Yas Chicken in Burlington Has Closed

A small group of chicken places with local roots has closed one of its locations in the Boston suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yas Chicken in Burlington is no longer in operation, with the website for the business confirming this as it has removed the Middlesex Turnpike outlet. The Burlington location of the eatery first opened in the early part of 2024 in a space that had once been home to an outlet of Qdoba; currently, there are locations of Yas in Brockton and Lynn along with others in Westfield, Providence, and Las Vegas. (All locations offer such items as chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, waffles, fries, and more.)

The address for the now-closed location of Yas Chicken in Burlington was 90 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the business can be found at https://www.yaschicken.com/

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Naya Is Opening in Burlington

A growing group of Middle Eastern restaurants with roots in New York City will continue to expand into the Greater Boston area, with a new outlet getting ready to debut in the northern suburbs.

According to a press release, Naya is opening in Burlington on June 3, moving into a space within The Shops at Mall Road near where Middlesex Turnpike and Burlington Mall Road meet. Once it opens, the new location will join others in downtown Boston, the Back Bay, Cambridge's Kendall Square, and at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, and dishes with Lebanese influences will be offered, including customizable bowls, wraps, salads, desserts, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of Naya in Burlington is 112 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the business is at https://www.eatnaya.com/

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Smith & Wollensky in Burlington Has Closed

A group of steakhouses headquartered in Boston has closed one of its suburban locations.

According to a source, Smith & Wollensky in Burlington is no longer in business, with a check on the website confirming this, saying that it is now "permanently closed. A MassLive article indicates that the restaurant shuttered over the weekend, with a spokesperson saying in the article that "The closure follows a successful and strategic buyout of the restaurant's remaining lease terms....The iconic premises are slated for conversion into a premier, high-end retail flagship, marking a new chapter for the local real estate landscape and an end to the building’s restaurant beginnings."

The Burlington location of Smith & Wollensky first opened in 2023; locations of the steakhouse remain in operation locally in Boston and Wellesley. (The headquarters for The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group can be found in the Seaport District.)

The address for the now-closed location of Smith & Wollensky in Burlington was 92 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for its other locations is at https://www.smithandwollensky.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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Soup Zen Hot Pot to Open at the Burlington Mall

An Asian restaurant located north of the border will be expanding to the Greater Boston area, bringing a new location to the northern suburbs.

According to an article from the Daily Times Chronicle, Soup Zen Hot Pot is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with What Now Boston saying that it will be joining its sole location which resides in Montreal. The website for the business mentions that the restaurant "fuses authentic recipes from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond with contemporary influences," while if all goes as planned, the new location will open sometime this fall.

The website for the Montreal location of Soup Zen Hot Pot is at https://www.soupzenhotpot.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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Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar Is Opening in the Former Rosa Mexicano Space at the Burlington Mall

A small chain of Mexican restaurants with roots in Florida will be expanding to the local area, with its first New England location coming to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to an article from the Daily Times Chronicle, Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, moving into the space where Rosa Mexicano Space used to be. Once it opens, expect to see such items as tacos, guacamole, quesadillas, burritos, and enchiladas, along with a wide variety of tequila options.

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar got its start in West Palm Beach back in 2007; its website can be found at https://www.roccostacos.com/

[August 6 update: According to a press release, Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar 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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Sunflower Organic Pizza to Open in Burlington

A new pizzeria is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to an article from the Daily Times Chronicle, Sunflower Organic Pizza is going to be opening in Burlington, moving into a space on Wheeler Road just south of the Middlesex Turnpike/Route 128 intersection that had once been the site of Tweeter, Ski Haus, and GOLFTEC. The article mentions that the dining spot will offer pizzas made with fresh, sustainably-sourced ingredients including organic dough, fresh vegetables, and high-quality pizza toppings.

The address for the upcoming location of Sunflower Organic Pizza in Burlington is 1 Wheeler Road, Burlington, MA, 01803.

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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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Kyuramen to Expand, Opening a New Location in Burlington

A chain of ramen restaurants with roots in New York City is expanding to a new space, with this one being in the northern suburbs.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Kyuramen is planning to open in Burlington, moving into a space on Wheeler Road just south of the Middlesex Turnpike/Route 128 intersection that had once been the site of Tweeter, Ski Haus, and GOLFTEC. The article mentions that the new location of the restaurant will have more of an upscale feel than the one in Brookline, including a "party room" and an expanded drink menu--and it will also share its space with a Japanese restaurant that is well-known in New York, though no name has been given as of yet. (Another location of Kyuramen can be found in Winchester.)

Kyuramen, which first started out in 2014, is headquartered in the Flushing section of Queens.

The address for the upcoming location of Kyuramen in Burlington is 1 Wheeler Road, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the business is at https://www.kyuramen.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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JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe Plans to Open in Burlington

It looks like a bakery-cafe may be on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe is planning to open in Burlington, moving into a space within The Shoppes at Simonds Park on Cambridge Street. A Patch article mentions (via a BCAT post) that the business plans to offer such options as pies, cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and scones along with sandwiches and afternoon tea, and that owner Julie Lewis was once the bakery manager at the Burlington location of Wegmans.

If all goes as planned, JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe could be opening in late April of May.

The address for the upcoming JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe is 154 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website can be found at https://julieannesbakeryburlington.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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Waffle & Bagel Is Opening at the Burlington Mall

A new fast-casual restaurant that focuses on breakfast will be coming to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Waffle & Bagel is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with a page within the bcattv.org website and an article from the Daily Times Chronicle saying that it will take over the former Dunkin' space in the mall. The upcoming eatery will feature handheld Belgian Liège-style waffles as well as bagels, bagel sandwiches, fruit cups, and coffee, and it appears that this will be a takeout spot that will not have seating.

If all goes as planned, Waffle & Bagel will open late this spring or early in the summer.

[June 30 update: According to a source (along with an Instagram post), Waffle & Bagel is now open at the Burlington Mall.]

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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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Sorella Opens in Burlington

Last summer, it was reported that a local group of upscale Italian restaurants and markets would be closing one of its locations and that a new concept under the same ownership would replace it, and now we have learned that the new dining spot has debuted..

According to its website and social media along with a source, Sorella is now open in the former Tuscan Kitchen space in Burlington, with the website and Facebook page saying the following:

Sorella - meaning "sister" - is a softer, lighter, fresh take on Tuscan dining. Inspired by the coastal charm of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Tanya brightened the space to feel more lively and vibrant while keeping it true to the Tuscan Brands aesthetic....Sorella's menu brings a contemporary Italian feel to the table - fresh seafood, premium steaks, and elevated classics.

Tuscan Kitchen closed in early August of 2025 after being in business for a bit less than 11 years; the other locations of Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH, and Boston's Seaport District remain open, with all restaurants (including Sorella) being part of Tuscan Brands.

The address for Sorella is 2400 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website can be found at https://www.sorellaburlington.com/

[Earlier Article]
New Concept to Replace Tuscan Kitchen 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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Sam Walker's American Tavern to Open in the Former Bamboo Space in Bedford

A pair of comfort food spots with locations north of Boston will soon be joined by a third location, with this one north of the city as well.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Sam Walker's American Tavern is making plans to open in Bedford this summer, with a Bedford Citizen article indicating that it will move into the former Bamboo space on Burlington Road, just east of the Route 3 intersection and near the Burlington line. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Woburn and Swampscott, and expect to see such options as chicken and waffles, quesadillas, sandwiches, pizza, seafood dishes, macaroni and cheese, and beer, wine, and cocktails.

Sam Walker's is part of Maverick Hospitality, which operates Lucy's American Tavern, The Bowery Bar, Cityside Tavern, Chubbs Taco & Tequila Bar, and Layla's.

The address for the upcoming location of Sam Walker’s American Tavern in Bedford is 213 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA, 01730. The website for all locations is at https://www.samwalkers.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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Citrus & Salt Plans to Open in the Former Osteria Nino Space in Burlington

A bit more than a month ago, an Italian restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston closed down after being in business for ten years, and now we have learned that a dining spot with a familiar name will be moving into its space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a What Now Boston article along with a North Shore Dining Facebook comment and a special permit filed at the address), Citrus & Salt is planning to open in the former Osteria Nino space in Burlington, with this being the second location of Jason Santos's restaurant. This news has been confirmed in a February 5 planning board meeting notice page within the town's website, mentioning Blue Salt LLC d/b/a Citrus & Salt in the listing.

Once it opens, the new location of Citrus & Salt will join another that is located on A Street in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood and which focuses on coastal dishes from Southern California and Mexico; that restaurant had previously been on Berkeley Street in the Back Bay, moving to the old Oak + Rowan space in the spring of 2024.

Citrus & Salt is one of several dining spots from local chef and restaurateur Jason Santos (Buttermilk & Bourbon, Ghost Light Tavern, Butterbird).

The address for the proposed Citrus & Salt in Burlington is 19 3rd Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the original location is at https://www.citrusandsaltboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Osteria Nino in Burlington 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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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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[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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Cava Opens in Burlington

A Washington, D.C.-based chain of fast-casual Mediterranean spots has opened another new location in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Cava is now open in Burlington, moving into a space on Middlesex Turnpike in a strip mall just north of the Burlington Mall. The new location offers such options as bowls, pitas, salads, and more, and it joins a number of others in the Greater Boston area, including five outlets north of the city in Beverly, Chelmsford, Lynnfield, North Andover, and Woburn.

Cava had been looking to open in the old Sears Auto Center at the Burlington Mall back in 2018, but those plans apparently never came to fruition. 

The address for the new location of Cava at in Burlington is 101 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for all locations is at https://cava.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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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/

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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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Life Alive Opens in Burlington

Last fall, it was reported that a local group of cafes featuring healthy, organic food was bringing a new location to the northern suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is open.

According to a press release, Life Alive is now open in Burlington, and as mentioned in an earlier article, it has moved into the space where a location of Blaze Pizza had been (in Burlington Square, formerly the Vinebrook Plaza where Mall Road meets Middlesex Turnpike). The new location of Life Alive joins a number of others locally, including in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Dedham, Jamaica Plain, Lowell, Salem, and Somerville.

The address for the new location of Life Alive is 91 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.lifealive.com/

[Earlier Article]
Life Alive Plans to Open in the Former Blaze Pizza Space 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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New Concept to Replace Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington

A group of upscale Italian restaurants and markets is closing one of its Boston-area locations, though a new concept appears to be taking over the space.

According to a source, Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington is shutting down, with a Facebook post from Tuscan Brands saying the following:

After nearly 11 unforgettable years, Tuscan Kitchen Burlington will be closing its doors on Sunday, August 3rd. Since opening on October 15, 2014, this location has been more than just a restaurant—it was the heartbeat that helped build Tuscan Brands into what it is today. We’re endlessly grateful to the Burlington community, our loyal guests, and the dedicated team who made this place feel like home. While we say goodbye to this chapter, we're thrilled to share that we'll be returning to the same space with an entirely new concept—crafted for the residents of Burlington and the travelers passing through.

The Burlington location of Tuscan Kitchen was the second location to open, joining the original location in Salem, NH which first opened its doors in 2010; another location debuted in Boston's Seaport District in 2017.

The address for Tuscan Kitchen (and the upcoming concept to replace it) in Burlington is 2400 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the business is at https://www.tuscanbrands.com/tuscan-kitchen/

[December 29 update: According to an article from What Now Boston, Sorella will be opening in the former Tuscan Kitchen space, with a Facebook post from the upcoming restaurant stating that it will include a 32-seat bar and a dining room along with private rooms for functions and events, while its menu will offer "elevated Italian dishes" including scratch-made pasta dishes. If all goes as planned, Sorella will open this winter.]

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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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Sergeant Burgers to Open at the Burlington Mall

A burger spot that recently opened in Lowell will be expanding to a space closer to Boston.

According to posters within a thread on the Merrimack Valley Eats Facebook group page, Sergeant Burgers is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with a Boston Real Estate Times article confirming this. Once it opens this summer, the new location will join its original on Middlesex Street in Lowell, and based on that location, expect the new outlet to offer burgers, shakes, and possibly other food/drink items with Brazilian influences.

The Instagram page for the Lowell location of Sergeant Burgers can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sergeantburgers/

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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 Burlington Has Closed

It looks like another location of a local chain of family restaurants has closed.

According to multiple sources, Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington shut down at the end of business hours on December 23, with its website confirming this, as it has removed the location from its site. A few other locations of the chain have closed over the past three years, including ones in Arlington, Methuen, and Randolph, while locations remain open for business locally in Acton, Norwell, Peabody, Waltham, Watertown, and Westwood.

The address for now-closed Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington was 4C Wayside Road, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the chain is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.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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