Update: Worden Hall in South Boston Has Closed; Kahaani on Broadway May Replace It

[Ed note: This article was updates on October 10 to reflect the fact that another restaurant may be taking over the space.]

A restaurant and bar in South Boston known in part for its extensive beer and whiskey options appears to have shut down.

According to multiple sources, Worden Hall on W Broadway is currently closed, with an article from Caught in Southie saying that its website is gone and a Google search shows it as "permanently closed." Phone calls placed to the dining spot go directly to voicemail, and a check on the website for the restaurant group behind it--Hawkeye Hospitality--shows that that site is down as well. Caught in Southie is waiting to hear back from Worden Hall, and we will try to reach out to the people behind the place as well; as soon as more information is given, we will post an update here.

Worden Hall first opened its doors in 2015.

The address for Worden Hall is 22 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127.

[October 10 update: It appears that Worden Hall has indeed closed permanently, as a Boston Licensing Board hearing page mentions that it is seeking to transfer its license to a new restaurant called Kahaani on Broadway which would operate at the same location.]

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

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Grasshopper Vegan Restaurant Has Reopened in a New Space in Allston

A few months ago, it was reported that a popular vegan spot in Allston had closed down after more than 25 years in business, and now we have learned that it has been reborn in a new space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Grasshopper Vegan Restaurant is open once again, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

We are back! We want to first say thank you so much for your love and support when we were closing down our previous location. Even seeing the notes left on the back of your receipts at the end of the night made our nights. That being said, we have relocated to the 88 Market Food Court, located at 1 Brighton Avenue Allston MA.

Grasshopper, which had been located on N Beacon Street and has been known for its meatless takes on Asian fare (including a variety of Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes), officially opened for business in its new space today, with its hours being 11:00 AM - 8:45 PM daily.

[Earlier Article]
Grasshopper Vegan Restaurant in Allston Is Closing

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

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Anna's Taqueria Is Opening in Woburn

A local group of Mexican eateries is opening a new location in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Anna's Taqueria is going to be opening in Woburn, with the post indicating that it will be taking over the former b.good location at Cummings Park along Washington Street just south of the Route 128 intersection. An Instagram post from the business confirms that it will indeed be coming to the city, and based on other locations, expect to see such items as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, Mexican bowls, and salads at the new spot.

Once it opens, the new location of Anna's will join others in Boston (three), Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and Newton.

The address for Anna's Taqueria in Woburn 4 Cummings Park Drive, Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for all locations is at https://annas.com/

[October 8 update: According to its website, Anna's Taqueria is now open in Woburn.]

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

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GeGe's Cuisine Opens in Framingham

A brand new Haitian dining spot has come to MetroWest.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, GeGe's Cuisine is now open in Framingham, moving into a space within the Route 30 Mall on Cochituate Road. The menu for the new restaurant includes such options as tropical salads, fried goat, jerk chicken, baked pork wraps, legume bowls, smoked herring pies, red lentil puff wrap, and smoothies.

The address for GeGe's Cuisine is 341 Cochituate Road (Route 30), Framingham, MA, 01701.

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

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Stoked Pizza Company Plans to Open in the Former Feng Shui Space in Cohasset

A pair of highly-rated pizza spots will soon be joined by a third outlet, with this one being its first restaurant south of Boston.

According to an Instagram post from the business, Stoked Pizza Company is going to be opening in Cohasset, with an earlier Patriot Ledger article mentioning that it will be taking over the Feng Shui space on Route 3A. The post from Stoked says the following:

The long-awaited moment has arrived—the oven for our Cohasset location is here! Just last week, we received the keys to the space, and while there’s still plenty of work ahead, we're thrilled to be getting started. We’re aiming for an opening in late 2024, give or take, and we’ll keep you updated as we make progress!

Once it opens, the Cohasset location of Stoked (which started out as a pizza truck in 2014) will join others in Brookline and Cambridge; the former opened in 2016 while the latter debuted in 2021.

The address for the upcoming location of Stoked in Cohasset is 380 Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A), Cohasset, MA, 02025. The website for the business can be found at https://www.stokedpizzaco.com/

[November 21 update: A new post from its Instagram page indicates that Stoked is slated to open its location in Cohasset in January.]

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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Kimchipapi Is Opening in Malden

A Korean restaurant in Allston will be expanding to a space a few miles north of Boston.

According to an email sent to us, Kimchipapi is going to be opening in Malden, moving into the space on Salem Street that had been home to Emone Tofu. The upcoming location will join Kimchipapi Kitchen on Harvard Avenue, and like that location, it will be offering such options as Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, ddukbokki, and korndogs, along with mochi donuts from its sister restaurant Pon de Joy.

If all goes as planned, the new outlet of Kimchipapi will open in Malden sometime this fall.

The address for the new location of Kimchipapi in Malden is 184 Salem Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for Kimchipapi Kitchen in Allston is https://www.kimchipapi.com/

[December 20 update: A new email sent to us indicates that Kimchipapi in Malden is now open.]

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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McGuiggan's Pub and The Patio at McGuiggan's in Whitman Are Being Sold

The people behind a drinking spot and an adjacent restaurant in the southern suburbs of Boston are selling both places.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, McGuiggan's Pub and The Patio at McGuiggan's in Whitman are being sold, with a Facebook post saying the following:

It is with very mixed emotions that we announce our decision to sell McGuiggan's Pub and The Patio at McGuiggan's. A lot of thought and consideration went into making this difficult decision. After almost 15 years in business, our family feels that the timing is right for us to start our next adventures- which include the start of a new family and retirement....McGuiggan's Pub and The Patio at McGuiggan's will continue to be in operation into October (final date tbd), when the change of ownership will begin its smooth transition. At that time, the restaurants will close for a very short amount of time and will reopen as two new restaurants. We are pleased to share that the new owners plan to keep on as many members of the current staff that wish to be part of the new restaurants!.... The new owners are established restaurateurs, and we believe that their vision for the restaurants will be an exciting and successful endeavor for Whitman. 

The post does mention that gift cards for either place will be honored for up to a year after the new restaurants open.

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

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Taqueria Los Compadres Is Opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A brand new Mexican restaurant is coming to the heart of Boston, and it appears to have a connection to a dining spot by the same name on the North Shore.

According to a Twitter/X post from @DTownBostonBID, Taqueria Los Compadres is getting ready to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Province Street about midway between School Street and Bromfield Street. The menu for the eatery shows such options as nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, tostadas, enchiladas, fajitas, flan, and churros, and it has a somewhat similar menu to a location of Taqueria Los Compadres in Lynn, though there are differences between the two menus.

The address for Taqueria Los Compadres in Downtown Crossing is 26 Province Street, Boston, MA, 02108 Its website can be found at https://taquerialoscompadresboston.com/

[September 11 update: According to its Facebook page, Taqueria Los Compadres is now open.]

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

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Bom Dough in Cambridge's Inman Square Opens New Location by Canal Park in East Cambridge

A Cambridge dining spot with global influences has expanded to a second space within the city.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Bom Dough in Inman Square has been joined by a new location in East Cambridge, taking over space on Canal Park by First Street that had been home to Haute Coffee until it closed in the early part of 2020. Based on the original location of Bom Dough on Cambridge Street, the new spot could be offering such options as cheese bread, acai bowls, breakfast gnocchi, mochi waffles, eggs benedict, brisket sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, brigadeiro cookies, doce de leite donuts, coffee, and matcha tea.

The address for the new location of Bom Dough in East Cambridge is 1 Canal Park, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for the business is at https://bomdough.com/

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

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Restaurant News for the Week Ending August 25

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between August 19 and August 25.

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Caffe dello Sport in Boston's North End Is Expanding to East Boston
An espresso bar in the North End of Boston is expanding to a second location, and this one will be just across the water.
Full Story

Pink Carrot to Open at The Street Chestnut Hill
A North End cafe that focuses on healthy fare is going to be opening another new location in the local area.
Full Story

Porter Square Books in Cambridge to Move to Lesley's University Hall, Will Include The Page & Leaf Cafe
A popular independent bookstore in Cambridge is moving to a larger location nearby, and it will continue to be home to a cafe, though one with a different name and under different ownership.
Full Story

Mother Anna's Opens in Medfield
An Italian restaurant in Boston that had been in business for more than 90 years before temporarily closing has expanded to the southwest suburbs of Boston.
Full Story

Bread Thyme to Replace River Grille in West Roxbury
A Lebanese restaurant is on its way to a Boston neighborhood, taking over the space where a dining spot featuring Brazilian and Italian food had been.
Full Story

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

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Caffe dello Sport in Boston's North End Is Expanding to East Boston

An espresso bar in the North End of Boston is expanding to a second location, and this one will be just across the water.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Caffe dello Sport on Hanover Street is planning to open a new shop in East Boston, moving into a space on Saratoga Street in Orient Heights. Based on the original, the upcoming outlet could be offering such options as espresso, gelato, pastries, and panini, though it isn't yet known if it will be serving alcohol like the North End location does.

Caffe dello Sport first opened in the North End more than 30 years ago, originally residing in a space across the street from its current location.

The address for the upcoming location of Caffe dello Sport in East Boston is 973 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.caffedellosport.net/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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Majestic Dragon in Ipswich Has Closed

A decades-old North Shore restaurant known in part for its old-school Chinese-American food and Polynesian drinks has shut down.

A Twitter/X post from @HarmyG states via an article from The Local News that Majestic Dragon in Ipswich is no longer in business, with the article quoting the Woo family, who ran the Turnpike Road restaurant, as saying the following on Tuesday, August 13: 

After 35 years of business serving the Ipswich and the North Shore community, the Woo family will be closing the doors to the Majestic Dragon for the last time tonight....Annie would like to thank all of our loyal staff, Majestic Dragon friends, and faithful customers over the years for their unwavering support, welcoming us into your community, and letting us be a part of your families' birthdays, celebrations, and milestones....She will miss the families and the community but looks forward to her retirement and spending more well-deserved time with her grandchildren that eagerly await her."

The address for the now-closed Majestic Dragon was 81 Turnpike Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938.

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

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Pink Carrot Is Opening at The Street Chestnut Hill

A North End Cafe that focuses on healthy fare is going to be opening another new location in the local area.

According to a press release, Pink Carrot will soon open at The Street Chestnut Hill, joining its original shop on Salem Street while an upcoming outlet at Lyrik Back Bay is also in the works (as mentioned in an earlier article here). Once it debuts in early September, the new location of the cafe will offer such options as sweet and savory toasts, wraps and bowls, smoothies, coffee, and more, and it will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (breakfast items will be available all day).

The North End location of Pink Carrot debuted in early 2022; its website can be found at https://www.pinkcarrotboston.com/

[October 2 update: A new press release indicates that Pink Carrot is now open at The Street Chestnut Hill.]

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

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Porter Square Books in Cambridge Is Moving to Lesley's University Hall, Will Include Page & Leaf Cafe

A popular independent bookstore in Cambridge is moving to a larger location nearby, and it will continue to be home to a cafe, though one with a different name and under different ownership.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Porter Square Books is planning to move from its current Porter Square Shopping Center location to a new space at Lesley's University Hall just south of the shopping center, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

Big news for Porter Square Books as we near our 20th anniversary! This October, our Cambridge store is moving to a larger, newly-renovated space in Lesley’s University Hall at 1815 Mass Ave (the former Sears Building). PSB will have a new cafe partner in our new space: Page & Leaf Cafe, by the same team behind local cafe legends Diesel/Bloc/Forge! Cafe Zing is staying in the plaza and will announce their new partner on their Instagram @cafe_zing. We'll miss them, and we can't wait to hear what's next!

An article from Cambridge Day says that the bookstore will take over the two spaces within University Hall that had been home to Bourbon Coffee and Webster Bank.

The website for Porter Square Books is at https://www.portersquarebooks.com/ while the website for Page & Leaf Cafe is at https://www.pageandleafcafe.com/

[November 27 update: According to a press release, Page & Leaf Cafe is now open within the new location of Porter Square Books.]

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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Mother Anna's Opens in Medfield

Last fall, it was reported that an Italian restaurant in Boston that had been in business for more than 90 years before temporarily closing could be expanding to the southwest suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that its new location has debuted.

According to a source, Mother Anna's is now open in Medfield, moving into a space on N. Meadows Road on the northern edge of the town center. The new location joins another in Pembroke, and we are hearing that the original on Hanover Street in the North End is still planning to reopen at some point.

Mother Anna's is known for such classic Italian dishes as shrimp scampi, eggplant rollatini, lasagna, baked manicotti, fettuccine alfredo, linguine with garlic and oil, chicken parmigiana, steak pizzaiola, veal cacciatore, and more.

The address for Mother Anna's in Medfield is 18 N. Meadows Road, Medfield, MA, 02052. Its website can be found at https://www.motherannasmedfield.com/

[Earlier Article]
Mother Anna's May Be Opening in Medfield

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

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Bread Thyme Is Replacing River Grille in West Roxbury

A Lebanese restaurant is on its way to a Boston neighborhood, taking over the space where a dining spot featuring Brazilian and Italian food had been.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Bread Thyme is planning to open in West Roxbury, moving into the former River Grille on Centre Street. The post mentions that the upcoming eatery has a banner up that says it will feature "authentic Lebanese cuisine, with its website showing such options as baked man'oushe, tabouli, falafel wraps, and chicken shawarma. 

River Grille had originally been located in the Cleary Square section of Hyde Park before moving a couple of years ago.

The address for Bread Thyme (and now-closed River Grille) is 1866 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132. Its website can be found at https://breadthyme.com/

[September 6 update: A message sent from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub indicates that Bread Thyme is now open in West Roxbury.]

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

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Wemmy's Kitchen & Lounge Opens in Marlborough

A new upscale restaurant has come to the MetroWest area.

According to a source, Wemmy's Kitchen & Lounge is now open in Marlborough, moving into a space on South Bolton Street on the edge of downtown. A Community Advocate article mentions that the new spot is affiliated with Welly's restaurant in Marlborough and Hudson, and it focuses in part on New American fare while also offering beer, wine, and cocktails (the space includes a bar area as well as a fireplace). 

The address for Wemmy's Kitchen & Lounge is 29 South Bolton Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752. Its website can be found at https://www.wemmyskitchenandlounge.com/

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

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Margeaux Supper Parlor Is Replacing Colette Wine Bistro within the Porter Square Hotel in Cambridge

It looks like a French restaurant in Cambridge is being reconcepted.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Margeaux Supper Parlor is replacing Colette Wine Bistro within the Porter Square Hotel, with the post saying that they are looking for workers to "be an integral part of a concept transition." No specifics have been given on the upcoming dining spot, so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

Colette first opened in 2019 within the Porter Square Hotel, which debuted back in 2016.

The address for Colette Wine Bistro (and the upcoming Margeaux Supper Parlor) is 1924 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for Colette is at https://www.colette1924.com/

[September 26 update: A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions via the Instagram page from the business that Margeaux Supper Parlor opens today, with the IG page saying that it will bring "a never-before-seen concept to the Boston area: sophisticated southern food “flights”, trios of small plates (bigger than tapas) encouraging diners to sample a variety of Chef Julian's incredible dishes on one board, evoking the comfort of supper at grandma's Margeaux will also feature a thoughtful beverage program inspired by owner Bekah Barr’s time spent living in Memphis and New Orleans."]  

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

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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.)

    

Restaurant News for the Week Ending August 18

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between August 12 and August 18.

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Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square Is Closing
A decades-old brewery known in part for its brewpub and its focus on the local community is shutting down.
Full Story

MIDA to Replace DW French in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood
An award-winning local chef is planning to open a fourth location of an Italian restaurant, and it will replace a French brasserie that opened its doors last fall.
Full Story

Ginger Exchange in Boston's Symphony Hall Area Has Closed
It looks like a local group of Asian fusion spots has closed one of its locations.
Full Story

Swingers to Open in the Back Bay
A multi-floor golf-themed entertainment spot with roots overseas will be expanding to Boston.
Full Story

Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common Is Closing
The sole Boston location of a chain of sandwich shops that resides in a former comfort station is closing.
Full Story

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

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Cambridge Brewing Company's Taproom in Kendall Square Is Closing

A decades-old brewery known in part for its brewpub and its focus on the local community is shutting down its taproom.

According to its social media, Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square is going to be closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

To our dear CBC friends and family, our time is coming to a close. Our last day of service will be Dec. 20th. But what a time it has been!....A heartfelt thank you to all who have participated in our dream. To our customers that have joined us time and again over the years, your support and friendship enabled our success. To all that are working or have worked here, you guys are what made this place so great. What an honor and a joy it has been to work alongside you!....35 years, one hell of a run. Much love, Team CBC

Cambridge Brewing Company debuted in 1989, bringing to the local area a concept that was unique at the time--a place that paired freshly-brewed beers with food items using locally-sourced ingredients--while also being the first commercial brewery in the United States to produce a Belgian-style beer. 

The address for Cambridge Brewing Company is 1 Kendall Square (Building 100), Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://www.cambridgebrewingcompany.com/

[December 20 update: The Cambridge Brewing Company taproom indeed closes after business hours today, but as mentioned in a new article, the CBC brand has been purchased by Castle Island Brewing Co., so at least some of their beers will live on.]

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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Isla Oasis Opens in Everett

A new cafe has opened just north of Boston.

According to a press release, Isla Oasis is now open in Everett, with the eatery being located on the ground floor of the Mason residential building on Vale Street a short distance south of the Revere Beach Parkway. The new spot features such options as sandwiches, toasts, smoothies, and acai bowls, along with such drink options as coffee and kombucha, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating.

The address for Isla Oasis is 69 Vale Street, Everett MA, 02149. Its TikTok page is at https://www.tiktok.com/@islaoasis

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

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MIDA Is Replacing DW French in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

An award-winning local chef is planning to open a fourth location of an Italian restaurant, and it will replace a French brasserie that opened its doors last fall.

According to a press release, MIDA is planning to open in the Fenway section of Boston, moving into the space on Boylston Street that has been home to DW French. Both restaurants are run by Douglass Williams, with Williams and business partner Seth Gerber announcing that DW French will be having its final service on Sunday, August 18, and MIDA will be opening sometime in October. Once it debuts, the new location of MIDA will join others in the South End, East Boston, and Newtonville.

Williams has received much praise for his restaurants over the past several years, including being mentioned as a "Best New Chef" for 2020 by Food & Wine in 2020 while also receiving an "Outstanding Chef" nomination from the James Beard Foundation in 2022.

The address for the upcoming location of MIDA in the Fenway (and DW French) is 1391 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the other locations is at https://midarestaurant.com/

[October 25 update: Based on a new press release along with social media posts, the Fenway location of MIDA is now open.]

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

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Phuong Nam Restaurant in Dorchester's Fields Corner Has Closed, Space Sold to Pho Que, Inc.

A Vietnamese restaurant in Dorchester has shut down, and it looks like a new dining spot will be taking over the space.

According to a Twitter/X post from @WriteHandMan of the Dorchester Reporter, Phuong Nam Restaurant in Fields Corner is no longer in business, with a sign in the window indicating that the Adams Street space has been sold to Pho Que, Inc. and that Daniel Lam (who is apparently behind the upcoming place) is planning to open it on September 1. It it not known for sure if the new restaurant will be called Pho Que, nor is it known what will be on its menu, so stay tuned for updates.

Phuong Nam Restaurant first opened in 2022, taking over the space that had been home to Anh Hong (Anh Hong was subsequently reborn within Pho Hoa on Dorchester Avenue).

The address for the now-closed Phuong Nam Restaurant (and the new restaurant on the way) is 291 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

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

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Ginger Exchange in Boston's Symphony Hall Area Has Closed

It looks like a local group of Asian fusion spots has closed one of its locations.

According to @theurbanologist, who posted on Twitter/X, Ginger Exchange in the Symphony Hall area of Boston is no longer in business, with its website seeming to confirm this, as that restaurant has been removed from the locations section of the site. Locations of Ginger Exchange remain open in Watertown and Mission Hill, along with a Ginger Exchange Express in Arlington.

The address for the now-closed Ginger Exchange by Symphony Hall was 250 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for the group of restaurants can be found at https://www.gingerexchange.com/

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

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Swingers to Open in Boston's Back Bay

A multi-floor golf-themed entertainment spot with roots overseas will be expanding to Boston.

According to a recent press release (along with an earlier Universal Hub article), Swingers is going to be opening in the Back Bay, taking over the space on Boylston Street that had been home to a location of Crate & Barrel. The press release mentions that the Tavistock Restaurant Collection (Abe & Louie's, Atlantic Fish Co., Joe's) is collaborating with the London-based Swingers, with the 21,000-square-foot Boston location including a retro English country club design that includes mini-golf courses, multiple cocktail bars, an old-fashioned arcade, and a menu that focuses on elevated street food.

If all goes as planned, Swingers will open in the fall of 2025.

It looks like the address for the upcoming Back Bay location of Swingers will be 777 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for Swingers can be found at https://www.swingers.club/us

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

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Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common Is Closing

The sole Boston location of a chain of sandwich shops that resides in a former comfort station is closing.

According to a message sent from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub (via an article from CommonWealth Beacon), Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common is getting ready to shut down, as the eatery--which has lost more than $2 million since opening 11 years ago--has been given approval by the city to end its 15-year lease four years early. The article mentions that the city will seek a new tenant this fall for the structure, which used to be a public bathroom known as the Pink Palace for its pink-colored masonry, and the city is also open to the possibility of a tenant with a beer and wine license.

There had also been an Earl of Sandwich at Logan Airport in East Boston as well, but it closed a number of years ago. 

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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Gatsby's Chop House to Open in the Former Met Bar Space at the Natick Mall

A high-end restaurant may be opening in the western suburbs of Boston this fall.

According to an article in the Natick Report, Gatsby's Chop House has gotten approval of a full liquor license from the Natick Select Board, with the plan being for the restaurant to open on the first floor of the Natick Mall in the space that had been home to Met Bar. In the article, restaurant owner Harry Harjani says that "I'm trying to bring something completely very nice, high end to Natick," while the article mentions such offerings as beef tartare, lamb lollipops, a variety of steak options, and chicken and seafood dishes.

If all goes as planned, Gatsby's Chop House could be opening within the next 45 to 60 days.

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

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La Cucina Ristorante in North Easton Has Closed

An Italian restaurant in the southern suburbs of Boston that was housed in an historic space has closed.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, La Cucina Ristorante in North Easton is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Main Street spot saying the following:

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult time. Thank you so much for all of your support and allowing us to be a part of the Easton community for these past five years. Easton has and will always hold a special place in our hearts. We appreciate it more than you know. We thank all the customers that discovered us through our Easton location....A very special thanks to our wonderful staff who have helped to make La Cucina Ristorante Easton the success that it was. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

The post mentions that their other restaurant--La Cucina Sul Mare in Falmouth--remains open, and that they plan to accept gift cards from the North Easton location for the foreseeable future.

The structure in which La Cucina Ristorante resided is an old Swedish church that goes back 150 years; prior to La Cucina, another restaurant called Towneship was housed in the space.

The address for the now-closed La Cucina Ristorante was 140 Main Street, North Easton, MA, 02356. The website for the Falmouth location is at https://www.lacucinasulmare.com/

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

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Virtual Food Court Plans to Open in the Former Supreme House of Pizza Space in South Boston

A new dining spot featuring Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food may be on its way to South Boston, taking over the space where a pizza place had been.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Virtual Food Court is looking to open on Old Colony Avenue, moving into the former Supreme House of Pizza space by the rotary where Columbia Road and Old Colony Avenue meet. The post mentions that Dany Abouelkhier--who is one of the owners of the proposed eatery--had initially wanted a license that would allow for takeout only, but he is now looking to make it a dine-in restaurant with seating for 14; the Boston Licensing Board did approve of his new plans, though adding takeout/delivery would need to be taken up in a future hearing because there are concerns among the community about congestion and lack of parking in the area.

The address for the proposed Virtual Food Court is 313 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127.

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

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Restaurant News for the Week Ending August 11

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between August 5 and August 11.

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Dolce Vita Ristorante in Boston's North End Has Closed
A longtime restaurant in the North End has shut down.
Full Story

Mala Town Is Apparently Replacing Tasty Pot in Allston
A group of hot pot places may be expanding to Boston, taking over the space where a location of another chain of hot pot places had been.
Full Story

Good Company in Charlestown Has Closed
A cocktail bar just off Route 93 that is run by an award-winning beverage director and bartender has shut down.
Full Story

Crush Pizza Opens in East Boston
A pizzeria known for its Neapolitan-style pies has returned to Boston.
Full Story

King & I in Beacon Hill Has Closed
It looks like a longtime Thai restaurant in Boston has shut down.
Full Story

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

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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.)

    

Dolce Vita Ristorante in Boston's North End Has Closed

A longtime restaurant in the North End of Boston has shut down.

According to a couple of sources who are connected to the local food/restaurant industry (including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page), Dolce Vita Ristorante on Hanover Street is no longer in business, and both sources mention that the building has been sold, with new owners taking over the restaurant space. There is no confirmation at this point in time as to what dining spot might go into the space, so keep checking back for updates.

Dolce Vita Ristorante first opened approximately 35 years ago, offering such dishes as lasagna, chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, ravioli, risotto, scallops scampi, pork chops, and more.

The address for the now-closed Dolce Vita Ristorante was 221 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

[August 27 update: We have been told that the Martignetti Restaurant Group (not the Martignetti Hospitality Group, as had been reported earlier) is planning to open a new dining/drinking spot within the Dolce Vita space in the North End.]

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

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Mala Town Is Apparently Replacing Tasty Pot in Allston

It looks like a group of hot pot places may be expanding to Boston, taking over the space where a location of another chain of hot pot places had been.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mala Town appears to be opening in Allston, moving into the Tasty Pot space on Harvard Avenue. A Google search seems to confirm this, showing the following below the listing for the Harvard Street address:

Mala Town redefines dining with its innovative build-your-own hot pot bowls, where customers can mix and match ingredients, paying by the pound. Rooted in rich tradition yet embracing modern tastes, our secret recipes have fueled over 6000 global locations. We emphasize the convenience and personalization of our bowls, making each dining experience unique. Every bowl is an exploration of flavors and a celebration of choice, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Currently, the closest locations of Mala Town can be found in New York City and Edison, NJ.

The address for the upcoming location of Mala Town is 194 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for the company is at https://www.malatown.us/

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

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Good Company in Charlestown Is Closing

A cocktail bar just off Route 93 that is run by an award-winning beverage director and bartender is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Good Company in Charlestown is getting ready to close its doors, with an Instagram story from the place saying that there will be a closing party on Friday, August 9 starting at 5:30 PM. The person behind the place (which first opened at Hood Park last fall) is Seth Freidus, who was beverage director at both Alden & Harlow and Waypoint, with the former being awarded best bar program by Boston Magazine in 2015 and the latter being awarded Best Cocktail Program from Boston Magazine in 2017 (Good Company itself was also awarded best cocktail bar in Boston this year from Boston Magazine).

The address for Good Company is 100 Hood Park Drive, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website is at https://www.goodcompanyboston.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/goodcompanybos/

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

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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.)

    

Crush Pizza Opens in East Boston

Last spring, it was reported that a pizzeria known for its Neapolitan-style pies would be returning to Boston, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Crush Pizza is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Saratoga Street in the Orient Heights section of Eastie. The new location joins another in Quincy Center, and there had been another location on State Street in downtown Boston that closed toward the end of 2020.

The address for the new location of Crush Pizza in the Orient Heights section of East Boston is 975 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.crushpizza.com/

[Earlier Article]
Crush Pizza Plans to Open in East Boston's Orient Heights

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

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Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers to Open in Saugus

A Louisiana-based chain that focuses on a popular food item continues to expand into the Greater Boston area, with a new one soon opening a few miles north of the city.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is planning to open in Saugus, moving into a space on Route 1 between the Lynn Fells Parkway and Main Street exits. Once the new outlet opens (possibly in October or November), it will join others locally in Boston's Back Bay, by Boston University, in Marlborough, and Methuen, while others are in the works for Downtown Crossing, Medford, and Framingham as well.

The address for the upcoming Raising Cane's in Saugus is 799 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus, MA, 01906. The website for the chain is at https://www.raisingcanes.com/

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

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Andiamo Restaurant + Bar in Chelmsford Has Closed

A location of a trio of Italian dining spots north of Boston has shut down after being in business since 2016.

According to a source, Andiamo Restaurant + Bar in Chelmsford is no longer in operation, with a check on its website showing that location being removed while a call to the place indicates that they decided not to renew their lease for the Boston Road spot. Locations of Andiamo in Andover and North Andover remain open, while another location of the place in Newburyport (which was its original restaurant) shuttered back in 2020.

The address for the now-closed Andiamo Restaurant + Bar in Chelmsford was 18 Boston Road #100 (Chelmsford Town Center), Chelmsford, MA, 01824. The website for the other two locations can be found at https://www.andiamo-restaurant.com/

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

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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.)

    

Cafe Itadaki Opens in Brookline Village

A Japanese restaurant with a familiar name has debuted in Brookline.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Cafe Itadaki is now open in Brookline Village, taking over the space on Harvard Street that had once been home to Pomodoro. A Brookline News article mentions that owner Yujin Hess was also behind Itadaki which had been on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay until closing in 2022.

The menu for Cafe Itadaki shows such items as rice balls, curry, sandwiches, ramen, omelets, and more.

The address for Cafe Itadaki is 24 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/cafeitadaki.boston/

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

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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.)

    

King & I in Boston's Beacon Hill Has Closed

It looks like a longtime Thai restaurant in Boston has shut down.

According to a source, King & I in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood is no longer in operation, with a note out front indicating that the decision to close the Charles Street spot comes with the recent passing of the founder of the restaurant. The note mentions that the last day in business for King & I was this past Saturday.

King & I first opened more than 40 years ago, being a popular spot among locals along with people coming from Massachusetts General Hospital just across Cambridge Street.

The address for the now-closed King & I in Beacon Hill was 145 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

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

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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.)

    

Restaurant News for the Week Ending August 4

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between July 29 and August 4.

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Distraction Brewing Company in Roslindale Square Is Closing, Will Be Replaced by 13 Volt Brewing and Roasting
A brewery that first opened in a Boston neighborhood five years ago is shutting down, and another brewery will be taking over its space.
Full Story

Life Love Cheese to Open Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Wakefield
A food service business and caterer that is known in part for its cheeses is going to be opening a storefront in the northern suburbs of Boston.
Full Story

Hakki Asian Fusion Is Opening in the Former Red Lentil Space in Sharon
A new Asian restaurant is getting ready to open in the southern suburbs of Boston, opening where a location of a vegan/vegetarian had been.
Full Story

REV Burger Is Opening in North Beverly
The people behind a North Shore restaurant featuring classic American fare are getting ready to open a new burger spot nearby.
Full Story

Great Scott Is Returning to Allston
A landmark music club that shut down a few years ago is being reborn.
Full Story

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

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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.)

    

Distraction Brewing Company in Roslindale Square Plans to Close, Be Replaced by 13 Volt Brewing and Roasting

It looks like a brewery that first opened in a Boston neighborhood five years ago is shutting down, and another brewery plans to take over its space.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Distraction Brewing Company in Roslindale Square is closing its doors at the end of the month, with the Belgrade Avenue business saying the following in a Facebook post:

It is with heartfelt gratitude and mixed emotions that Distraction Brewing will begin transitioning operations to 13 Volt Brewing and Roasting on August 31, 2024. The journey of opening and running a brewery during such unpredictable times has been an incredible adventure. After much consideration, we've decided to shift our focus to spending more cherished time with our children before they embark on their own journeys. The demands of the brewery have been significant, and we want to make the most of the precious years we have left with our family....While 13 Volt Brewing and Roasting's opening day is yet to be announced, they will be expanding their services in 2025 to include coffee roasting and in-house food....Thank you once again for being a vital part of our journey. We couldn't have done it without you.

The address for Distraction Brewing (and the upcoming 13 Volt Brewing and Roasting) is 2 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale, MA, 02131. The website for Distraction is at https://www.distractionbrewingco.com/

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

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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.)