Boston Restaurant Talk

Friday, September 22, 2023

Manhattan Bagel 'n Coffee Co. to Open Near Berklee in Boston

It looks like a new bagel shop is on its way to Boston.

According to Drew Starr, who posted within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Manhattan Bagel 'n Coffee Co. is planning to open on Mass. Ave. near Berklee, taking over the space that had been home to a location of Starbucks. The website for the new spot has very little information other than showing the term "re-evolution cafe" while showing pictures of bagel sandwiches; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for the upcoming Manhattan Bagel 'n Coffee Co. is 147 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website is at https://manhattanbagelncoffee.com/

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Hobson's Bar & Kitchen Plans to Open in the Former Pizzeria Regina Space in Allston

Last spring, it was reported that a local restaurateur was looking to open a new restaurant and bar in the space in Allston where a location of a group of pizzerias had been. It looks like those plans are still on, though with a new name for the place.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website along with an entertainment application hearing notice, Doug Bacon is seeking to change the name Depot Dining (which had been a working name) to Hobson's Bar & Kitchen, and it looks like the place may include a DJ and live music along with food and drink. In April of 2022, Bacon (who is behind a number of spots in Boston including Hopewell Bar & Kitchen, Harry's Bar & Grill, and The Kenmore) first announced the plans for the space, which had been looked at earlier as a possible new location of Great Scott.

Pizzeria Regina closed its Allston location in the summer of 2020 after 10 years in operation; it had previously been home to The Sports Depot.

The address for the proposed Hobson's Bar & Kitchen is 353 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA, 02134.

[Earlier Article]
Doug Bacon Plans to Open New Restaurant in Former Pizzeria Regina Space in Allston

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

A Food Hall Is Coming to the Winthrop Center in Downtown Boston

Another food hall is on the way to Boston, and this one will be in the heart of the city.

Based on information from a licensing board hearing page within the city's website and a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, the Winthrop Center in downtown Boston is getting a food hall, and it will include a sandwich/coffee shop called Day Shift along with at least several other spots such as Ariana, Big Grin, Iris Mezze, and Gatto Pazzo. It appears that Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur John Fraser and his JF Restaurants hospitality group will be behind some--if not all--of the dining options at the food hall, and Fraser is also behind Winnie's, an upscale residents-only restaurant and bar within the Winthrop Center (the food hall will be open to all).

The Winthrop Center is located between Devonshire Street and Federal Street in the city's Financial District. (Its website is at https://winthropcenter.com/ while the website for JF Restaurants is https://www.jfrestaurants.com/)

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Thursday, September 21, 2023

The Cornerstone Plans to Open in the R.F. O'Sullivan & Son Space in Somerville

A new dining and drinking spot is on its way to Somerville, and it looks like it will be replacing a pub that has been closed for a little while now.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Cornerstone is looking to open on Beacon Street, taking over the space where R.F. O'Sullivan & Son has been. The website and social media for the upcoming spot indicate that it will be a restaurant and sports bar and that it plans to open soon, though little other information has been given as of yet.

R.F. O'Sullivan & Son opened last year, replacing R.F. O'Sullivan's (which had been in the space for more than 30 years) and having different owners; another R.F. O'Sullivan's which was run by the same family as the original in Somerville had been in Lynn, but that is no longer in business.

The address for the upcoming Cornerstone is 282 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website will be at https://www.thecornerstonesomerville.com/

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Fiorella's Express/Trattoria in Brighton Is Closing

A local group of Italian eateries that focus on takeout will be closing one of its locations.

According to a message from Nichole Davis of WBZ 1030, Fiorella's Express/Trattoria in Brighton is getting ready to shut down, with a Facebook reel from the business saying the following:

After 13 wonderful years of service, it is with bittersweet emotion that we announce the closing of our first Express / Trattoria location....While this chapter has come to a close, the memories and connections we've built together will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you to our valued team and guests for your dedication and support all these years; and for being an incredibly important part of Fiorella's growth and legacy — to make life more delicious! We look forward to welcoming you to our other Trattoria fine-fast locations in Belmont, Lexington, and Wellesley, as well as our full-serve Cucina locations, in Concord and Newton; where we will continue to serve you with the same dedication and hospitality from the heart.

The post mentions that the last day in operation for the Brighton location will be September 23.

The address for Fiorella's Express/Trattoria in Brighton is 2 Tremont Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for all locations is at https://www.fiorellasexpress.com/

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Bon Me to Open at Cambridge Crossing

A local group of Asian restaurants and food trucks that are known in part for their Vietnamese sandwiches will be opening a new brick-and-mortar spot at a growing development in Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Bon Me is planning to open at Cambridge Crossing, with a Cambridge Day article mentioning that it should be debuting sometime in 2024. Once it opens, the new location will join four others in Cambridge and another four outlets in Boston along with food trucks set up in both cities.

Bon Me started out as a food truck business, debuting its first truck in 2011.

The address for the upcoming Bon Me at Cambridge Crossing is 222 Jacobs Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]