About Thyme to Open in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A brand new Middle Eastern bakery is coming to Cambridge.

According to multiple sources, About Thyme is getting ready to open in Harvard Square, with a Harvard Crimson article mentioning that it will be moving to a space at the corner of Brattle Street and Mt. Auburn Street. The article states that the shop will be a Lebanese fast-casual bakery with seating for 13 people and that owner Taha A. Mikati plans to offer such items such as saj-baked wraps, labneh, coffee, and matcha.

If all goes as planned, About Thyme will open in early August.

The address for About Thyme is 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

(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.)

Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club in Cambridge's Harvard Square Are Closing

An ice cream shop and a doughnut shop that are both based in New York City will be closing its location in Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club in Harvard Square are shutting down, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

After many sweet memories, it's time to say goodbye. Our shop will be closing on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Come visit us one last time for your favorite mochi donuts & Taiyaki ice cream. Thank you for all the love and support over the years, we couldn't have done it without you.

The note doesn't mention anything about the status of the Taiyaki location in Boston's Seaport District. (The Cambridge location of Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club debuted in 2022 while the Boston location of Taiyaki opened in 2019.)

The address for Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club in Harvard Square is 6 Church Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Taiyaki NYC can be found at https://taiyakinyc.com/ while the website for The Dough Club is at https://www.thedoughclub.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.)

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]

---

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.)

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

(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.)

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.

(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.)

Daily Table Is Closing All of Its Stores

A local group of nonprofit community grocers that help provide food to those in need is ceasing operations.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Daily Table is shutting down all of its markets, with the post saying the following:

With heavy hearts, we share that Daily Table will be closing our doors within the next few days. This was not an easy decision. For the past 10 years, we have had the honor of serving neighborhoods across Greater Boston, working alongside our community to make affordable, nutritious food accessible to all. We are proud to have served over 3 million customers, returning over $16 million in savings to the community while removing the barriers to healthy food. The past several years have been particularly hard; navigating the challenges of COVID-19, plus the pressures of facing historically high levels of food price increases, to the current uncertain and difficult funding environment, sustaining Daily Table has become increasingly difficult. Without immediate funding to bridge us through 2025, we cannot continue. After careful consideration, we have come to the heartbreaking conclusion that we can no longer continue operations.

Please know that due to the urgency of the situation, we were unable to individually reach out to all of our longstanding partners, and we apologize if this news comes as a shock. We understand that this comes at a time when other food access resources and organizations are at risk, which makes this news even more difficult to share. We hope that those who have been generous to Daily Table will continue investing in other organizations to meet the ongoing need.

The note refers customers who may be in need of support to this link within the City of Boston website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-justice/food-resources

A note on its website says that Daily Table's markets in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Salem will close after business hours on Sunday, May 11, while the market in Cambridge's Central Square, will remain open through Monday, May 12. (Another store had been in Mattapan but it closed at the beginning of the year.) The website for Daily Table can be found at https://www.dailytable.org/

(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.)

PopUp Bagels Plans to Open in Cambridge

A growing group of bagel shops that started out as a backyard pickup window in Connecticut is opening another Boston-area location.

According to a press release, PopUp Bagels is planning to open in Cambridge, moving into a space at the corner of Mass. Ave. and Church Street. Once it opens later this year, the new shop will offer a variety of bagels and "schmears," and it will join another in Boston's Seaport District along with a new one in Somerville's Assembly Row [ed note: now open]. Their bagels can also be purchased within Captain Mardens in Wellesley as well.

PopUp Bagels started out in Westport in 2020 with founder Adam Goldberg selling bagels out of his house.

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

[October 10 update: According to a new press release, PopUp Bagels is now open in Harvard Square.]

(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.)

Bakey Is Opening in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A trio of bakeries with a well-known Israeli baker behind them will be joined by a fourth location next month.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Bakey is planning to open in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge in mid-February, moving into a space on Main Street near the Broadway fork and having a dining area and counter service along with catering options. Once it opens, the new location of the bakery will join others in Boston, Brookline, and Newton, and it will offer such items as pastries, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, coffee, and more.

Bakey co-founder Uri Scheft is behind Lehamim Bakery in Israel, and he also co-founded Breads Bakery in New York City.

The address for the new location of Bakey in Kendall Square is 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for the business can be found at https://bakeybabka.com/

[February 18 update: According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), the Kendall Square location of Bakey is now open, with the website for the business confirming this.]

(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.)

 

Jamie's Ice Cream Co. Opens in Cambridge on January 10

A year and a half ago, it was reported that a Brookline ice cream shop would be expanding to Cambridge, and now we have learned that the new location is on the verge of opening.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston (via an Instagram reel from the business) mentions that Jamie's Ice Cream Co. plans to debut in its new space on Kirkland Street near the Cambridge/Somerville line on January 10, joining the original on Station Street in Brookline Village along with a cafe called Brothers & Sisters Co. which is adjacent to the Brookline business. Based on the offerings at the Brookline shop, expect to see a variety of ice cream flavors at the store in Cambridge, presumably including a few dairy-free options which can also be found the Brookline location.

The address for the new location of Jamie's Ice Cream Co. in Cambridge is 86 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Jamie's (and Brothers & Sisters Co.) is at https://www.brothersandsistersco.com/

[Earlier Article]
Jamie's Ice Cream Co. in Brookline Village Plans to Expand to Cambridge 

(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 Cambridge Brewing Company Brand Has Been Acquired by Castle Island Brewing Co.

A few months ago, it was reported that a beloved Cambridge brewery was going to be saying farewell this month, and now we have learned that its beers will live on.

According to a Facebook post, the Cambridge Brewing Company brand has been acquired by Castle Island Brewing Co., with the post from CBC saying the following:

We began partnering with CIBC earlier this year to help meet draft demand for our legendary Amber Ale and Flower Child IPA, and when CBC founder Phil Bannatyne decided to retire, we received an overwhelming response from the public asking us to continue making our beers somehow. Phil reached out to CIBC with the hope that CBC's legacy could live on, as both Phil and Brewmaster Will have a lot of respect for CIBC and feel the values and visions of our two companies align well. "Our mission is to preserve everything fans love about CBC while slowly growing its reach" says Adam Romanov, founder and CEO of Castle Island.

The note goes on to say that beer from Cambridge Brewing will still be available at restaurants and bars along with at Castle Island's taprooms in Norwood and South Boston, and they hope to start selling CBC cans in Boston-area stores once again at some point.

Cambridge Brewing, which debuted in 1989, plans to shut down its taproom in Kendall Square on December 20.

[Earlier Article]
Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square Is Closing

(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.)

 

Rebelle Bagels Opens in Cambridge's Kendall Square

Last fall, it was reported that a James Beard Award nominee would be moving her Providence bagel shop to Cambridge, and now we have learned that it is in the process of getting up and running.

According to a post from troysch1.bsky.social on the Bluesky social media platform, Rebelle Bagels has soft-opened in Kendall Square, moving into a space on Third Street where it meets Bent Street on the northern edge of the square. Owner Milena Pagán, who was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Northeast last year, moved the shop from Doyle Avenue on the East Side of Providence where it had been since 2017. (She is also behind Little Sister, a bakery-cafe that is located on the East Side.)

The address for the new location of Rebelle Bagels in Kendall Square is 249 Third Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for the business is at https://www.rebelleartisanbagels.com/

[Earlier Article]
Rebelle Bagels Plans to Move from Providence to Cambridge's Kendall Square

---

[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.)

  

Chip City Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A cookie chain that is based in New York City is expanding further into the Greater Boston area, with a new location on its way to Cambridge.

According to an article in The Harvard Crimson, Chip City is planning to open in Harvard Square, joining three others locally in Boston's West End and Arsenal Yards in Watertown along with another in the works in the Back Bay. It looks like the new outlet will open in July, and based on the other locations, expect to see a rotating list of cookie options, including chocolate chip, cookies and cream, cannoli, dark chocolate peanut butter, confetti, and more.

Chip City got its start in Queens back in 2017.

The address for the new location of Chip City in Harvard Square is 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the company can be found at https://order.chipcitycookies.com/

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

[September 16 update: According to a press release, Chip City is now open in Harvard Square.]

---

[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.)

  

Mamaleh's Kibitz Corner Is Opening in the Former Vincent's Space in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A couple of months ago, it was reported that a restaurant and wine bar in Cambridge was closing, and now we have learned that the group behind it is debuting a new spot with a familiar name.

According to a press release, Mamaleh's Kibitz Corner is opening in Kendall Square, taking over the space on Cardinal Medeiros Avenue that had been home to Vincent's. The release mentions that the new spot will offer its space for private events while also hosting public events such as book readings, comedy nights, and special popup dinners--and being a test kitchen where it tries out new recipes. The grand opening for Mamaleh's Kibitz Corner takes place on April 26 and April 27 with a prix-fixe Passover dinner.

Big Dipper Hospitality Group (which runs State Park in Kendall Square and Mamaleh's in Kendall Square and Brookline) first opened Vincent's in 2020 as Vincent's Grocery, reconcepting the place into Vincent's restaurant the following year.

The address for Mamaleh's Kibitz Corner is 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for Mamaleh's can be found at https://mamalehs.com/

---

[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.)

  

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Is Opening Locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Chestnut Hill

A group of ice cream shops with roots in New York City will be expanding to the Boston area.

Based on a post within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants group page and the website for the business, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is planning to open three outlets locally--in Boston's Seaport District, the Harvard Square section of Cambridge, and The Street Chestnut Hill. The business got its start as a truck in NYC in 2008, and now has shops in seven states along with Washington, DC, and its ice cream is also sold in various supermarkets and specialty stores.

The website for Van Leeuwen Ice Cream can be found at https://vanleeuwenicecream.com/

[April 12 update: A Facebook post from the business indicates that the Chestnut Hill location of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream opens today.]

[September 30 update: Caught in Southie mentions that the Seaport District location of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is now open.]

[November 24 update: A check on its website indicates that the Harvard Square location of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is now open.]

---

[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.)

 

Hi-Rise Sweets Is Opening in Cambridge

It looks like the people behind a Cambridge bakery will be opening a new place around the corner, and it will apparently offer sweet treats.

According to a source (Tom Meek) Hi-Rise Sweets is opening on Huron Avenue, moving into the former EHChocolatier space in the city's Observatory Hill area. The upcoming shop is a short walk from Hi-Rise Bread Company which resides on Concord Avenue and is known for its breads, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches; it appears that Hi-Rise Sweets will offer pastries and dessert items but we will try to confirm this.

The address for Hi-Rise Sweets is 145 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[February 23 update: According to a source, Hi-Rise Sweets is now open.]

---

[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.)

Courthouse Fish Market in East Cambridge Has Closed

A local seafood market that has been in business for more than 100 years has shut down.

According to a post on Bluesky from troysch1.bsky.social, Courthouse Fish Market in East Cambridge is no longer in business, with a note on the website for the Cambridge Street shop saying the following:

Dear valued Customers We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your years of support and patronage at the fish market. It is with a heavy heart we share the news that our fish market will be closing on January 13, 2024. We sincerely thank you for your years of unwavering support and patronage. While the fish market bids farewell, we are excited to inform you that our restaurant will continue to serve you with the same dedication to quality and excellence. We look forward to welcoming you to the restaurant next door.

The restaurant that Courthouse Fish Market refers to in the note is Courthouse Seafood, which resides in the same block and is known in part for its Portuguese fare.

The address for the now-closed Courthouse Fish Market (which first started out in 1912) was 484 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

---

[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.)

 

Little Bake in Cambridge's Porter Square Has Closed

A bubble tea shop in Cambridge has closed its doors.

Universal Hub is reporting (via @Ofsevit on Mastodon) that Little Bake in Porter Square is no longer in business, with a note out front at the Massachusetts Avenue spot indicating that its last day in operation was November 19. Little Bake first opened in July of 2021, offering bubble tea, fruit tea, smoothies, yogurt drinks, coffee, and more.

The address for the now-closed Little Bake in Porter Square was 1925 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

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]

---

PRB Boulangerie Opens in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A pair of French bakeries have been joined by a third location.

According to troysch1 on Bluesky, PRB Boulangerie is now open in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge, moving into the space on Third Street next to Batifol, a French brasserie that is under the same ownership. (There is also an ownership connection with Petit Robert Bistro and Marseille in Boston's South End as well.) The new shop joins others on Harrison Avenue in the South End and Beacon Street in Somerville, and it offers such options as bread, pastries, coffee, tea, sandwiches, and more.

The address for PRB Boulangerie in Kendall Square is 295 Third Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for all locations is at https://www.prbboulangerie.com/

[Earlier Articles]
PRB Boulangerie to Open in Boston's South End, Somerville, and Cambridge
PRB Boulangerie Opens in Boston's South End

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]

---

Union Square Donuts Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A local group of donut shops is opening another new location, and this one will be its first in Cambridge.

According to a source (Adam Adkison), Union Square Donuts has a sign up for its newest location which will be on JFK Street in Harvard Square, joining existing outlets in Somerville's Union Square and Assembly Row, Boston Public Market, Time Out Market in the Fenway, and Brookline. An article from Cambridge Day in May had mentioned that the donut shop was indeed looking to open in Harvard Square, saying at the time that it was hoping to open "just in time for apple cider doughnut season," according to director of operations Lynn Sniffen.

The address for the new location of Union Square Donuts appears to be 15 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for all locations can be found at http://unionsquaredonuts.com/

[October 12 update: According to its social media, Union Square Donuts has opened its new location in Harvard Square.]

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]

---

Rebelle Bagels Plans to Move from Providence to Cambridge's Kendall Square

A James Beard Award nominee who runs a bagel shop in Providence is getting ready to relocate the store to Cambridge.

According to a press release, Milena Pagán is going to be opening Rebelle Bagels in Kendall Square, moving into a space on Third Street where it meets Bent Street on the northern edge of the square. The shop is currently on Doyle Avenue on the East Side of Providence, and it will move to Cambridge sometime this winter, though a specific date has not been given as of yet.

In addition to Rebelle, Pagán--who was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Northeast this year--is also co-owner of Little Sister on Providence's East Side and which is a bakery-cafe with Latin influences.

The address for the upcoming Rebelle Bagels in Kendall Square is 249 Third Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for the Providence location is at https://www.rebelleartisanbagels.com/

---

[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.)