in the Boston area recently started to offer grocery items along with takeout/delivery options as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the local and national restaurant industry.
Thanks to Drew Starr for initially bringing this to our attention via the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page.
[Earlier Article]
City of Boston Cracking Down on Restaurants Selling Grocery Items
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Yesterday, it was reported that the city of Boston has been telling restaurants to stop selling grocery items if they don't have the correct permit, and now we have learned that another community in the local area has gone a similar route with a place in town as well.
According to a source, the Arlington Health Department has told a dining and drinking spot that it cannot sell groceries without the correct permitting and that it would need to apply for such a permit (which would apparently be some sort of food retail permit) in order to be able to do so. This is somewhat similar to what Boston is doing, as the Boston Inspectional Services is notifying restaurants that they cannot sell groceries unless they have what appears to be a Food Service Health Permit. It is not yet known if other restaurants and bars in Arlington have been warned about this, and it is also not known if the business in Arlington (or the ones affected in Boston) will try to appeal, especially considering that it would just be a temporary situation; if we hear of any developments on this front, we will post an update here.
According to a source within the town government in Arlington, this is not a townwide ban on restaurants being able to sell groceries, but it does appear that a restaurant can only do so if it has the correct permitting.
Some restaurants in the Boston area recently started to offer grocery items along with takeout/delivery options as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the local and national restaurant industry.
Thanks to Drew Starr for initially bringing this to our attention via the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page.
[Earlier Article]
City of Boston Cracking Down on Restaurants Selling Grocery Items
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Half of All Chinese Restaurants in the United States Are Closed, According to Study
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the restaurant industry in the United States, a particularly hard-hit area of the industry is one that might not come as a real surprise.
Restaurant Business is reporting that 51% of all Chinese restaurants in the country are closed for takeout and delivery for at least the time being, with the article showing that the next largest percentage of closures is Indian restaurants at 21%. The study, which comes from Womply (a credit card processing company whose data comes from over 400,000 transactions), looks at the number of dining spots that were closed as of last week, with Restaurant Business mentioning that the study shows the inordinately high numbers of Chinese restaurants closed is due at least in part to "consumer prejudice and misperceptions."
The data shows that dining spots featuring chicken wings have fared better than all other categories looked at, with only 8% of those eateries being closed for now.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
Restaurant Business is reporting that 51% of all Chinese restaurants in the country are closed for takeout and delivery for at least the time being, with the article showing that the next largest percentage of closures is Indian restaurants at 21%. The study, which comes from Womply (a credit card processing company whose data comes from over 400,000 transactions), looks at the number of dining spots that were closed as of last week, with Restaurant Business mentioning that the study shows the inordinately high numbers of Chinese restaurants closed is due at least in part to "consumer prejudice and misperceptions."
The data shows that dining spots featuring chicken wings have fared better than all other categories looked at, with only 8% of those eateries being closed for now.
by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]
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