FoMu in Boston's South End Has Closed

A local group of vegan ice cream shops has closed another one one of its locations.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, FoMu in the South End of Boston is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the business on December 29 saying the following:

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE NEIGHBORS, FAMILY & FANS THAT CAME BY OUR SOUTH END LOCATION ON THE COLDEST OF DAYS TO SAY #SOLONG  Our South End store is now closed, and while we are sad to say goodbye, we hope you find FoMu near you and join us on our journey. Please note #HolidayHours at FoMu Fenway & Quincy Market… and when all else fails #DELIVER

Other locations of FoMu in Jamaica Plain, the Seaport District, and Allston have also shut down over the past few years.

The address for the now-closed FoMu in the South End was 655 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02118. The website for all locations is at https://www.fomuicecream.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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Novo Lantern Is Replacing Nan Xiang Express in Boston's South End

The group behind a now-closed location of a Shanghainese soup dumpling restaurant will be opening a new dining spot in its space.

According to a job post within the Glassdoor site, Novo Lantern is planning to replace Nan Xiang Express in the South End of Boston, confirming what a member of the South End Community Board Facebook group page posted. The job post says the following about the upcoming Washington Street eatery:

Ting Management Group Corp — owners of Jiang Nan Boston, Nan Xiang Express Chinatown, and Friendship BBQ Allston — is excited to bring a brand-new concept to the South End: Novo Lantern. Novo Lantern puts a modern, fresh twist on traditional Asian flavors.

An opening date for Novo Lantern has not been given as of yet, nor has a menu been seen for the place, though a sign is now up for the restaurant out front.

The address for Novo Lantern is 1750 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/novolantern.boston/

[January 14, 2026 update: According to its Instagram page, Novo Lantern is now open, offering such items as house-made soup dumplings, cumin lamb, tuna tartare, and more.]

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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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Osteria Nino in Burlington Is Closing

It looks like an Italian restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston is closing its doors.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Osteria Nino in Burlington is shutting down, with a check on the website for the 3rd Avenue dining spot seeming to confirm this, as it will no longer take reservations after Wednesday, December 31. The poster mentions that The Lyons Group (which is behind the place) plans to bring another concept to the space, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.

Osteria Nino first opened in 2015, offering a variety of Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, chicken, veal, seafood, and beef options along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for Osteria Nino is 19 3rd Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website can be found at https://www.osterianino.com/

[January 4, 2026 update: According to its website, Osteria Nino is now shuttered, saying that "Nino's is now closed as we make way for new ownership and a revitalized concept that will continue to serve the community well."]

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Mizu Matcha Opens in Boston's Back Bay

A new gelato shop with Japanese influences has debuted in Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mizu Matcha is now open in the Back Bay, moving into a space on Newbury Street between Exeter Street and Fairfield Street. The Instagram page for the place mentions that it offers levels of matcha gelato that range from sweet and mellow to rich and bold, and they also serve other dessert items such as parfaits along with beverages such as matcha lattes.

The address for Mizu Matcha is 217 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/mizumatcha_bos/

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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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Pho Town Is Planning to Open in Allston

It looks like a Vietnamese dining spot is on its way to Boston, and it could have a connection to a couple of other restaurants in the local area.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Pho Town is planning to open in Allston, and it appears to be moving into the space on Brighton Avenue where Burrito Loco had been, and before that, Bubbakoo's Burritos. No information is available on the eatery as of yet, and its website isn't up and running, but there are a couple of restaurants called Pho Town in Medford and Brockton so it's possible that this could be a third location (as soon as we find out more, we will post an update).

The address for the upcoming Pho Town in Allston is 89 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. Its website will be at https://photown-brighton.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 December 28, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 22, 2025, and December 28, 2025.

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Graffiti Pizza and Street Food in Allston Has Closed
A dining spot that was known in part for its pizza options has shut down.
Full Story

Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee to Open in Burlington
A small group of breakfast and lunch spots with three locations north of Boston will be opening a fourth, and this one will also be north of the city.
Full Story

The Olde Colonial Cafe in Norwood Is Closing
A decades-old restaurant in the southwest suburbs of Boston is closing.
Full Story

Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham Is Closing
It looks like a small local group of barbecue joints will be closing one of its locations.
Full Story

Brownstone in the South End Has Closed
A neighborhood spot in Boston that was known in part for its comfort food has shut down.
Full Story

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

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Graffiti Pizza and Street Food in Allston Has Closed

A dining spot in a Boston neighborhood that was known in part for its pizza options has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Graffiti Pizza and Street Food in Allston is no longer in business, apparently having quietly closed its doors several weeks ago. The place first opened on Harvard Avenue in March of 2024, offering New York style and Sicilian style pizza along with subs, wraps, pasta dishes, and more.

The address for the now-closed Graffiti Pizza and Street Food was 136 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

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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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Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee Is Opening in Burlington

A small group of breakfast and lunch spots with three locations north of Boston will be opening a fourth, and this one will also be north of the city.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee is getting ready to open in Burlington, with a Facebook post from the business indicating that it will be opening sometime in 2026. An earlier Daily Times Chronicle article stated that the new location will be opening by the corner of Middlesex Turnpike and Fourth Avenue in front of Lifetime Living, and it plans to have both indoor and outdoor seating. Once it does open, the new location of Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee will join others in Peabody, Andover, and Salem, NH, along with another in Florida--and What Now Boston says that the Burlington outlet will offer dinner on weekdays as well.

The address for the new Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee in Burlington is 10 Fourth Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for all locations is at https://www.crackdkitchen.com/

[March 19, 2026 update: According to its website, Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee is now open in Burlington.]

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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 Olde Colonial Cafe in Norwood Is Closing

A decades-old restaurant in the southwest suburbs of Boston is closing.

According to an article from Boston 25 News, the Olde Colonial Cafe in Norwood is shutting down, as owner Paul Angelo indicates he's ready to retire, saying that "This was my life. I love what I did. I'm going to miss it, but when you're almost 80, it's time....I can't wait to spend a lot of time with my kids and their kids." The Nahatan Street restaurant, which dates back to 1969 and resides in an old firehouse, will be having "The Last Hurrah" on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The address for the Olde Colonial Cafe is 171 Nahatan Street, Norwood, MA, 02062. Its website can be found at https://www.oldecolonialcafe1.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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Up and Atom Coffee Co. to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A new coffee shop is on its way to the heart of Boston.

According to an X post from @FortPointer, Up and Atom Coffee Co. is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the ground floor of the Genesis lab/office building on Summer Street. It appears that the upcoming spot could offer coffee, tea, baked goods, breakfast items, smoothies, and sandwiches based on a menu seen online, though there does not appear to be a website or social media presence for the place as of yet.

The address for the upcoming Up and Atom Coffee Co. in Downtown Crossing is 55 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the Genesis facility is at https://www.genesis-55summer.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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The Friendly Toast in Danvers Is Closing

An eclectic local group of dining spots known in part for their breakfast dishes will be closing one of their locations.

According to a source, The Friendly Toast in Danvers is getting ready to shut down, with a Patch article saying that the restaurant--which resides on Independence Way by the Liberty Tree Mall--is shuttering as of December 31 due to mechanical issues within the building, according to the business. The company also indicates that it hopes to move into a new space but continues to search for one, saying the following:

While we had previously announced plans to relocate within the Danvers community upon the expiration of our lease, and despite our extensive search, The Friendly Toast has not yet identified a new space in the area that meets our operational needs and maintains the experience our customers expect and deserve....The Friendly Toast remains committed to finding a new space in Massachusetts' North Shore....We plan to keep searching for a space that feels right for our team and for our customers.

The Danvers location of The Friendly Toast first opened in the summer of 2021. (Other locations remain in operation locally in Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, and North Andover.)

The address for The Friendly Toast in Danvers is 50 Independence Way, Danvers, MA, 01923. The website for all locations can be found at https://thefriendlytoast.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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Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham Is Closing

It looks like a small local group of barbecue joints will be closing one of its locations.

According to an X post from @bostonradio (who was told by one of their managers), Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham is going to be shutting down, with a Facebook post from local music act Joe Pete Wetherbee also saying this and mentioning that it will be closing at the end of the year, putting "the end to our monthly residency there." Wetherbee also says that the Arlington and West Newton locations of Blue Ribbon will remain in operation, and presumably the Time Out Market Boston outlet in the Fenway will continue to be open as well.

The Dedham location of Blue Ribbon first opened in the early part of 2018.

The address for Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham is 342 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. The website for the business is at https://www.blueribbonbbq.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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Brownstone in Boston's South End Has Closed

A neighborhood spot in Boston that was known in part for its comfort food has shut down.

According to its website and Facebook page, Brownstone in the city's South End has closed its doors after approximately 15 years in business, with the Dartmouth Avenue restaurant and bar saying the following on its Facebook page: "Brownstone was fortunate enough to defy the typical lifestyle of a very good restaurant, many times over...but the old girl is tired. It's time." In addition, the following message can be found on its site:

After many wonderful years together, we want to share that Brownstone will be closing its doors. We are so grateful for your loyalty and support - it has meant the world to us. As we close this chapter, we invite you to explore our sister concepts and continue enjoying exceptional experiences with us. You can find them at Glynn Hospitality Group. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Other dining and drinking spots run by Glynn Hospitality include Hurricane O'Reilly's, The Black Rose, Brownstone, Central Wharf, Clery's, Coogan's, Dillon's, the Granary Tavern, and D16.

The address for the now-closed Brownstone was 111 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for Glynn Hospitality is at https://www.glynnhospitalitygroup.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 December 21, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 15, 2025, and December 21, 2025.

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Sally's Apizza to Open in Weymouth
An award-winning Connecticut pizzeria continues to be in expansion mode, with a location now in the works for the South Shore.
Full Story

Amarin of Thailand in Wellesley to Return, Opening in a New Location in Newtonville
A popular Thai restaurant that had been in the western suburbs of Boston until closing several months ago is being reborn in a new location west of--and bit closer to--the city.
Full Story

Venchi Opens in Boston's Back Bay
A chocolate company that got its start in Italy nearly 150 years ago has opened its first shop in Boston.
Full Story

Chef George Mendes to Open Agosto, Baby Sister in Boston's South End
An acclaimed chef who was once based in New York City and now calls Boston his home is planning to open not one, but two new spots in the city.
Full Story

Temazcal Tequila Cantina and Tony C's in Boston's Seaport District Are Closing
It looks like a couple of dining spots along the Boston waterfront that are part of the same restaurant group are shutting down.
Full Story

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

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Rogue Kitchen + Provisions/Flip the Bird at Cummings Center in Beverly Has Closed

A local group of dining spots in the northern suburbs of Boston that focus in part on fried chicken sandwiches has closed one of its locations.

According to an Instagram post, Rogue Kitchen + Provisions/Flip the Bird at Cummings Center in Beverly has shut down, with the post mentioning "suffering through the aftermath of the pandemic and trying to operate a restaurant in an office park" while also saying the following:

I had too much to say in a text box, so I made a story for everyone who's had questions about why we're no longer at our Cummings Center location. It's worn many hats over the year (Marino's Cafe, The Hatchery, Flip The Bird Cafe @ Cummings, and last but not least Rogue Kitchen + Provisions) but myself and Anthony have been the ones behind each concept....We also want to give a HUGE shout out thank you to everyone who helped us in our final days, it was a heavy load to carry and short window to get it done, we couldn't have done this without you and we'll never be able to repay your kindness.

The Cummings Center location of Marino's Cafe/The Hatchery/Flip The Bird Cafe/Rogue Kitchen + Provisions got its start more than 10 years ago, with other locations of Flip the Bird currently in operation in Beverly (Cabot Street), Danvers, and Swampscott.

The address for the now-closed Rogue Kitchen + Provisions/Flip the Bird was 100 Cummings Center Suite 107P, Beverly, MA, 01915. The website for all locations is at https://flipthebirdfriedchicken.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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Sally's Apizza to Open in Weymouth

An award-winning Connecticut pizzeria continues to be in expansion mode, with a location now in the works for the South Shore.

According to a page within the website for the business, Sally's Apizza is planning to open in an as-of-yet undisclosed location in Weymouth, with the page saying that it is one of a handful of "2026 construction starts" that includes a previously announced outlet in Concord. The page also mentions the upcoming location in Boston's Fort Point/Seaport which appears to be ahead of Concord and Weymouth, with the three outlets eventually joining existing locations in Woburn and South Bay.

Sally's Apizza, which first opened in New Haven in 1938, is one of a few pizzerias in that city (including Pepe's and Modern) that are often mentioned among the best pizza spots in the entire country.. 

The website for Sally's Apizza is at https://sallysapizza.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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Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar to Open Above the Fruit Center Marketplace in East Milton Square

Last year it was reported that a breakfast and lunch spot that was located above a market just south of Boston was shutting down, and now we have learned that a new restaurant will be moving into the space.

According to an article from What Now Boston (via The Patriot Ledger), Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar is planning to open in East Milton Square in the early part of 2026, taking over the space above the Fruit Center Marketplace that had previously been home to The Plate. The articles mention that the upcoming restaurant will be run by the owners of Fruit Center Marketplace/Milton Marketplace as well as restaurateur Vance Welch (Novara, Abby Park), and it will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on "elevated comfort classics made with locally sourced ingredients."

In 2016, The Plate moved from its original Central Avenue location in Milton, taking over the space where Marketplace Cafe had been (and before that, A Lighter Fare). It closed down in May of 2024.

The address for the upcoming Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar is 10 Bassett Street, Milton, MA, 02186.

[Earlier Article]
The Plate in Milton Is Closing

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

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Amarin of Thailand in Wellesley to Return, Opening in a New Location in Newtonville

A popular Thai restaurant that had been in the western suburbs of Boston until closing several months ago is being reborn in a new location west of--and bit closer to--the city.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Amarin of Thailand is planning to reopen after saying farewell to its Wellesley home in July due to its lease expiring, moving into a new space on Walnut Street in Newtonville. The article mentions that the new location of the Thai restaurant will apparently be much like the old location, with a business partner telling What Now Boston earlier that "It's going to be under the same name, you know, same corporation, same website, same everything."

Amarin of Thailand first opened on Grove Street in Wellesley in 1987.

The address for the new location of Amarin of Thailand is 313 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460.

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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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Maple & High to Open in Waltham, Replacing Da Vinci Ristorante

A new restaurant that will focus at least in part on BBQ is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston, and it will be taking over the space where an Italian dining spot currently resides.

According to a source, Maple & High is planning to open in Waltham, moving into the space on Moody Street that is home to Da Vinci Ristorante. A Facebook post from The Waltham Channel mentions that executive chef/business partner Dan Lane comes from Bison County, a barbecue joint that had once been located on Moody Street, while fellow business partner Michael Culpo (who comes from The Tack Room in Lincoln) says that he and Lane will be offering cuisine that is "American fare with [a] barbecue twist to it."

Da Vinci Ristorante has been in operation for approximately three years, with Charcoal Guido's previously being in the space.

The address for the upcoming Maple & High is 482 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

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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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Venchi Opens in Boston's Back Bay

A chocolate company that got its start in Italy nearly 150 years ago has opened its first shop in Boston.

According to a press release, Venchi is now open in the city's Back Bay neighborhood, moving into a space on Newbury Street beneath Diptyque. The new store offers such items as Italian chocolates, hot chocolate, gelato, and crepes, and it is the 20th location to open in the United States (and its first in Massachusetts). Venchi, which started out in Turin in 1878, today features more than 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors.

The address for Venchi in the Back Bay is 123 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the company is at https://us.venchi.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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Barcelona Wine Bar Plans to Expand into the Former Ivory Pearl Space in Brookline's Washington Square

A location of a group of tapas restaurants may soon be getting larger.

According to a source along with an article from the Brookline News, Barcelona Wine Bar in the Washington Square section of Brookline is planning to expand into the former Ivory Pearl space next door, with the article saying that the expansion would add 2,700 square feet of space including a new service kitchen and another dining room and bar. The Brookline location of Barcelona was the region's first (opening in 2013), with outlets subsequently opening in Boston's South End and in Cambridge.

Ivory Pearl was a seafood restaurant and cocktail bar that shut down in the spring of 2024 after being in business for four years, with mixologist and restaurateur Ran Duan being behind it.

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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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Molly Tea Opens in Boston's Chinatown

A tea chain that is based in China has expanded to downtown Boston.

Based on information from a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page along with the social media for the business, Molly Tea has soft-opened in Chinatown, with the Beach Street shop slated to have a grand opening on Thursday, December 18. The new spot is currently offering a limited menu of teas including pistachio jasmine coconut tea, jasmine milk tea, and white champaca milk tea, along with a few other options.

Molly Tea first started out in China in 2021, today having more than 1,400 stores around the world, debuting in the United States in 2024 with a shop in New York City.

The address for Molly Tea in Chinatown is 67 Beach Street, Boston MA, 02111. The website for the company is at https://usa.mollytea.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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Chef George Mendes to Open Agosto, Baby Sister in Boston's South End

An acclaimed chef who was once based in New York City and now calls Boston his home is planning to open not one, but two new spots in the city.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, George Mendes is planning to open Agosto and Baby Sister in the South End, with the former being a 45-seat restaurant on Washington Street with a chef's counter and a tasting menu, while the latter will be a bakery-cafe that is located next door (and both will have Portuguese influences). It looks like Agosto could open next summer, and Baby Sister is hoping to debut later next year.

George Mendes was the opening chef at Amar at Raffles in the Back Bay which opened in 2023, while also being behind Aldea, a Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant with Portuguese and Spanish influences that closed in 2020 after more than 10 years in operation.

The address for Agosto and Baby Sister will be 1673 and 1679 Washington Street in the South End.

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

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Toscana Forno Is Opening in Reading

The people behind three dining spots in the northern suburbs of Boston will be opening a fourth restaurant north of the city, and this will be a second location of one of their businesses.

According to an article from the Reading Recap, Toscana Forno is planning to open in Reading, moving into the space on Walkers Brook Drive that had been home to a location of Bertucci's. Once it opens, the new spot will join another Toscana Forno in Peabody along with Toscana's Ristorante (also in Peabody) and Toscana Bar Italiano in Beverly, all of which are run by the Perrina family.

If all goes as planned, Toscana Forno could be opening in Reading at the beginning of February.

The address for Toscana Forno in Reading is 45 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, MA, 01867. The website for the Peabody location is at https://toscanaforno.com/

[March 31, 2026 update: The Reading Recap mentions that Toscana Forno is now open in Reading.]

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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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Temazcal Tequila Cantina and Tony C's in Boston's Seaport District Are Closing

It looks like a couple of dining spots along the Boston waterfront that are part of the same restaurant group are shutting down.

According to multiple sources, along with an article from the Boston Business Journal, Temazcal Tequila Cantina and Tony C's in the city's Seaport District are both slated to close their doors because of non-renewal of their leases, with the BBJ getting the information on the closures from a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act filing that indicates both places planning to shutter January 31. Both spots (which are located in the same building on Northern Avenue) are part of Rebel Restaurants, Inc. and have multiple locations, with the Seaport location of Temazcal opening in 2011 and the Seaport location of Tony C's debuting in 2016.

The address for Temazcal and Tony C's is 250 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for Rebel Restaurants is at https://rebelrestaurants.com/

[February 9, 2026 update: A source has confirmed that Temazcal and Tony C's in the Seaport District are now both closed.]

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

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

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The Spur Cowboy Bar to Open in the Former Eddie C's Space in East Boston

A new bar is on its way to East Boston, and it will be taking over the space where a longtime dive bar had been before shutting down a few months ago.

According to an X post from @megansarahj, The Spur Cowboy Bar is planning to open in Eastie, moving into the former Eddie C's space in Maverick Square. No information has been given on the upcoming drinking spot, though based on the name, it is possible that it could be a place to listen to country music. (As soon as more info is available, we will post an update here.)

Eddie C's, which shuttered in September, had previously been home to Charlie Zuff's Cafe, and before that, Vincent's Bar-B-Que.

The address for The Spur Cowboy Bar is 34 Maverick Square, East Boston, MA, 02128.

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

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

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Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 14, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 8, 2025, and December 14, 2025.

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Flying Dreams Brewing Co. in Marlborough Is Closing
A brewery west of Boston is shutting down.
Full Story

K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken Opens in Union Square
A chicken place has come to Somerville after being in the works for a year.
Full Story

Daddy Jones in Magoun Square Is Closing
A Greek restaurant in Somerville is shutting down after being in business for more than a decade.
Full Story

Cactus Club Cafe Opens in the Back Bay
After being in the works for more than two years, the Boston location of a Canadian chain of casual upscale restaurants has debuted.
Full Story

Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain Is Closing; New Concept Coming to the Space
A longtime neighborhood restaurant in Jamaica Plain that has been known for its locally-sourced seasonal New American fare is shutting down, though the owner of the place will apparently be opening a new concept there.
Full Story

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

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Flying Dreams Brewing Co. in Marlborough Is Closing

A brewery west of Boston is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page along with a Facebook post from the business, Flying Dreams Brewing Co. in Marlborough is going to be closing its doors, with the post from the brewery saying the following:

To all the Flying Dreams friends and family that make up our happy little beery community, It's with much sadness, lots of fond memories and no little resistance to giving up or letting go, that we have reached a place, where it’s time to let go.  We've decided our last day will be on Saturday, December 27th. We wanted to have a place where regular folks with regular lives could come together and have extraordinary conversations over great beer.  Unfortunately, no matter how much fun it’s been and no matter all the wonderful people around us, keeping us going, keeping us laughing, the numbers won't let us. 

Flying Dreams first opened in Worcester in 2015, opening a second location in Marlborough three years later which became its sole location when the Worcester facility shuttered in 2020.

The address for Flying Dreams Brewing Co. in Marlborough is 277 Main Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752. Its website can be found at https://flyingdreamsbrewing.com/

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

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

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Curio Coffee in Cambridge Is Being Rebranded to Call Me Honey

A coffee shop in Cambridge that is known in part for its waffles is shutting down, though this is more of a rebrand than a closure.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Curio Coffee on Cambridge Street is closing, though a follow-up to the post indicates that this is actually an ownership change with Karissa Regan of the coffee shop apparently taking over the business and saying the following in an Instagram post:

hey everyone, riss here! i just want to note that there still will be a coffee shop (serving waffles) at 441 cambridge // if you've stopped by the shop in the last 2+ years you've met the amazing staff (that will be staying the same) — we're just giving a rebrand to everyone’s favorite east cambridge cafe ... more coming soon!

Curio Coffee first opened its doors 10 years ago.

The address for Curio Coffee (and the new spot) is 441 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

[December 24 update: A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston indicates that the name of the new place will be Call Me Honey. (Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/honeyscambridge/)

[February 5, 2026 update: Leah Klein tells us that Call Me Honey is now open.]

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

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

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Frangos Chicken Fingers in Wilmington to Expand, Opening in Billerica

A dining spot in the northern suburbs of Boston that focuses on a specific comfort food item is expanding to a second space north of the city.

According to a source (Aron Levy) Frangos Chicken Fingers in Wilmington is planning to open a new location in Billerica, moving into the shopping center on Boston Road in North Billerica that is home to a location of Market Basket. Based on the original location on Lowell Street in Wilmington, expect the new outlet to offer chicken fingers along with grilled cheese, Texas toast, fries, and chocolate chip cookies.

The address for the upcoming location of Frangos Chicken Fingers in Billerica is 199 Boston Road, North Billerica, MA, 01862. The website for the business is at https://www.frangosofficial.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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Kokoro Don Cafe Opens in Somerville

A new Japanese eatery has come to Somerville.

According to multiple sources, Kokoro Don Cafe is now open on Summer Street, moving into a space by the School Street intersection on the outer edge of Union Square. The new restaurant is a Japanese comfort food spot that focuses on takeout (a few window seats are set up inside), with the place offering donburi, sushi, and ramen, along with a Japanese-style breakfast.

The social media for Kokoro Don Cafe mentions that it soft-opened earlier this week

The address for Kokoro Don Cafe is 66 Summer Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/p/Kokoro-Don-Cafe-61580943861114/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/kokorodoncafe/

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

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

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K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken Opens in Somerville's Union Square

Last fall, it was reported that a chicken place could be coming to Somerville, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to multiple source, K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is now open in Union Square, and as mentioned in an earlier article, it has taken over the space on Washington Street that had once been home to Cantina La Mexicana. The menu for the eatery shows such options as wings, boneless tenders, and chicken sandwiches, and it also offers vegetarian options (using oyster mushrooms) along with fries, coffee, tea, and baked goods.

The address for K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is 249 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://www.kbokchicken.com/

[Earlier Article]
K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken May Be Opening in the Former Cantina La Mexicana Space in Somerville's Union Square

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

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

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Daddy Jones in Somerville's Magoun Square Is Closing

 A Greek restaurant in Somerville is shutting down after being in business for more than a decade.

According to a Facebook post from the business along with a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Daddy Jones in Magoun Square is getting ready to close, with the Facebook post from the Medford Street dining spot saying the following:

After 13 unforgettable years in Somerville, it is time to share some bittersweet news. Daddy Jones will be closing on December 20th....Closing our doors is not the end of what we built together. It is the end of a chapter that was filled with laughter, hard work, community, and so much heart. We are walking away grateful for every person who pulled up a chair, worked a shift, poured a drink, shared a meal, or simply cheered us on.

Daddy Jones, which first opened in the fall of 2012 in the former Lil Vinny's space, has been known in part for its Greek mezze and its cocktails.

The address for Daddy Jones is 525 Medford Street, Somerville, MA, 02145. Its website can be found at https://daddyjonesbar.com/

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

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

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Virginia's Cafe & Market Is Opening in Reading

A new spot for Portuguese treats is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Virginia's Cafe & Market is getting ready to open in Reading, moving into the former Pamplemousse space on Haven Street near the commuter rail station. The social media for the upcoming place says that it will be a "Portuguese inspired coffee house and specialty food market" and a "warm, welcoming space where the community can enjoy Portuguese coffee, pastries, and curated goods." (Reading Recap mentions that the person behind it is Jake Chaves.)

The address for Virginia's Cafe & Market is 26 Haven Street, Reading, MA, 01867. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583261082652 while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/virginiascafeandmarket/

[March 10, 2026 update: A source tells us (via a Reading Recap article) that Virginia's Cafe & Market is now open.]

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

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

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Cactus Club Cafe Opens in Boston's Back Bay

After being in the works for more than two years, the Boston location of a Canadian chain of casual upscale restaurants has debuted.

According to a press release, Cactus Club Cafe is now open in the Back Bay, with the new dining spot moving into a space on Boylston Street. As mentioned in an earlier article, the restaurant has no connection to the old Cactus Club, a Mexican and Tex-Mex spot that resided on Boylston Street from the 1980s until its closure in 2014, instead being part of a chain that is based on Vancouver and which offers global cuisine and New American fare including sushi, wagyu beef carpaccio, calamari, wings, poke bowls, rigatoni bolognese, chicken tacos, Thai red curry, seabass, creole steak and shrimp, and key lime pie.

The address for Cactus Club Cafe in the Back Bay is 500 Boylston Street (Unit 170), Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain is at https://www.cactusclubcafe.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cactus Club Cafe Plans to Open in Boston's Back Bay

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

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

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Not Your Average Joe's in Peabody Is Closing

It looks like another location of a local chain of family restaurants is shutting down.

According to a Facebook post from North Shore Eats along with a comment within the OpenTable site, Not Your Average Joe's at Northshore Mall in Peabody is closing its doors, with a photo shown on the North Shore Eats post indicating that it is slated to shutter on December 23. The Peabody location of Not Your Average Joe's is the sole remaining location north of Boston, while others can be found locally in Acton, Bedford, Norwell, Waltham, Watertown, and Westwood. (Locations that have shut down over the past ten years or so include ones in Arlington, Burlington, Medford, Methuen, and Randolph.)

The website for Not Your Average Joe's is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[December 26 update: Based on the locations page for the chain, the Peabody location of Not Your Average Joe's is now closed.]

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

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

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Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain Is Closing; New Concept Coming to the Space

A longtime neighborhood restaurant in Jamaica Plain that has been known for its locally-sourced seasonal New American fare is shutting down, though the owner of the place will apparently be opening a new concept there.

According to several sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Ten Tables on Centre Street is closing, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

After a quarter century of dinners, anniversary celebrations, first dates, and weeknight rituals, it's time to turn the page. Our last service as Ten Tables will be on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025....I'm closing this chapter with immense gratitude—for every guest who squeezed into one of our tiny table tops, every farmer who showed up at the back door, and every member of our team who poured their heart into this restaurant. In this same beloved space, I’ll be reimagining what comes next: a new concept that honors the intentional, crafted, and change-making purpose that is my passion....Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for 25 unforgettable years at Ten Tables.... — Krista Kranyak (KK), Owner

In addition to the JP location, there had once been a location of Ten Tables in Cambridge as well that was open from 2009 through the end of 2015.

The address for Ten Tables in JP is 597 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website is at https://tentables.net/

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

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

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Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 7, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 1, 2025, and December 7, 2025.

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Plazita Mexico Tacos to Open in Medford Square
A pair of Mexican restaurants in the northern and western suburbs of Boston will soon be joined by a third.
Full Story

Doner Shack to Expand to the United States, Including a Location at Cambridge Crossing
A fast-casual Turkish kebab chain with roots in the UK will be expanding to the United States, with one of its upcoming locations coming to the Greater Boston area.
Full Story

DiBlasi's in Everett to Expand to Reading
A sub shop just north of Boston that has been around for a long time will soon be joined by a new spot in the northern suburbs.
Full Story

China Rainbow in Watertown Is Closing
It looks like an old-school Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is shutting down.
Full Story

The Turing Tavern in Inman Square Has Closed; Urban Hearth to Take Over the Space
A restaurant and bar in Cambridge has shuttered after being in business for a bit more than two years, and as hinted at in an earlier article, an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant will be moving into the space.
Full Story

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

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Plazita Mexico Tacos Is Opening in Medford Square

A pair of Mexican restaurants in the northern and western suburbs of Boston will soon be joined by a third.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Plazita Mexico Tacos is planning to open in Medford, moving into a space on High Street in Medford Square. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Wakefield and Watertown, and based on those restaurants, expect to see such options as tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and taquitos.

The address for the new location of Plazita Mexico Tacos in Medford is 49 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155. The website for the business is at https://plazitamexicotacos.com/

[February 6, 2026 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Medford location of Plazita Mexico Tacos is now open, with the website for the business confirming this.]

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

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

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The Curry Chapter to Open in Cambridge's Harvard Square

 A Pan-Indian restaurant is on its way to Cambridge.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions that The Curry Chapter is planning to open in Harvard Square, moving into a space on Eliot Street. The social media for the dining spot mention "Indian soul food in Harvard Square | Slow cooked | Mom approved" and "Stories from Nani & Maa's kitchen | Rooted in love, memory, and spices," though no specifics have been given as to what might be on the menu as of yet.

The address for the upcoming Curry Chapter in Harvard Square is 18 Eliot Street, Cambridge, M, 02138. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581539859191 while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/currychapterboston/

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

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

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Doner Shack to Expand to the United States, Including a Location at Cambridge Crossing

A fast-casual Turkish kebab chain with roots in the UK will be expanding to the United States, with one of its upcoming locations coming to the Greater Boston area.

According to an article from the Boston Business Journal along with a post from Cambridge Day, Doner Shack is planning to open at Cambridge Crossing, moving into a space on Child Street. Based on the website for the chain, the Cambridge location of the upcoming eatery is expected to offer such items as kebabs, wraps (including shawarma wraps), chicken tenders, fries, and shakes.

The Doner Shack concept was established in 2018 in London, with its first location opening in Leeds in 2019.

The address for the upcoming Doner Shack at Cambridge Crossing is 20 Child Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for the business is at https://www.donershack.com/

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

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

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DiBlasi's in Everett to Expand to Reading

A sub shop just north of Boston that has been around for a long time will soon be joined by a new spot in the northern suburbs.

According to an article from the Reading Recap, DiBlasi's Subs in Everett is planning to open DiBlasi's in Reading in the spring of 2026, moving into the space on High Street that had been home to Green Tomato. The post says that the new location will be a restaurant that has sit-down dining, and while the original location offers such items as subs and pizza, a specific menu for the Reading location has not been seen as of yet.

DiBlasi's Subs in Everett dates back to 1952, being initially run by Philip DiBlasi, then his son Chuck, who sold the business to current owner Greg Maganzini in 2005.

The address for the upcoming DiBlasi's in Reading is 42 High Street, Reading, MA, 01867. Its website is at https://www.diblasisreading.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/diblasisreading/

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

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

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China Rainbow in Watertown Is Closing

It looks like an old-school Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is shutting down.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt) via a post within the New England Chinese Food Support Group Facebook page, China Rainbow is going to be closing its doors, with a Facebook post from realtor Anthony Susi indicating that the N Beacon Street spot plans to shutter on December 20 as the owner is looking to retire. Susi shares a photo of a notice out front that says the following:

Thank you for your patronage. I am deeply grateful for the memories, laughter and loyal support over the years and will cherish the time we've spent together.
I love you all.
Tammy

China Rainbow first opened in 1972, being known in part for its Chinese-American fare along with its Polynesian drinks.

The address for China Rainbow is 36 N Beacon Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

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

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

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Yeanie's Burgers and Social to Expand, Opening in West Roxbury

A dining spot in Dorchester that features burgers, shakes, and more is expanding to a second location in another part of Boston.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Yeanie's Burgers and Social is planning to open in West Roxbury, joining its existing location in Savin Hill. The post mentions that the new outlet will open on Centre Street next to Bánh Mì Ơi (whose owners also run Yeanie's) and that the new location would offer "some international accents such as Filipino spaghetti and barbecue with a passion-fruit habanero sauce" presumably in addition to what is offered in Dorchester including burgers, shakes, fries, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and macaroni and cheese.

The original location of Yeanie's Burgers and Social first opened on Savin Hill Avenue earlier this year, taking over the former Venice Pizza space.

The address for the upcoming location of Yeanie's Burgers and Social in West Roxbury is 1761 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA,02132. The website for the business is at https://www.yeanies.com/

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

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

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