Boston Restaurant Talk: October 2025

Friday, October 31, 2025

FuGaKyu in Brookline Is Closing

A well-known Japanese restaurant in Brookline that has been around for more than 25 years is shutting down.

According to a source, FuGaKyu in Coolidge Corner is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Beacon Street dining spot saying the following:

We regret to announce that our owner decided to cease operations due to his personal reasons -- effective November 5, 2025. With deepest gratitude, we thank every patron who has graced our tables and shared countless memories with us over the years. This chapter may close, but it marks the dawn of exciting new journeys ahead for our team and family.

FuGaKyu, which is known in part for its sushi, first debuted in Brookline back in 1998, with other locations opening in Sudbury and MarketStreet Lynnfield (both of which have since closed).

The address for FuGaKyu in Coolidge Corner is 1280 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://fugakyuatbrookline.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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Bon Me in Boston's Longwood Area Has Closed

A group of Vietnamese food trucks and brick-and-mortar spots has closed one of its restaurant locations.

According to a source, Bon Me in the Longwood section of Boston is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the business confirming this, saying that it shuttered earlier this month "as Dana-Farber begins building a new hospital. We've loved serving your lunches, snack breaks, and noodle cravings over the years - thank you for being part of our Longwood community!" Eight brick-and-mortar locations of Bon Me remain in operation including three in Boston and five in Cambridge, while its trucks can also be found in Boston and Cambridge.

The Longwood location of Bon Me first opened approximately seven years ago.

The address for the now-closed Bon Me in Longwood was 431 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations is at https://www.bonmetruck.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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Thursday, October 30, 2025

Mainely Burgers at Boston Landing in Brighton Has Closed

The sole remaining Boston-area location of a gourmet burger spot with roots up north has shut down.

According to a source, Mainely Burgers at Boston Landing in Brighton is no longer in business, with a sign out front saying that it shuttered over the past few days (and its website and social media have confirmed this). There had once been two locations in the local area, with the location in Cambridge's Central Square closing in 2023; it does appear that the Mainely Burgers food trucks will remain in operation in Maine, based on information from its social media.

The Boston Landing location of Mainely Burgers first opened toward the end of 2018.

The address for the now-closed location of Mainely Burgers at Boston Landing was 133 Guest Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the business is at https://www.mainelyburgers.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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Firebird Pizza Co. Opens in Wellesley

A new dining spot that features pizza and chicken sandwiches has come to the western suburbs of Boston, and a local restaurant group is behind the place.

According to its website and social media, Firebird Pizza Co. is now open in Wellesley, moving into the space on Forest Street that had been home to Deluxe Pizza. An article from The Swellesley Group indicates that the Wellesley Restaurant Group (The Local Kitchen & Drinks, Wayland Pizza Company) is behind the new eatery, with the website for Firebird Pizza Co. saying that "we're igniting a fresh take on comfort food....With a vibe that's modern, laid-back, and full of flavor, Firebird is here to turn up the heat in Wellesley."

The address for Firebird Pizza Co. is 1 Forest Street, Wellesley, MA, 02481. Its website can be found at https://www.firebirdpizzaco.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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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Little India in Waltham Has Closed; Incredible India to Replace It

A suburban Indian restaurant that was slated to close last fall only to remain in operation has closed for real this time, though a new Indian dining spot will be taking over its space.

According to a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel, Little India in Waltham has shuttered and is being sold, with a restaurant called Incredible India planning to open in the Moody Street space, keeping the menu and the space "mostly the same" while a post within the thread from the owner's son indicates that the staff will also remain in place, at least for now. Little India, which first opened 37 years ago, said back in October of 2024 that the landlord was not going to be renewing its lease which was to end at the end of November, though the restaurant ended up staying open on a month-by-month basis.

The address for the now-closed Little India (and upcoming Incredible India) is 475 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

[Earlier Article]
Little India in Waltham Is Planning to Close

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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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Birds of Paradise in Brighton Is Closing

A cocktail lounge that has a well-known local mixologist and restaurateur behind it is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Birds of Paradise at the Charles River Speedway in Brighton is closing its doors, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

We'd like to thank the Brighton community for the last couple years at the Speedway @charlesriverspeedway. To all of the staff, past and present, thank you for taking part in our journey around the world. Our last three services will be: - Wednesday 10/29 - Thursday 10/30 - Friday 10/31 Come and take one or two final flights with us

Ran Duan (Baldwin Bar, Blossom Bar, Ivory Pearl) and his team are behind Birds of Paradise, which its Instagram page says is "inspired by the golden age of travel."

The address for Birds of Paradise is 525 Western Avenue #12, Brighton MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://www.birdsofparadisebar.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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Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Urban Hearth in North Cambridge to Move to New Space in Inman Square

An award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in Cambridge is making plans to move into a new space.

According to a press release, Urban Hearth in North Cambridge is planning to move to Inman Square, with Chef/Owner Erin Miller looking at a "reimagined space" to Cambridge Street that includes table seating, a six-seat chef's counter, a full-service bar, and more. It looks like the new location of Urban Heath could be opening in the late first quarter or early second quarter of 2026, and the original restaurant on Mass. Ave. will remain in operation while renovations are made to the new space--and it is slated to become home to a new concept under the same ownership once Urban Hearth completes its move to Inman Square.

Since opening in 2016, Urban Hearth has won multiple Best of Boston awards in Boston Magazine, while Miller was recently named a 2025 finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef, Northeast award.

The current address for Urban Hearth is 2263 Massachusetts Avenue while its new address will be at 1281 Cambridge Street; the website for the restaurant is at https://www.urbanhearth.net/

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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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Papa Gino's in Hyde Park Has Closed; Only One Now Remaining Within the Boston City Limits

Another location of a local group of pizzerias has closed, leaving a sole location in operation within the city of Boston.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Papa Gino's in Hyde Park is no longer in business, which means that the location on Gallivan Boulevard in Dorchester is the only one remaining in Boston, though a number of outlets remain open in the suburbs including one nearby in Dedham. The Hyde Park location was one of the first of the chain to open back in the mid-1960s (which is around the time that the chain debuted in East Boston), and while there had once been more than 200 restaurants in the region, most have closed, including more than 50 when the company declared bankruptcy back in 2018.

A sign out front at the Hyde Park location does say that it is a "temporary" closure, but the website for the chain has removed the location so it does appear to be permanent.

The address for the now-closed Hyde Park location of Papa Gino's was 1270 River Street, Hyde Park, MA, 02136. The website for the chain is at https://www.papaginos.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, October 27, 2025

Mission on Fire in West Roxbury Has Apparently Closed; Exact Status Unknown

It looks like a dining spot from a local restaurant group has closed after being in business for a bit more than a year, and it isn't know if it could return again.

According to a couple of sources, Mission on Fire in West Roxbury is no longer in business, with a check on the restaurant's website indicating that it has been deleted while phone calls go directly to voicemail. Mission on Fire was one of a few spots run by the Mission Management Group, which includes Mission on the Bay in Swampscott, Mission Oak Grill in Newburyport, and Mission Boathouse in Beverly; the restaurant offered mostly New American fare including small plates.

The address for the now-closed Mission on Fire was 1430 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA, 02132.

(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]

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.)

Sea Dog Brewing Company to Open New Location in Lowell

A beermaker with roots in Maine will be expanding to a new space in Eastern Massachusetts.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Sea Dog Brewing Company is planning to open a brewpub in Lowell, moving into the space on Cabot Street where El Jefe Taco Bar had been. The article mentions that the new location will have seating for 300 (including outdoor seating) along with space for events, and based on its other locations, expect to see a variety of beers (including lagers and ales) as well as classic American fare and comfort food dishes.

Currently, no locations of Sea Dog can be found in Massachusetts, though there had once been outlets in Hull and Woburn; their headquarters had originally been in Camden, ME, today being in Bangor.

The address for the upcoming location of Sea Dog Brewing Company in Lowell is 203 Cabot Street, Lowell, MA, 01854. The website for the company is at https://www.seadogbrewing.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]

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 October 26, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between October 20, 2025, and October 26, 2025.

Hinoki Plans to Open at Wayside in Burlington
It looks like a new Japanese restaurant is on its way to a retail development in the northern suburbs of Boston.
Full Story

Tambo 22 in Chelsea to Bring Back Menu Items from Taranta in Boston's North End
A Peruvian-Italian restaurant just north of Boston will be adding some new menu items to its current offerings--and they come from an acclaimed dining spot that had been in the North End until closing early on in the pandemic.
Full Story

Friendly's in Pembroke Has Closed
A regional chain of restaurants and ice cream shops continues to shrink, as a location south of Boston has shut down.
Full Story

Pressed Cafe Plans to Open in Beverly
It looks like a local group of dining spots that focus on healthy, freshly-made options may be expanding to the North Shore.
Full Story

WCP Slice House Opens in Lowell
A new option for pizza has opened north of Boston, and it offers several different styles including one typically found south of the city.
Full Story

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, October 24, 2025

Hinoki Plans to Open at Wayside in Burlington

It looks like a new Japanese restaurant is on its way to a retail development in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source (Beckie Hunter), Hinoki is planning to open in Burlington, moving into a space at Wayside, a retail center that is is just south of Route 128/95 and just off Route 3. A page within the wilderco.com website indicates that the upcoming restaurant will be a contemporary Japanese dining spot that offers a "refined dining experience," and that the space will include an outdoor patio, while an earlier Daily Times Chronicle article mentions that this will be a second location of a restaurant in Greenwich, CT. If all goes as planned, Hinoki will open sometime in the early part of 2026.

The website for Hinoki can be found at https://hinokigreenwich.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]

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.)

Mad Matt's Pizza and Roast Beef to Open in the Former Flip the Bird Space in North Woburn

Last month, it was reported that a local group of dining spots in the northern suburbs of Boston that focus on fried chicken sandwiches had closed one of its locations, and now we have learned what will be going into the space.

According to a source (Beckie Hunter), Mad Matt's Pizza and Roast Beef is planning to open in North Woburn, moving into the former Flip the Bird Space on Main Street. A Daily Times Chronicle article indicates that Nicholas Houvardas of Nick's Place in Lexington and Burlington is involved (and presumably Matthew Houvardas as well), with the upcoming spot apparently not having any renovations being done to the space.

Other locations of Flip the Bird remain open in Beverly, Danvers, and Swampscott, along with an upcoming outlet in North Andover.

The address for the upcoming Mad Matt's Pizza and Roast Beef in North Woburn is 880 Main Street (Route 38), Woburn, MA, 01801.

[Earlier Article]
Flip the Bird in North Woburn Has Closed

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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]

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.)

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Klin Thai Is Opening in West Roxbury

A brand new Thai restaurant is on its way to a Boston neighborhood, and it will be going into the space where two other Thai restaurants--and at least a couple of other dining spots--had been.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Klin Thai is going to be opening in West Roxbury, moving into the space on Centre Street that had been home to Som Tum Modern Thai Cuisine, and before that, Sticky Rice, the King, and Samia's. The post mentions that Patcharin Jeesom is behind the upcoming eatery, and he is also planning to open another location of Klin Thai in Haverhill as well.

The address for Klin Thai in West Roxbury is 1894 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

[October 30 update: Adam Gaffin from Universal Hub mentions that Klin Thai 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]

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.)

The Fresh Market in Framingham Is Closing

A chain of specialty grocery stores with three locations in Eastern Massachusetts will soon be down to two, as its shop west of Boston is shutting down.

According to a poster within the ChewOnThis Facebook group page, The Fresh Market in Framingham is closing its doors, with the shop shuttering at an as-of-yet undisclosed date (it is currently offering 25% off all items other than alcohol, according to the thread). While the Worcester Road store will be closing, it does look like locations in Hingham and Mansfield will remain in operation.

The Framingham outlet of The Fresh Market opened a bit under a year ago.

The address for the soon-to-close Fresh Market in Framingham is 84 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01702. The website for the company is at https://www.thefreshmarket.com/

[November 11 update: Based on the website for the business, the Framingham location of The Fresh Market is now closed, as it has been removed from the locations section.]

(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, October 22, 2025

Hashi Market to Open Locations in Brookline, Cambridge

A chain of Japanese supermarkets with roots in New York City will be opening two locations in the Boston area.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page along with a Cambridge Day article, Hashi Market is planning to open on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner and Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, with the poster mentioning that the Cambridge location plans to include a Matcha dessert shop called Fujissa that is affiliated with the chain. Hashi Market opened its first store in Manhattan in 2024 and currently has a handful of locations in New York and California.

The address for the Brookline location will be 1341 Beacon Street while the Cambridge location will be at 580 Massachusetts Avenue; the website for the chain is at https://www.hashimarket.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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Tambo 22 in Chelsea Plans to Bring Back Menu Items from Taranta in Boston's North End

A Peruvian-Italian restaurant just north of Boston is looking to add some new menu items to its current offerings--and they come from an acclaimed dining spot that had been in the North End until closing early on in the pandemic.

According to a press release, Chef José Duarte of Tambo 22 in Chelsea will be adding some of the best-known menu items from Taranta (which had been located on Hanover Street until shutting down in August of 2020), with options including brined double thick pork chop with chancaca and rocoto, chicken parm with cancha corn crust and fusilli pomodoro with Peruvian panca pepper, and gnocchi di yuca with a braised lamb ragu seco style, along with some new dishes as well. In the press release, Duarte mentions that "Taranta represented the bridge between two cultures — Italy and Peru — and Tambo 22 gives those flavors a new home....It's about keeping that story alive while inviting a new generation of diners to experience it." The new menu items from Taranta will be introduced on Thursday, October 23.

Tambo 22 first opened its doors in Chelsea in March of 2020.

The address for Tambo 22 is 22 Adams Street, Chelsea, MA, 02150. Its website can be found at https://tambo22chelsea.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]

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.)

The Halal Guys Opens in Dedham

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a growing chain of halal spots with roots in New York City would be opening a location in the southwestern suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is ready to open.

According to a Bluesky post from @jeremyk.bsky.social and a Facebook post from the chain, The Halal Guys opens in Dedham October 25, moving into a space by Star Market on Providence Highway. The new location will join others in Boston's Theater District, the Fenway, South Bay, Porter Square in Cambridge, and further out, in Shrewsbury--and other locations are being planned for downtown Boston and Newton as well.

The Halal Guys started out in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan and today offers such options as chicken and rice, falafel, gyros, hummus, and baklava.

The address for the new location of The Halal Guys in Dedham is 799 Providence Highway, Dedham, MA, 02026. The website for the chain can be found at https://thehalalguys.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Halal Guys, Dave's Hot Chicken Plan to Open New Locations in Dedham

(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]

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.)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Friendly's in Pembroke Has Closed

A regional chain of restaurants and ice cream shops continues to shrink, as a location south of Boston has shut down.

According to a source, Friendly's in Pembroke is no longer in business, with the website for the chain confirming this, removing it from their locations page. With the closing of the Church Street outlet, this means that only seven now remain inside/along Route 495, including in Haverhill, Marlborough, Middleborough, Norwood, Peabody, Plymouth, and Weymouth.

Friendly's, which is headquartered in Wilbraham, was first established in Springfield in 1935.

The address for the now-closed location of Friendly's in Pembroke was 146 Church Street, Pembroke, MA, 02359. The website for the chain is at https://friendlysrestaurants.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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Daniella's on Cabot to Open in the Former Ellis Square Social Space in Beverly

The group behind several dining and drinking spots on the North Shore will be opening another restaurant north of Boston.

According to a Facebook post from North Shore Eats, Daniella's on Cabot is going to be opening in Beverly, taking over the space on Cabot Street where Ellis Square Social had been. Once it opens, the new place will join Daniella's Ristorante in Peabody, Daniella's Cafe in Peabody, and Pellana Prime Steakhouse in Peabody, all of which are part of the North Shore Hospitality Group. Very little information has been given as of yet on the new spot, though based on the offerings at Daniella's Ristorante and Daniella's Cafe, it could be focusing at least in part on Italian food.

Ellis Square Social closed this summer after being in business since 2018.

The address for Daniella's on Cabot is 252 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. The website for the North Shore Hospitality Group can be found at https://northshorehospitality.com/

[Earlier Article]
Ellis Square Social in Beverly Has Closed

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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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Pressed Cafe Plans to Open in Beverly

It looks like a local group of dining spots that focus on healthy, freshly-made options may be expanding to the North Shore.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Pressed Cafe is planning to open in Beverly, with leasing documents indicating that it would move into the former Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina space at Cummings Center in 2026. If all goes as planned and it does open there, the new location of Pressed would join others in Boston's Back Bay and Seaport District, Burlington, Chelmsford, Lawrence, and Newton, along with four in New Hampshire (Bedford, North Nashua, Salem, and South Nashua), and based on those restaurants, expect to see breakfast dishes, soups, panini, bowls, fresh-pressed juices, coffee, and more.

The address for the proposed location of Pressed Cafe in Beverly is 900 Cummings Center Beverly, MA, 01915. The website for all locations is at https://www.pressedcafe.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]

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.)

Monday, October 20, 2025

LeDu Thai Eatery in Newtonville Has Closed

A Thai restaurant that was located a few miles west of Boston has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, LeDu Thai Eatery in Newtonville is no longer in business, with an All Over Newton Facebook post showing a photo of a sign out front saying that "We will always cherish our wonderful memories here in Newton and we will miss this great community." The note also mentions that a new dining spot is apparently moving into the space, though no other details have been given.

The website for LeDu Thai Eatery was 313 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02460.

(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]

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.)

WCP Slice House Opens in Lowell

A new option for pizza has opened north of Boston, and it offers several different styles including one typically found south of the city.

According to its social media pages, WCP Slice House is now open in Lowell, moving into a space on Central Street in the downtown section of the city. A menu for the new restaurant shows that it offers South Shore-style bar pizza along with thin crust, Sicilian, New Haven style, and gluten-free pizza, while also serving salads, appetizers, and desserts.

South Shore-style bar pizza can be very difficult to find north of Boston, with some of the only places offering it including Epigram Brew Co. in Tyngsboro, For Pizza in Medford, Hot Box in Somerville, Riverview in Ipswich, and Monte's in Lynn.

The address for WCP Slice House is 30 Central Street, Lowell, MA, 01852. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580350555601 while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/slice.house.lowell/

(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]

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 October 19, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between October 13, 2025, and October 19, 2025.

Brassica Kitchen Is Now Open in Its New Home in the Former Dogwood Cafe Space in Jamaica Plain
A small JP eatery that had been a cafe by day and a restaurant by night is now open in a larger space next door.
Full Story

Cafe Sushi in Cambridge Is Reopening Its Dining Room, Becoming Cafe Sushi Nisei
An award-winning sushi spot between Harvard Square and Central Square that has been takeout/delivery only for the past few years is bringing back its dining area--and getting a slight name change in the process.
Full Story

Burro Bar in Boston's South End May Become Another Location of Posto
A Mexican restaurant and tequila bar in the South End could be getting a rebrand, and the change would be a familiar name from a restaurant group that runs both.
Full Story

Brick Street Bagels Opens in South Boston
A popup bagel business that has been based out of Boston's South End has moved into a permanent space not all that far away.
Full Story

Peel Pizza Co. in Hingham Is Now Hook Pizza Co.; Other Locations May Be Changing Over As Well
A location of a local group of pizza spots has been rebranded, and it looks like this may be the start of a general rebranding.
Full Story

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, October 17, 2025

Brassica Kitchen Is Now Open in Its New Home in the Former Dogwood Cafe Space in Jamaica Plain

A couple of years ago, it was reported that a small Jamaica Plain eatery that had been a cafe by day and a restaurant by night was planning to open in a larger space next door, and now we have learned that it is up and running, though without the cafe.

According to its website, Brassica Kitchen is now open in its new home in the Forest Hills section of JP, with the place moving into the former Dogwood Cafe space adjacent to their old space. Both the website and a Bluesky post from datafran.bsky.social indicate that the people behind Brassica will be keeping the old space, though the website indicates that "we are...sadly saying goodbye to our long-time weekday cafe. Our former space at 3710 will be undergoing renovations (yes, more construction!) and we'll share all the deets and new concept once we are settled into 3712.

Brassica Kitchen + Cafe first opened in 2016, taking over the space where Fazenda Cafe had once been; the restaurant offers such options as pizza, small plates, and weekend brunch items along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The new address for Brassica Kitchen is 3712 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for Brassica is at https://www.brassicakitchen.com/

[Earlier Article]
Brassica Kitchen + Cafe in Jamaica Plain May Expand into the Former Dogwood Cafe 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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Cafe Sushi in Cambridge Is Reopening Its Dining Room

An award-winning sushi spot between Harvard Square and Central Square in Cambridge that has been takeout/delivery only for the past few years is bringing back its dining area.

According to a source (via a job post within the bostonchefs.com site), Cafe Sushi on Mass. Ave. is opening its dining room back up and the dine-in part will be called Cafe Sushi Nisei, with the job post saying the following:

As we reopen our dining room, Cafe Sushi Nisei marks a new chapter. It's our way of honoring where we come from, while continuing to evolve — bridging Japan and Cambridge, past and present, heritage and creativity....Since 2020, we've been focused on takeout and delivery only — but this fall, we're relaunching dine-in service with Cafe Sushi Nisei, a much-anticipated new chapter for our restaurant.

Cafe Sushi, which first opened 1984, has received high praise over the years including multiple "Best of Boston" awards from Boston Magazine; the dining room was closed off during the pandemic (and the restaurant changed its name to Cafe Sushi Shoten which will continue to be used for its takeout/retail section) and it has focused on takeout and delivery ever since.

The address for Cafe Sushi is 1105 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://www.cafesushicambridge.com/

[December 3 update: Boston Magazine states that Cafe Sushi's dine-in area 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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Thursday, October 16, 2025

Burro Bar in Boston's South End Is Becoming Another Location of Posto

A Mexican restaurant and tequila bar in the South End of Boston appears to be getting a rebrand, and the change will be a familiar name from a restaurant group that runs both.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Burro Bar on Washington Street is petitioning to change its name to Posto, which, if approved, will mean that there would be two locations of Posto (with the other being in Somerville's Assembly Row), both of which are part of Joe Cassinelli's Alpine Restaurant Group which also includes the Painted Burro in Somerville, Cambridge, Brookline, and Waltham. It is not yet known whether the proposed new location of Posto will have a similar menu to that of the Somerville location (which offers pizza and pasta dishes along with other Italian options), but more should be known by late next week after the hearing, so stay tuned for updates.

Burro Bar first opened in the South End in 2017.

The address for Burro Bar (and the proposed Posto) is 1357 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. The website for the Alpine Restaurant Group is at https://www.alpinerestaurantgroup.com/

[November 3 update: An Instagram post mentions that Burro Bar closed over the weekend and that a new location of Posto is indeed coming to the space.]

[December 12 update: According to its website, Posto is now open in the former Burro Bar space in the South End.]

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Update: Erica's Ristorante in Ashland Shuts Down after Trying to Reopen Following an Initial Announcement of Its Closure

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 2 and November 6 to reflect new information given.]

An Italian restaurant in the MetroWest region that abruptly closed its doors a couple of weeks ago has attempted to reopen, but now it looks like it may have closed permanently.

According to multiple sources, Erica's Ristorante in Ashland shuttered in mid-October, with a Facebook post from the Front Street dining spot saying the following:

It is with our deepest sadness, we are closing our doors today [due] to health and personal reasons. Words cannot express our gratitude for your business and loyalty over the last 8 1/2 years. We have met so many wonderful people and have formed so many friendships that we will cherish forever. Ashland is a wonderful community and we appreciate all that it gave to us. Sam and Erica

A subsequent Facebook post from the place seemed to indicate a reversal of its plans to shutter, with the post saying this:

We're back and we've missed you! We're thrilled to announce that Erica’s Ristorante [reopened] Thursday, October 30th! Join us to enjoy your favorite dishes and cocktails, new seasonal flavors, and the same friendly faces you've missed. We can't wait to welcome you back!

But now a new post says that the restaurant has apparently closed for good due to one of the co-owners dealing with health issues.

The address for Erica's Ristorante is 78 Front St, Ashland, MA, 01721.

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Brick Street Bagels Opens in South Boston

Earlier this year, it was reported that a popup bagel business that has been based out of Boston's South End would be moving into a permanent space not all that far away, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

NBC 10 Boston states (via the Boston Business Journal) that Brick Street Bagels is now open in South Boston, moving into a space on W Broadway by the E Street intersection. The new brick-and-mortar shop is open 7 days a week and such options as fresh bagels, open-faced sandwiches, coffee, matcha, and more will be offered.

Brick Street Bagels started out in a South End apartment back in 2022.

The address for the brick-and-mortar location of Brick Street Bagels is 371 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127.

[Earlier Article]
Brick Street Bagels Plans to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Shop in South 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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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Yin Ji Chang Fen Opens in North Quincy

A chain of Chinese restaurants that dates back approximately 70 years has expanded to a space just south of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yin Ji Chang Fen is now open in North Quincy, moving into a space on Billings Road. The poster mentions that Ji Chang Fen is a restaurant chain from Guangzhou that serves traditional Cantonese dishes and rice rolls, while its website says that it was founded in the 1950s and it features "the traditional Rice Roll, well-known in the province of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao."

Based on their website, it appears that three locations of Yin Ji Chang Fen can be found in New York City, but this is apparently the first to open in New England.

The address for Yin Ji Chang Fen is 60a Billings Road, Quincy, MA, 02171. The website for the U.S. locations of the chain is at https://www.yinji-usa.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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Peel Pizza Co. in Hingham Is Now Hook Pizza Co.; Other Locations May Be Changing Over As Well

A location of a local group of pizza spots has been rebranded, and it looks like this may be the start of a general rebranding.

According to a source, Peel Pizza Co. in Hingham has been reborn as Hook Pizza Co., with the menu for the new concept having some additions to it including subs, chicken tenders, and more. The website for Peel Pizza is now gone and the new website for Hook Pizza only shows the Hingham location, but a Facebook post from realtor Sean Murphy mentions that "they are revamping all the locations," presumably including Milton, Cohasset, Duxbury, and Falmouth. (The Hingham location of Peel Pizza was the first location, opening in 2013.)

The address for Hook Pizza Co. in Hingham is 73 South Street, Hingham, MA, 02043. The website for the business is at https://hookpizzaco.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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Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Kimchipapi in Malden Has Closed

A pair of Korean restaurants is back down to one, as its newer location has shut down.

According to a Bluesky post from snoe.bsky.social along with a Reddit thread, Kimchipapi in Malden is no longer in operation, with the Salem Street eatery apparently closing its doors in September. The dining spot, which opened late last year, offered such options as corn dogs, Korean fried chicken, fries, kimchi fried rice, and more; the original location (which is called Kimchipapi Kitchen) does remain open on Harvard Avenue in Allston.

The address for the now-closed Kimchipapi in Malden was 184 Salem Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for Kimchipapi Kitchen in Allston can be found at https://www.kimchipapi.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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PopUp Bagels Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Earlier this year, it was reported that a growing group of bagel shops would be opening another Boston-area location, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, PopUp Bagels is now open in Cambridge, moving into a space at the corner of Mass. Ave. and Church Street in Harvard Square. As mentioned earlier, the new shop offers a variety of bagels and "schmears," and it joins two others locally--in Boston's Seaport District and in Somerville's Assembly Row, while their bagels can also be purchased within Captain Mardens in Wellesley as well.

PopUp Bagels was established in Westport, CT, in 2020, with founder Adam Goldberg selling bagels from a backyard pickup window at his house.

The address for PopUp Bagels in Harvard Square is 1430 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the business is at https://www.popupbagels.com/

[Earlier Article]
PopUp Bagels Plans to Open in Cambridge

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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, October 13, 2025

Update: Big Chicken at the Northshore Mall in Peabody Has Closed, Will Relocate to Beverly

[Ed note: This article was updated on October 14 to reflect new information given.]

A chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer has closed a location in the Greater Boston area after a bit more than one year in business, though it will be reborn in a new location not too far away.

According to a source, Big Chicken at the Northshore Mall in Peabody is no longer in operation, with a Patch article confirming that it has indeed shut down. We have subsequently been informed that this is actually a move, with a new location of the restaurant coming to 19 Dodge Street in Beverly, possibly early in 2026.

Big Chicken, which is part of a chain founded by Shaquille O'Neal, first opened at the Northshore Mall in the summer of 2024, offering such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more. A food truck location of the chain called Big Chicken Dunk Truck remains open at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. The chain was first established in 2018 by O'Neal, who played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in 2011.

The website for Big Chicken can be found at https://www.bigchicken.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 October 12, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between October 6, 2025, and October 12, 2025.

Meltwich to Expand to the Local Area, Opening a Location on the Brookline/Boston Line
A Canadian chain that features a variety of cheese-based dishes is expanding to the Boston area, with one in the works for a space right on the Boston/Brookline border.
Full Story

Twisted Fate Brewing Opens New Taproom in Revere
A North Shore brewery has opened a second location, and this one is just north of Boston.
Full Story

All'Antico Vinaio Opens in Boston's Back Bay
An award-winning group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy has expanded to a location in Boston.
Full Story

Plans for Kowloon Property in Saugus Indicate Building Being Demolished, Restaurant Moving into Smaller Space
More has been learned about plans for the site of an iconic restaurant on the North Shore.
Full Story

The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston Has Closed
A location of a local group of barbecue restaurants has shut down after a bit more than two years in business.
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, October 10, 2025

Meltwich to Expand to the Local Area, Opening a Location on the Brookline/Boston Line

A Canadian chain that features a variety of cheese-based dishes is expanding to the Boston area, with one in the works for a space right on the Boston/Brookline border.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Meltwich is planning to open on Commonwealth Avenue, with the address indicating that it will move into a space by Packards Corner on the Boston/Brookline line. Based on the menu shown on the website for the business, expect to see poutine, grilled cheese sandwiches, melts, burgers, and more.

Meltwich was first established in 2015 with a location in Toronto, and it currently has a number of locations across Canada and a handful in the United States, but none in New England as of yet.

The address for the upcoming location of Meltwich on the Boston/Brookline border is 1102 Commonwealth Avenue, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain can be found at https://meltwich.com/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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Zhu Restaurant Plans to Open in the Former Lir Space in Boston's Back Bay

It looks like an Asian restaurant could be opening in the Back Bay of Boston, moving into the space where an Irish pub had been.

According to an article from The Boston Sun, Zhu restaurant is looking to open on Boylston Street in the former Lir space, with the post saying that the proposed dining spot would have 7,000 square feet of space and include the ground and first floors of the building along with the basement. No other information has been given on the restaurant other than the fact that it is not seeking any kind of liquor license at this point in time; as soon as more information comes out, we will post an update here.

Lir closed in 2020 after being in business for 17 years.

The address for the proposed Zhu restaurant would be 903-905 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115.

Thanks to Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

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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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Twist & Shake at Revere Beach Is Closing; Winthrop Location to Remain in Operation

A seaside ice cream shop is shutting down after a quarter century in business.

According to an Instagram post from the place, Twist & Shake at Revere Beach is closing its doors on October 13, with the post hinting that it could return in a new space, saying that "this isn't the end of Twist & Shake on Revere Beach - we promise you that. Stay tuned! We will be back! Bigger, Better, and Sweeter than ever." The post also states that their other location on Shirley Street in Winthrop will remain in operation.

The website for Twist & Shake gives a bit of history on the business, saying that "Twist & Shake, established in 1998, has always been family owned and operated. Since 2002, we have continued the tradition of providing the best ice cream at exceptional customer service on Revere Beach." The Winthrop shop debuted in 2008.

The address for Twist & Shake at Revere Beach is 82 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the business is at https://revere.twistnshake.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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Thursday, October 09, 2025

The New World Tavern in Plymouth and Tolson's Tap and Tavern in Pembroke Have Both Closed

A couple of dining and drinking spots south of Boston that were known in part for their live music--and which had an ownership connection--have shut down.

According to social media posts from both places, The New World Tavern in Plymouth and Tolson's Tap and Tavern in Pembroke are no longer in business, with the former closing on September 28 and the latter closing on October 5. The New World Tavern first opened 14 years ago, offering food, drink, and featuring a variety of live music acts, while Tolson's Tap and Tavern debuted a bit more than 3 years ago, also serving food and drink and having live music.

The address for The New World Tavern was 56 Main Street, Plymouth, MA, 02360, and the address for Tolson's Tap and Tavern was 15 Columbia Road, Pembroke, MA, 02359.

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Michette to Open a New Location in Cambridge

It looks like a bakery in East Somerville is expanding to a space in Cambridge.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston (via a Facebook post from Somerville City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen) mentions that Michette on Broadway is planning to open just outside of Inman Square, moving into a space on Webster Avenue by the Cambridge/Somerville line. It appears that this will be a second location of the business, and based on the original, the new shop could offer such items as breads, croissants, cookies, sandwiches, coffee, and more.

Michette debuted in East Somerville in 2023.

It appears that the address for the upcoming location of Michette is 305 Webster Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

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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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The Urban Grape in Boston's South End Has Closed

An award-winning wine shop in Boston has shut down.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions that The Urban Grape in the South End has closed its doors, with an Instagram post from owners TJ and Hadley Douglas of the Columbus Avenue store saying the following:

This has been a very difficult year for our company, The Urban Grape. For over 12 months, TJ and I, along with our family and a group of wonderful investors, have worked tirelessly to reach an agreement with our local SBA lender, Cambridge Savings Bank, with the hope of saving and rebuilding the store to its former inventory and success. Unfortunately, negotiations with our lender deteriorated over the past week, and we are being forced to close The Urban Grape’s Boston location immediately.

The post does indicate that TJ and Hadley Douglas may be making plans to bring back the business in some form, saying that "TJ and I spent the last two nights wondering, is this the end of our legacy? The answer is no....To follow along as we reimagine and rebuild our business, please subscribe to our Substack newsletter, The Second Bottle, linked above, and make sure you're following our Instagram page here."

The Urban Grape first opened 13 years ago, focusing mostly on wine while also selling beer and spirits and hosting countless wine tastings, and it has received much in the way of accolades over the years, including being awarded Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

The address for The Urban Grape was 303 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA, 02116.

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Wednesday, October 08, 2025

Twisted Fate Brewing Opens New Taproom in Revere

A North Shore brewery has opened a second location, and this one is just north of Boston.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Twisted Fate Brewing is now open in Revere, joining its original location in Danvers. An article from Mass. Brew Bros. mentions that the new location is on Salt Street in the Suffolk Downs Beachmont Square development and it will eventually offer food options while also debuting a seasonal outdoor patio next spring.

The original Twisted Fate opened in 2022 on Andover Street in Danvers.

The address for the new Twisted Fate Brewing at Beachmont Square is 64 Salt Street, Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the business is at https://twistedfatebrewing.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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All'Antico Vinaio Opens in Boston's Back Bay

Earlier this year, it was reported that an award-winning group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy would be expanding to a location in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, All'Antico Vinaio is now open in the Back Bay, moving into a space on Boylston Street between Clarendon Street and Dartmouth Street in the Copley Square area. As mentioned in an earlier article here, All'Antico Vinaio first started out in Florence in 1991 and currently has other U.S. locations in New York, California, and Nevada, and they are known for their panini options; in 2017, Saveur included All'Antico Vinaio in an article on "The World's Best Sandwiches."

The address for the Back Bay location of All'Antico Vinaio is 565 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. The website for all locations is at https://www.allanticovinaiousa.com/

[Earlier Article]
All'Antico Vinaio to Open in Boston's Back Bay

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Plans for Kowloon Property in Saugus Indicate Building Being Demolished, Restaurant Moving into Smaller Space

A few years ago, it was reported that something could be in the works for the site of an iconic restaurant on the North Shore, and now we have learned more about the plans.

According to an article in The Daily Item, proposed plans for the redevelopment of the Kowloon Restaurant property in Saugus were recently reviewed by the Planning Board, with the proposal showing that two six-story mixed-use buildings are being slated for the Route 1 space and that Kowloon would move into Building 2, which would sit where the restaurant currently resides. The article mentions that there would likely be phased construction which would allow Kowloon to temporarily be housed in Building 1 while Building 2 is being built, while boston.com states that the new, permanent location of Kowloon may have 300 to 400 seats compared to its current space which has 1,200 seats.

No timeline has been given for the project, though it appears that construction could begin sometime next year, possibly taking 14 months to complete one building.

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