Wednesday, April 30, 2025

TooHot Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A brand new Chinese restaurant is coming to the heart of Cambridge.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions that TooHot is opening soon in Harvard Square, with an earlier Cambridge Day article stating what Leah tells us, that Han Wang--who runs Noah's Kitchen in Brookline--is behind the upcoming spot, and like Noah's, it will focus on Sichuan fare. An opening date has not been given as of yet for TooHot, with its website simply saying that it is coming soon.

Noah's Kitchen is known for such options as handmade dumplings, noodle dishes, cumin lamb, spicy popcorn chicken, and sauteed whole fish.

The address for TooHot is 18 Elliot Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website will be at https://toohot.kitchen/

[July 2 update: According to its website, TooHot is now open, having debuted on June 25.]

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


[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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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

My Mother's Cutlets Opens in Boston's North End

Early last year, it was reported that a new restaurant would be replacing a North End dining spot (and it would be under the same ownership), and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a press release along with multiple sources, My Mother's Cutlets is now open on Hanover Street, taking over the space where Rina's had been. The new eatery, which is run by The Varano Group (which was also behind Rina's and runs Strega North End and Nico Ristorante), offers sandwiches such My Mother’s Special (cutlet, vodka sauce, and burrata) and The Hot Paisan (cutlet, prosciutto, mozzarella, hot honey, and basil) as well as customizable sandwiches, with options including chicken, eggplant, veal, and meatballs, along with bread, sauce, cheese, dressing options, and add-ons such as roasted red peppers, pancetta, and broccoli rabe.

Rina's, which had been in the space from 2015 until early 2024, was known in part for its pizza.

The address for My Mother's Cutlets is 371 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at https://mymotherscutlets.com/

[Earlier Article]
Rina's in Boston's North End Has Closed; New Concept on Its Way to the Space

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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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Wahlburgers at MarketStreet Lynnfield Has Closed

Another location of a chain of burger spots with local roots has shut down.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Wahlburgers at MarketStreet Lynnfield is no longer in business, having closed on April 27. A message was sent to us giving more information on the closure:

After several wonderful years serving the Lynnfield community, we have closed  our doors at our 930 Market Street restaurant. The lease had expired and we were unable to negotiate an equitable extension. We are incredibly grateful to our loyal guests, dedicated team members, and the local community for their support over the years. This location has meant a great deal to us, and we are proud of the memories and meals we’ve shared here. While we are closing this chapter, we’re excited to welcome our guests to continue enjoying our satisfying burgers at our nearby locations throughout the Boston area: two in Logan Airport, and one in Fenway, Springfield, Hingham and Plainville. Check out wahlburgers.com to find one closest to you!

This is the second location in the Greater Boston area to shutter over the past year or so, as the South Bay outlet in Dorchester closed its doors last spring. (The chain was founded by Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg.)

The website for Wahlburgers can be found at https://www.wahlburgersrestaurant.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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Monday, April 28, 2025

La Voile in Brookline's Washington Square Has Closed

A local pair of French restaurants is back down to just one.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions that La Voile in the Washington Square section of Brookline is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the business indicating that it shuttered over the weekend. (The note does say that the location on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay remains in operation.) The Brookline outlet of La Voile first opened in 2015, offering such items as foie gras, French onion soup, escargots, seared Dover sole, lamb shank, bourguignon, and creme brulee.

The address for the now-closed La Voile in Brookline was 1627 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for the business is at https://www.lavoilerestaurants.com/

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


[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 April 27, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between April 21, 2025, and April 27, 2025.


Bertucci's Declares Bankruptcy Yet Again, Closes Locations in Braintree, Mansfield, North Andover, and Norwood
A local chain of Italian restaurants has declared bankruptcy once again, and with it, at least four more locations in the region have closed.
Full Story

Island Creek Raw Bar to Open in the Seaport District
A familiar name is returning to Boston, and it will be offering seafood within a seasonal space.
Full Story

All'Antico Vinaio to Open in the Back Bay
A group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy will be expanding to Boston.
Full Story

Strega Italiano in Boston's Park Plaza Has Apparently Closed
It looks like another location of Strega has shut down.
Full Story

Chilacates Plans to Open in Quincy
A growing local group of Mexican restaurants is expanding to a space just south of Boston.
Full Story


[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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Friday, April 25, 2025

Miguel's Table Opens in West Bridgewater

A new restaurant has debuted south of Boston, opening where a longtime dining spot had been until closing late last year.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Miguel's Table is now open in West Bridgewater, taking over the space on Copeland Street that had been home to Freda's. The menu for the new restaurant shows a mix of classic and New American fare, including bao buns, poutine, wings, macaroni and cheese, steak tips, half chicken, pistachio encrusted salmon, pork chops, fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs, Cuban sandwiches, and bar pizza.

Freda's had been in business for nearly 40 years until shutting down just after Christmas.

The address for Miguel's Table is 105 Copeland Street, West Bridgewater, MA, 02379. Its website can be found at https://www.miguelstable.com/

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


[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 24, 2025

Bertucci's Declares Bankruptcy Yet Again, Closes Locations in Braintree, Mansfield, North Andover, Norwood, and Plymouth

A local chain of Italian restaurants has declared bankruptcy once again, and with it, at least five more locations in the region have closed.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via the nrn.com website), Bertucci's has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while also saying that outlets in Braintree, Mansfield, and North Andover have shuttered (we also learned that the Norwood and Plymouth locations closed as well), and this has all been confirmed on the chain's website (all five have been removed from the locations section). The closing of these three Bertucci's means that the only ones left inside Route 495 are in West Roxbury, Newton, Medford, Waltham, Reading, Hingham, Chelmsford, and Framingham.)

As mentioned in an article here, Bertucci's--which had also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018 and again in 2022--debuted a new quick-service concept called Bertucci's Pronto in downtown Boston this week.

The website for Bertucci's is at https://www.bertuccis.com/

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


[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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Chicha San Chen Opens at Lyrik Back Bay in Boston

Last summer it was reported that a Taiwanese boba chain would be opening a location within a new mixed-use project in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a source, Chicha San Chen is now open at Lyrik Back Bay (which is located by Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue), with a note from the business within Google saying the following:

Step into our cozy tea house and enjoy our award-winning teas, brewed with precision for the perfect balance of flavor. Led by our skilled Tea Masters, we offer everything from relaxed tastings to curated tea experiences. With a focus on quality and tradition, CHICHA San Chen brings an authentic taste of Taiwanese tea culture to Boston.

The address for the new location of Chicha San Chen in the Back Bay is 400 Newbury Street (Suite 300), Boston, MA, 02115. The Instagram page for the Boston location is at https://www.instagram.com/chichasanchen.ma/

[Earlier Article]
Chicha San Chen to Open in Boston's Back Bay

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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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Zusammen Is Opening in North Cambridge

A brand new wine bar is planning to open in Cambridge, and it looks like it has an ownership connection to a food and wine shop a few storefronts away.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zusammen is looking to open on Mass. Ave. in North Cambridge, moving into a space less than a block from Momma's Grocery + Wine, which apparently sent out a newsletter about the upcoming spot. Very little is known about Zusammen at this point in time, so keep checking back for updates.

The owner of Momma's Grocery + Wine also ran the now-closed Schmetterling Wine Shop in Middlebury, VT, with the Cambridge store offering such options as locally-grown produce, locally-sourced meat and dairy products, maple creemees, coffee, and more.

The address for the upcoming Zusammen is 2322 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website will be at https://www.zusammen.wine/

[May 14 update: An Instagram post from @bondircambridge indicates that Zusammen is now open, though its website still appears to be under construction.]

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


[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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Island Creek Raw Bar Is Opening in Boston's Seaport District

A familiar name is returning to Boston, and it will be offering seafood within a seasonal space. 

According to a press release, Island Creek Raw Bar is going to be opening in the city's Seaport District this summer, moving into an outdoor space on Autumn Lane near the eastern edge of Fort Point and just south of Seaport Boulevard. Once it opens (tentatively in the early summer), the new spot will join The Winsor House and Raw Bar in Duxbury and The Shop in Portland, ME, while Island Creek itself is an oyster farm in Duxbury that sells shellfish both locally and across the country.

Locations of Island Creek Oyster Bar used to be found in Boston's Fenway neighborhood along with Burlington.

The address for Island Creek Raw Bar is 99 Autumn Lane, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for Island Creek is at https://shop.islandcreekoysters.com/ while the Instagram page for the raw bar is at https://www.instagram.com/rawbar_seaport/

[June 5 update: According to the Island Creek website, Island Creek Raw Bar is now open.]

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


[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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Somenya in Boston's Chinatown Is Expanding, Opening a New Location in Quincy's Wollaston Neighborhood

A Japanese restaurant in downtown Boston that is known in part for its noodle dishes is expanding to a new location south of the city.

According to a source (via an Instagram post from @newenglandsign), Somenya in Chinatown is planning to open in the Wollaston section of Quincy, with the address mentioned indicating that it may be taking over the Great Chow space on Beale Street. Based on its Hudson Street location, the new restaurant will likely be offering udon noodles along with rice bowls and appetizers.

The Chinatown location of Somenya debuted in the fall of 2023.

The address for the new location of Somenya in Wollaston appears to be 15 Beale Street, Quincy, MA, 02170. The website for the business is at https://www.somenya.com/

[May 29 update: According to its website, Somenya is now open in Quincy.]

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


[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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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

All'Antico Vinaio to Open in Boston's Back Bay

A group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy will be expanding to Boston.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), All'Antico Vinaio is planning to open in the Back Bay sometime this year, with a Facebook post from The Boston Calendar sharing a link from joyraft.com that says the new outlet will move into a space on Boylston Street in the Copley Square area. All'Antico Vinaio first started out in Florence in 1991 and currently has a handful of U.S. locations in New York, California, and Nevada, and they are known for their wide variety of panini; in 2017, Saveur included All'Antico Vinaio in an article on "The World's Best Sandwiches."

The website for All'Antico Vinaio can be found at https://www.allanticovinaiousa.com/

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


[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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West on Main Is Opening in the Former Fit-Z's Bar & Grille Space in Watertown

Last fall it was reported that a neighborhood bar in Watertown was closing down after nearly 20 years in operation, and now we know what is replacing it.

According to a Bluesky post from @tommyvon.bsky.social, a sign is now up for West on Main, which will be taking over the space a short distance west of the downtown area that had been home to Fit-Z's Bar & Grille. A note from the upcoming spot on Google says the following:

West on Main blends the best of an Irish and American bar, creating a welcoming neighborhood spot in Watertown, MA. Serving comfort food, rotating specials, and a traditional Sunday roast, it's the go-to place for great food, drinks, and live sports.

Fit-Z's debuted in 2007, moving into the space that had once been home to The Busy Bee.

The address for West on Main is 451 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/westonmainwatertown/

[May 27 update: According to its Instagram page, West on Main is now open in Watertown.]

[Earlier Article]
Fit-Z's Bar & Grille in Watertown Is Being Sold

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


[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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Strega Italiano in Boston's Park Plaza Has Apparently Closed

It looks like another location of Strega has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Strega Italiano in the Park Plaza area of Boston is no longer in business, with a check on the website for Strega indicating that that location has indeed been removed from the site. Back in 2020, locations of Strega in the Seaport District, Park Plaza, and Woburn were sold to Danu Partners while The Varano Group kept the original Strega in the North End (which is now called Strega by Nick Varano); that location along with the Seaport District location are the only two now remaining, as the Woburn outlet closed in 2022.

The address for the now-closed Strega Italiano was 64 Arlington Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the Seaport District location is at https://stregaitaliano.com/

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


[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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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Chilacates Plans to Open in Quincy

It looks like a growing local group of Mexican restaurants is expanding to a space just south of Boston.

According to a source, Chilacates is planning to open in Quincy, with a message from the business to our source confirming what the source had told us a few weeks ago. It appears that the new location could be moving into the former E String Violin Shop space at 1358 Hancock Street in the downtown area, though this has not been completely confirmed as of yet.

Once the new outlet of Chilacates opens, it will join others in Jamaica Plain (two), Boston's West End, the South End, Mission Hill, Roslindale, South Boston, Brighton, Brookline's Coolidge Corner, Cambridge's Central Square, East Cambridge, and Chestnut Hill.

The website for Chilacates is at https://chilacatesmx.com/

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


[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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Monday, April 21, 2025

D Street Dueling Pianos in Boston's Seaport District Is Closing

A piano bar in Boston is getting ready to shut down.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1 along with an article from MassLive, D Street Dueling Pianos in the Seaport District is closing its doors, with the website for the place saying that "It is with great sadness that we must announce we're closing forever on April 26....Help us forget how sad we are and come celebrate with us one last time." D Street Dueling Pianos first opened within the Element Boston Seaport District hotel in the summer of 2018, being what their Instagram page says is "Boston's only dueling pianos and sing-a-long bar."

The address for D Street Dueling Pianos is 391 D Street, Boston, MA, 02210 Its website can be found at https://www.dskeys.com/

[May 2 update: A check on the place confirms that D Street Dueling Pianos is indeed closed.]

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


[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 April 20, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between April 14, 2025, and April 20, 2025.


Several New Restaurants Being Proposed for Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain
It looks like some new restaurants could be coming to sections of Boston that tend to be underrepresented when it comes to dining and drinking.
Full Story

Floramo's May Be Opening at Revere Beach
A restaurant known for its steak tips that has been in several spaces over the past few years may have a new home, and this one would be along the ocean just north of Boston.
Full Story

Kupel's Bakery in Brookline May Be Expanding to Somerville
A decades-old bagel spot could be expanding to a second location.
Full Story

Flour Bakery Opens at Boston Common
A local group of bakery-cafes has opened a new location, and this one resides in a former comfort station that was built approximately 100 years ago.
Full Story

Nowon Opens in Boston's Seaport District
A Korean-American gastropub with roots in New York City has opened on the Boston waterfront after being in the works for more than a year.
Full Story


[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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Friday, April 18, 2025

Bangkok Bar Shi to Open in Melrose

A new Asian restaurant is coming to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Bangkok Bar Shi is going to be opening in Melrose, moving into a space on Main Street in the downtown area. The article mentions that Amy Wiwitted and her husband Adisorn Sakkara--who also run Bangkok Bento in Boston's Back Bay, Sweet Rice in Jamaica Plain, and Thai Saap Rice & Noodles Kitchen in Quincy--are behind the new place, which will offer Thai and Japanese dishes and will have a sushi bar. If all goes as planned, Bangkok Bar Shi will likely open sometime in May.

The address for Bangkok Bar Shi is 462 Main Street, Melrose, MA, 02176. Its website can be found at https://www.bangkokbarshi.com/

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


[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 17, 2025

Iru Opens in Brookline

A new Korean restaurant has debuted in Brookline.

According to an article from Boston Magazine along with the Instagram page for the place, Iru has opened on Washington Street in Brookline Village, with Hajime Yamazaki being behind it. The article mentions that Yamazaki runs several Korean dining spots in Japan, with two of them receiving the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award which the Michelin Guide gives out to "best value for money restaurants." Boston Magazine says that ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang) is a featured item at the place.

The address for Iru is 238 Washington Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/iru_boston/

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


[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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Several New Restaurants Being Proposed for Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain

It looks like some new restaurants could be coming to sections of Boston that tend to be underrepresented when it comes to dining and drinking.

According to an article from Universal Hub, at least five new dining spots are being proposed for Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain, including Cool Shade Jamaican, which is seeking a full liquor license to open at 388 Blue Hill Avenue in Grove Hall; AAA Restaurant, an Hispanic food spot that is also seeking an all-alcohol license to operate at 3141 Washington Street on the Jamaica Plain side of Egleston Square; Doune & Pepe, a Caribbean fusion tapas-style restaurant that would open at 657 Washington Street in Codman Square, an as-of-yet unnamed West Indian dining spot that is seeking a liquor license to operate at 300 Warren Street in Roxbury, and a restaurant that the nonprofit organization Embrace Boston would open at 1200 Tremont Street in Roxbury.

More should be known about the progress of all of these restaurants over the coming weeks, so keep checking back for updates.

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


[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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Floramo's Is Planning to Open at Revere Beach

A restaurant known for its steak tips that has been in several spaces over the past few years appears to have a new home, and this one will be along the ocean just north of Boston.

According to a source, Floramo's is planning to open at Revere Beach, with a YouTube video of a License Commission Meeting from this week from RevereTV showing a person whose family owns the property where Antonia's is housed saying that Floramo's will be the new tenant at the Revere Beach Boulevard space, though a lease has not yet been signed. (He also says that the owner of Antonia's has been evicted and the restaurant needs to vacate by the end of the month.)

Floramo's Restaurant had originally been in Chelsea, moving to spaces in Wakefield and Malden in 2022 after the Chelsea location closed due to redevelopment, though both the Wakefield and Malden restaurants shut down in 2024; the restaurant then briefly collaborated with Bossmama in Wakefield this past winter.

The address for Antonia's (and the planned location of Floramo's) is 492 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA, 02151.

[July 2 update: A message sent to us indicates that it is now official that Floramo's will be moving into the Antonia's space at Revere Beach, with a photo sent showing a Floramo's sign now up at the space.]

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


[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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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Kupel's Bakery in Brookline May Be Expanding to Somerville

A decades-old bagel spot in Brookline could be expanding to a second location.

According to an article from Universal Hub (via a flyer for a meeting about the plans), Kupel's Bakery is looking to open a new shop in Somerville, with the Elm Street address indicating that it would move into a space behind Porter Square near the Somerville/Cambridge line. The flyer mentions that the proposed location would be a bakery, cafe, and coffee shop, and that a neighborhood meeting on the plan had been slated to take place last night.

Kupel's first opened its doors on Harvard Street near Coolidge Corner in 1978.

The address for the proposed location of Kupel's Bakery in Somerville is 54A Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the Brookline location is at https://www.kupelsbakery.com/

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


[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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Third Time Ice Cream to Open Brick-and Mortar Shop in East Somerville

It looks like a local ice cream business known for its pop-ups will be opening a permanent space sometime this year.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Third Time Ice Cream is planning to open a brick-and-mortar shop at an as-of-yet undisclosed location in East Somerville, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

As some of you know, we're headed for a permanent home in East Somerville--a home with tables, and chairs, and a patio, and coffee, and breakfast, and lunch, all while still offering our unique take on ice cream. But while our new location is under construction, we thought we would do a little residency to give folks a preview of what our new menu will look like. So we reached out to our friends at Tilde and they have generously offered to be our home away from home for a little bit!

Third Time Ice Cream Founder Nick Ladin-Sienne, who comes from such restaurants as Oleana, Sofra, and Puritan + Co., brought the business (as a temporary residence) to Somerville's Bow Market last fall.

The website for Third Time Ice Cream is at https://www.thirdtimeicecream.co/

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


[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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Flour Bakery Opens at Boston Common

A local group of bakery-cafes has opened a new location, and this one resides in a former comfort station that was built approximately 100 years ago.

According to their Instagram page, Flour Bakery is now open on Boston Common, taking over the space that had previously been home to a location of Earl of Sandwich. The new outlet offers baked goods, pastries, hot dogs, soft serve, coffee, and more, and it is currently open from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM, though the closing time could change as the days get longer.

The space in which the new location of Flour has moved into had once been a public bathroom known as the Pink Palace for its pink-colored masonry.

The website for Flour is at https://flourbakery.com/

[Earlier Article]
Flour Bakery to Replace Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common

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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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Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Hog Island Beer Company Is Acquiring Mayflower Brewing Company

A Cape Cod brewery is in the process of purchasing a beermaker on the South Shore.

According to a source, Hog Island Beer Company in Orleans is acquiring Plymouth's Mayflower Brewing Company, with a press release shared by Mass. Brew Bros. saying the following:

This exciting move marks a new chapter for both businesses, which are each located in coastal towns on Cape Cod Bay, bringing together two well-known Massachusetts brands with shared values of quality, independence, and a passion for brewing exceptional beer. The acquisition, pending all necessary approvals, includes the full operation of Mayflower's Plymouth, MA brewery and taproom, as well as their Beer Garden collaboration with The Pinehills on the Village Green, also in Plymouth.

The press release mentions that the Mayflower brand will continue on and that its operations will remain in Plymouth, with Hog Island founder Mike McNamara saying that "Our goal is to continue producing the beers people know and love from Mayflower, while also exploring fresh ideas and expanding our reach."

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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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Nowon Opens in Boston's Seaport District

A Korean-American gastropub with roots in New York City has opened on the Boston waterfront after being in the works for more than a year.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Nowon opens for dinner service today in the city's Seaport District, with an Instagram post from the business saying "The time is here, Boston! Nowon Seaport is officially open today! It's been a long time coming and we can't wait for you to dive into our menu. Book on Opentable or walk-in." The new location joins others in Manhattan's East Village and the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, with the menu for the Boston location (which hasn't been posted as of this writing) possibly including such options as tots, burgers, chicken sandwiches, noodle dishes, kimchi rice, and more, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the new location of Nowon in the Seaport District is 117 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the business is at https://nowonusa.com/

[Earlier Article]
Nowon Plans to Open in 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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Silk Lounge Is Opening in Brookline

A new dining and drinking spot with global influences is on its way to Brookline.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Silk Lounge is planning to open on Beacon Street on the eastern edge of Coolidge Corner, with the place being a restaurant, bar, and cafe that has Asian, Mediterranean, and European influences. The article indicates that the cafe will offer takeout breakfast items along with pastries, smoothies, bubble tea, and coffee, while the restaurant and bar will have more of an upscale feel to it. If all goes as planned, Silk Lounge could be opening sometime this month.

The address for the upcoming Silk Lounge is 1223 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://silkloungeboston.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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Monday, April 14, 2025

Cusser's Roast Beef & Seafood at Hub Hall Is Closing; Time Out Location Remains in Operation

A pair of dining spots known in part for their North Shore-style roast beef sandwiches and their lobster rolls will soon be down to one.

According to an email sent to us, Cusser's Roast Beef & Seafood at Hub Hall by North Station and TD Garden is closing down at the end of business hours tomorrow, though we have been told that the location at Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway will remain open for business, and that it "has actually gotten a major menu facelift." The Hub Hall location of Cusser's debuted in 2021, a couple of years after the Time Out location opened; the original Cusser's first opened at the Mooncusser Fish House site on Stuart Street in the Back Bay in 2018, replacing Moon Bar which took back the space in 2023.

The website for Cusser's can be found at https://www.cussersboston.com/

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Bertucci's Pronto Has Its Grand Opening in Downtown Boston on April 23

Last fall, it was reported that a local chain of Italian restaurants was planning to bring a brand new takeout-friendly concept to Boston, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to a press release, Bertucci's cis slated to have its grand opening in the downtown area of the city on April 23, with its website mentioning that the Tremont Street spot will be a counter-service place that also has online ordering, and it will offer brick oven pizza, breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches, and pasta options.

Bertucci's was established in 1981 in Somerville's Davis Square and is now headquartered in Northborough.

The address for Bertucci's Pronto is 22 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its web page can be found at https://www.bertuccis.com/locations/pronto-tremont/

[Earlier Article]
Bertucci's Pronto Plans to Open in 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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Restaurant News for the Week Ending April 13, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between April 7, 2025, and April 13, 2025.


Bennett's Sandwich Shop to Open in the Former Grainmaker Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing
A small group of sandwich shops with roots in Maine will be opening another location in the Greater Boston area, and this one will be in the heart of the city.
Full Story

Nine to Open in the Former No. 9 Park Space in Boston's Beacon Hill
A new restaurant is on its way to downtown Boston, and it will be moving into the space where one of the best-known dining spots in the city had been until closing down at the end of last year.
Full Story

Slice House to Open in the Former Bull McCabe's Space in Somerville's Union Square
A Florida-based group of pizza spots will be expanding to the Boston area, opening a location in a Somerville space that had once been home to a pub and music spot.
Full Story

Grecian Diner in Peabody Has Closed
A Greek diner on the North Shore has shut down.
Full Story

Ground Round Soft-Opens in Shrewsbury; Grand Opening Slated for April 30
A family-friendly chain of restaurants that got its start locally has returned to the region.
Full Story


[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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Friday, April 11, 2025

Sweet Spoon Opens in the Former Scoop N Scootery Space in Brighton

A new ice cream place has come to a Boston neighborhood, moving into the space where a location of another ice cream shop had been.

According to a source, Sweet Spoon is now open in Brighton, taking over the former Scoop N Scootery space on Washington Street in Brighton Center. An Instagram post from @natinbos indicates that the new store offers a variety of ice cream flavors along with frozen yogurt, non-dairy ice cream, milkshakes, croissants, waffle bubbles, and more.

The Brighton location of The Scoop and Scootery closed toward the end of 2024, with locations in Allston, East Arlington and at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge remaining in operation.

The address for Sweet Spoon is 360 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135.

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Naya Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay This Spring

A growing group of Middle Eastern restaurants with roots in New York City is slated to open its third Boston-area location later this month, and this one will be its second within the city itself.

According to a press release, Naya is planning to open in the Back Bay possibly at the end of the month, moving into a space on Boylston Street on the eastern edge of Copley Square. Once it opens, expect to see dishes with Lebanese influences including customizable bowls, wraps, salads, desserts, and more, and it will be joining others in downtown Boston and at Arsenal Yards in Watertown while a fourth location will be opening in Cambridge's Kendall Square this summer.

The address for Naya in the Back Bay is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations is at https://www.eatnaya.com/

[June 12 update: According to a new press release, Naya is now open in the Back Bay.]

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Shake Shack May Be Opening in Braintree

Last month, it was reported that a chain of restaurants could be expanding to a space just off Route 3 on the South Shore, and now we have learned that another chain may be expanding there as well.

According to an article from the Patriot Ledger, Shake Shack is looking to open a new location in Braintree, moving into the site on Union Street that had once been home to a Motel 6. These plans appear to be in their early stages, but if it happens, the dining spot could be joining an outlet of Cava at the site as well, though plans for that restaurant are also in their early stages as well.

Currently, the only other South Shore location of Shake Shack is at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham (this outlet is also just off Route 3).

The address for the proposed location of Shake Shack in Braintree is 125 Union Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for the chain is at https://shakeshack.com/

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Thursday, April 10, 2025

Mo's Tavern & Kitchen Plans to Open in Oak Square in Brighton

It looks like a new spot for food and drink could be on its way to a Boston neighborhood. 

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Mo's Tavern & Kitchen is seeking a liquor license to open in Brighton, with the Washington Street address indicating that it would be moving into a space in Oak Square. The notice states that it plans to be an upscale gastropub with seating for up to 50 diners while a bar would have have seating for as many as 20, and the space would include an open kitchen. Little other information has been given on Mo's Tavern & Kitchen other than the fact that the manager listed for the place would be Candice Dowling, but more should be known by late next week, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for the proposed Mo's Tavern & Kitchen is 571-575 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135

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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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Jojo's Opens in Weymouth

A new bakery has come to the South Shore, and the owner of a nearby bakery and charcuterie shop is running it.

Based on information from a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, along with the website for the place, Jordania Roach of Amorepas Kitchen in Quincy's Wollaston neighborhood has opened Jojo's in Weymouth, with the new shop residing by the intersection of Middle Street and Washington Street. A Facebook post from Amorepas Kitchen as well as its website mentions that Jojo's offers baked goods, charcuterie boards, and sweet treats.

The address for Jojo's is 644 Middle Street, Weymouth, MA, 02189. Its website can be found at https://jojosweymouth.com/

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Famous Pizza Opens in the Former Double G's Pizzeria Space in Braintree

A new pizza spot has come to the southern suburbs of Boston, moving into the space where another pizza place and sub shop had been for more than 60 years.

According to a source, Famous Pizza is now open in Braintree, taking over the former Double G's Pizzeria space on Grove Street. A check on the website for the business indicates that this is the third location of the eatery, with others being found in Brockton and Warwick, RI, and all spots offer pizza, calzones, salads, grinders/subs, grill items, pasta, and more.

Double G's dated back to 1960, offering such options as pizza, steak bombs, wings, burgers, and pasta dishes.

The address for Famous Pizza in Braintree is 303 Grove Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for all locations is at https://thefamouspizza.com/

[Earlier Article]
Double G's Pizzeria in Braintree Has Closed

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Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Unity Victuals in Danvers Has Closed

A North Shore restaurant that focused in part on seafood has shut down after only a short time in business.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1, Unity Victuals in Danvers is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the Maple Street spot indeed saying that "we are no longer open." Unity Victuals, which offered such items as seafood bisque, haddock po' boys, and a veal and lobster plate, first opened last fall in the space that had been home to I Pazzi before it moved to a new space on High Street. No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known what might move into the space.

The address for the now-closed Unity Victuals was 50 Maple Street, Danvers, MA, 01923.

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Taco John's Opens in Downtown Boston

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a chain of quick-service Mexican restaurants whose roots are out west was planning to expand to downtown Boston, and now we have learned that the new location is up and running.

According to a source, Taco John's is now open on the eastern edge of Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Summer Street that had previously been home to a hair salon. The new location joins two others in the region--in Lawrence and Leominster--and it offers such items as tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, churros, and Potato Olés (fried potato nuggets with spices and sauce options).

Taco John's got its start as a taco stand in Cheyenne, WY, in 1969.

The address for the new location of Taco John's in downtown Boston is 75 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the chain can be found at https://tacojohns.com/

[Earlier Article]
Taco John's Plans to Open on Summer Street in Downtown Boston

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Bennett's Sandwich Shop to Open in the Former Grainmaker Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A small group of sandwich shops with roots in Maine will be opening another location in the Greater Boston area, and this one will be in the heart of the city.

According to a Bluesky post from @conciergeboston.bsky.social, Bennett's Sandwich Shop is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the space on Summer Street that had been home to Grainmaker until it closed down approximately a year ago. Once it opens, the new location will join others locally in the Fenway and in Burlington, along with restaurants in Portsmouth, NH, Salem, NH, and Kennebunk, ME, the last of which is the original and has been a popular spot with beachgoers since 1982.

Bennett's Sandwich Shop is known in part for its lobster rolls and cheesesteaks.

The address for the upcoming location of Bennett's Sandwich Shop in Downtown Crossing is 91 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.bennettssandwichshop.com/

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Nine to Open in the Former No. 9 Park Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

A new restaurant is on its way to downtown Boston, and it will be moving into the space where one of the best-known dining spots in the city had been until closing down at the end of last year.

According to a post by Patrick Maguire within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nine is planning to open in Beacon Hill, taking over the former No. 9 Park space on Park Street Place. A series of job posts on the culinaryagents.com site indicate that Nine will be a French fine-dining restaurant with other European influences and that it is the first spot from Nine Restaurant Group which has been established by a group of local investors. A press release mentions that Allan Rodriguez (La Neta, El Centro) is behind the restaurant while Andrew Simonich (Barbara Lynch Collective) will be Chef de Cuisine.

No. 9 Park was one of several restaurants from chef/restaurateur Barbara Lynch, with all of her dining spots now being closed including The Butcher Shop, Stir, Drink, Menton, Sportello, and B&G Oysters in Boston along with The Rudder in Gloucester. (B&G Oysters continues to say that it is closed temporarily due to flood damage which occurred during the holidays.)

The address for Nine is 9 Park St Place, Boston, MA, 02108.

[Earlier Article]
Barbara Lynch to Close Her Two Remaining Restaurants -- No. 9 Park in Boston's Beacon Hill and B&G Oysters in the South End

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Tuesday, April 08, 2025

Park Bagelry to Open in Allston

A new bakery-cafe that will offer bagels and more is on its way to a new development in Allston.

According to a press release, Park Bagelry is planning to open at the Allston Labworks campus on Western Avenue, with the place being a new concept from Tiny Engine Collective (Diesel, Bloc, Forge Baking Co. & Ice Cream). In addition to bagels, Park Bagelry will also offer such options as ice cream and coffee, and its bagels will combine elements of sourdough, New York, and Montreal-style bagels.

If all goes as planned, the bakery-cafe will open sometime this summer.

Allston Labworks includes three buildings, with retail space on the ground floor that will include Park Bagelry as well as the upcoming FiDO Pizza.

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Slice House to Open in the Former Bull McCabe's Space in Somerville's Union Square

A Florida-based group of pizza spots will be expanding to the Boston area, opening a location in a Somerville space that had once been home to a pub and music spot.

According to an X/Twitter post from @CheeksMcGee9 (via a What Now Boston article), Slice House is planning to open in Union Square, moving into the former Bull McCabe's space on Somerville Avenue. The article says that the upcoming place will offer over 40 slice options including a few "Boston-specific surprises," while also keeping part of the old Bull McCabe's vibe by having a "late-night bar vibe." If all goes as planned, Slice House (which currently has three locations in Florida) will open in Somerville in late June.

Bull McCabe's closed in 2020 after being in business for 12 years.

The address for the upcoming Slice House is 366 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the company can be found at https://www.slice.house/ while the Instagram page for the Somerville location is at https://www.instagram.com/unionsquareslice.house/

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Monday, April 07, 2025

Zodiac Is Replacing Cafe St. Petersburg in Newton Centre

An Eastern European restaurant west of Boston is in the process of changing into a new Eastern European dining spot under different ownership.

According to an article in The Newton Beacon, Zodiac is going to be taking over the Cafe St. Petersburg space in Newton Centre, with the place having new owners, look, and a "little bit of a different concept," according to Genna Itskin, who is one of the owners. The new restaurant will offer Russian food, though Itskin says in the article that "We Americanized some traditional Russian food to suit American  tastes, like Chinese restaurants do" in order to satisfy American customers, with the menu including such options as blini, beef stroganoff, chicken kiev, and less familiar dishes such as forshmak (herring mousse, rice chips, caviar, scallion, and chicken tartare) and pickled zakuska (sour cabbage with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mushrooms), while drink options will include Ukrainian beer and black currant infused vodka along with beer, cider, and more.

Zodiac will be open for dinner Tuesday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

The address for Zodiac (and Cafe St. Petersburg) is 57-1 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

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Grecian Diner in Peabody Has Closed

A Greek diner on the North Shore has shut down.

According to a source, Grecian Diner in Peabody is no longer in business, with a MassLive article saying that its last day in business was March 16. The diner first opened in the summer of 2018 on Route 1, taking over the space where Kayla's Diner had previously been; some of the menu items at Grecian Diner included pancakes, omelets, souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, pastitsio, pork chops, steak tips, fried scallops, shrimp scampi, and spanakopita.

The address for Grecian Diner was 136 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960.

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Ground Round Soft-Opens in Shrewsbury; Grand Opening on April 30

Last fall, it was reported that a family-friendly chain of restaurants that got its start locally more than 50 years ago only to disappear from the local landscape would be opening a new location in the region, and now we have learned that it is in the process of getting up and running.

According to an article from NBC 10 WJAR, the Ground Round in Shrewsbury has soft-opened, saying that seating is limited and that diners need to call ahead in order to reserve tables. The article also says that its grand opening is April 30, with a Facebook post from the restaurant mentioning that the current soft opening is for dinner service only and that walk-in bar seats is also available, being first come, first served.

The Ground Round started out in Massachusetts in the late 1960s, opening a number of locations in the local area and elsewhere; currently, other than the Shrewsbury location, there are only four other locations remaining in business in Ohio and North Dakota.

The address for the Ground Round in Shrewsbury is 271 Grafton Street (Route 140), Shrewsbury, MA, 01545. The website for the Shrewsbury location is at https://www.groundround.com/

[Earlier Article]
Ground Round Is Returning to Massachusetts with a Location on the Way to Shrewsbury

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