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/

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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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Chez Siam in Marlborough Has Closed

A longtime Thai restaurant in the MetroWest area has shut down.

According to a source, Chez Siam in Marlborough is no longer in business, with a Community Advocate article indicating that the East Main Street dining spot closed its doors on June 29. Chez Siam first opened in 1986, apparently being only the third Thai restaurant to open in all of Massachusetts and offering both authentic and modern Thai fare.

The address for the now-closed Chez Siam was 280 East Main Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752.

(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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Picco in Boston's South End to Expand, Opening Another Location in Marlborough

A highly-rated pizza spot in Boston that is also known for its ice cream is expanding to a space in MetroWest.

A message sent by a source (Gary Goldblatt) indicates that Picco is planning to open in Marlborough, moving into the space on Main Street that had once been home to a location of Santander Bank. It appears that if all goes as planned, the new location of the dining spot will open sometime this spring, and in addition to pizza and ice cream, it is also looking to offer beer, wine, and cocktails.

Picco first opened on Tremont Street in Boston's South End in 2004, offering pizza made with sourdough and being known for its crispy, charred crust.

The address for the new location of Picco in Marlborough is 181 Main Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752. The website for the business is at https://www.piccoboston.com/

[August 1 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Picco has its grand opening in Marlborough on Saturday, August 2 (the social media for the business also says that it is open for lunch today).]

(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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Wemmy's Kitchen & Lounge Opens in Marlborough

A new upscale restaurant has come to the MetroWest area.

According to a source, Wemmy's Kitchen & Lounge is now open in Marlborough, moving into a space on South Bolton Street on the edge of downtown. A Community Advocate article mentions that the new spot is affiliated with Welly's restaurant in Marlborough and Hudson, and it focuses in part on New American fare while also offering beer, wine, and cocktails (the space includes a bar area as well as a fireplace). 

The address for Wemmy's Kitchen & Lounge is 29 South Bolton Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752. Its website can be found at https://www.wemmyskitchenandlounge.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 Purple Pig Opens in Marlborough

A new dining spot in MetroWest that focuses on Texas-style BBQ and Southern comfort food has opened.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt). The Purple Pig is now open in Marlborough, moving into a space in the Twinboro Plaza on Route 20 by the Northborough line. The menu for the place--which focuses on takeout and catering--includes such items as chili, wings, burnt ends, smoked pastrami panini, crispy chicken waffle, smash burgers, a brisket sandwich, chicken and sausage jambalaya, pulled pork macaroni and cheese, ribs, Cajun rice, and corn pudding.

The address for The Purple Pig is 505 Boston Post Road W (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752. Its website can be found at https://thepurplepigrestaurant.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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Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Opens in Marlborough on May 17

Nearly two years after it was first reported here, a Louisiana-based chain that focuses on a popular food item is finally on the verge of opening a new location west of Boston--and this will be its third outlet in the local area.

According to an article in the MetroWest Daily News, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is planning to open in Marlborough on May 17, with the Route 20 restaurant joining one on Commonwealth Avenue by Boston University and a brand new outlet on Boylston Street in the city's Back Bay neighborhood. The new location has been in the works since the spring of 2021, with its opening being delayed due to a lawsuit involving the city and a neighboring location of McDonald's that centered around traffic issues, but which was ultimately resolved.

The address for the new location of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Marlborough is 141 Boston Post Road West (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752. The website for the chain is at https://www.raisingcanes.com/

[Earlier Article]
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Plans to Open in Marlborough

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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Wildwood Steak House in Marlborough Has Closed

A family restaurant west of Boston that had been in business for nearly 100 years has shut down.

According to multiple sources, Wildwood Steak House in Marlborough closed its doors last weekend, with a MetroWest Daily News article indicating via an employee that a new restaurant would be opening in the space. The post says that the dining spot first opened as Wildwood Inn back in 1924 and changed ownership in 1954; the menu offered a mix of steak and seafood dishes along with classic American fare.

The address for the now-closed Wildwood Steak House was 189 Boston Post Road E (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Don Patron Is Opening in the Former Halfway Cafe Space in Marlborough

A brand new Mexican restaurant is on its way to MetroWest, and it appears to have a connection to a restaurant with the same name in the western part of New York State.

According to a source, Don Patron is planning to open in Marlborough, taking over the space on Route 20 that had been home to a location of the Halfway Cafe. Our source tells us that the upcoming dining spot is affiliated with Don Patron in Cheektowaga, whose website says "Get the best of guacamole, tacos, enchiladas and more. Don Patron is a single-location family-style eatery that puts a focus on high quality and authentic Mexican food."

It is not known when Don Patron will open in Marlborough, though a sign is up for the place.

The address for Don Patron is 820 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752.

[May 1, 2023 update: According to multiple sources, Don Patron is now open in Marlborough.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Halfway Cafe in Marlborough Has Closed

A small local group of comfort food restaurants is now down to just two, as another location has shut down.

According to multiple sources, the Halfway Cafe in Marlborough is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the company saying the following:

...everything has a beginning and an end. We received an offer we couldn't refuse and thus we have decided to sell our Marlborough location. Due to labor and shortages we were forced to close the restaurant earlier than anticipated.

The post refers customers to outlets of the Halfway Cafe in Dedham and Watertown, both of which remain in operation.

The Marlbrough location of the Halfway Cafe, which had been in business for 23 years, is one of a few outlets that have closed over the past decade or so, including ones in Canton, Holbrook, and Maynard, the latter two of which became locations of The Brook Kitchen & Tap (the Maynard location of The Brook is no longer in operation).

The address for the Halfway Cafe in Marlborough was 820 Boston Post Road E, Marlborough, MA, 01752. The websites for the remaining two locations can be found at https://www.halfwaycafe.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Plans to Open in Marlborough

A Louisiana-based chain that focuses on a popular food item is looking to open its second location in Massachusetts--and the Northeast.

According to an article from the Milford Daily News, Raising Cane's is planning to open in Marlborough, moving into a space on Route 20 a short distance west of the Route 495 intersection. If approved, the new outlet of the chicken finger chain would join one other on Commonwealth Avenue by Boston University, with the next closest location being in Norfolk, VA.

The Marlborough location of Raising Cane's plans to have both indoor and outdoor dining, and the City Council will also be reviewing its application for a drive-thru.

The address for the proposed Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Marlborough is 141 Boston Post Road West (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752. The website for the chain--which is headquartered in Baton Rouge--can be found at https://www.raisingcanes.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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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.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

Joy Asia in Marlborough Has Closed for Good

A popular Chinese restaurant in the MetroWest area that had been around for a long time has shut down permanently.

According to a couple of sources, Joy Asia in Marlborough is no longer in business, with a Wicked Local article saying that a sign out front at the Boston Post Road spot says "We've closed for good after 24 years in business since 1996. Thank you all for the support and hope everyone will be safe through this pandemic crisis." It is not known whether the coronavirus outbreak had anything to do with the closing of the restaurant, and calls are unable to go through as its phone number appears to be disconnected.

Joy Asia was known in part for its buffet, while also offering a mix of Chinese-American, authentic Chinese, and other Asian fare.

The address for Joy Asia in Marlborough was 735 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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 Fix Burger Bar Is Opening in the Former Allora Ristorante Space in Marlborough

A Worcester spot that is known for its burgers, beers, spiked milkshakes, and cocktails will be expanding eastward, opening at a lakeside space that had been home to an upscale Mediterranean restaurant.

According to an article from Wicked Local, The Fix Burger Bar is planning to open in Marlborough, with the place taking over the former Allora Ristorante space on Route 20. The post says that Niche Hospitality Group, which is behind The Fix Burger Bar, also runs a number of other spots in Worcester, including Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, Mezcal Tequila Cantina, Nonna's Pizza + Pasta, Railers Sports Tavern, and Steam Energy Cafe, along with Rye & Thyme American Tavern in Leominster.

Allora closed in February after being in business for approximately 12 years.

The address for the upcoming Fix Burger Bar in Marlborough is 139 Lakeside Avenue (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752. The website for the original location in Worcester can be found at https://www.thefixburgerbar.com/

[December 11 update: The website for the business indicates that The Fix Burger Bar hopes to open in Marlborough this winter.]

[January 22, 2020 update: According to a source, The Fix Burger Bar soft-opens in Marlborough tomorrow (Thursday, January 23), with a post from Niche Hospitality Group saying that its official opening to the public will take place on Monday, January 27.]

[Earlier Article]
Allora Ristorante in Marlborough Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Fifteen Burgers in the Boston Area and Beyond]

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Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe in Marlborough Has Been Seized by the State

A suburban restaurant that gained national recognition last year has been shut down, and it is not known what the future holds for the place.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe in Marlborough is closed after being seized by the Department of Revenue for nonpayment of taxes, with signs out front saying that it is now in possession of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A Facebook page for the Lincoln Street eatery has posted a note about the issue, saying the following:

To our loyal patrons, we will be closed until further notice....What we thought was a turn key restaurant ended needing major renovations that delayed our opening almost a full year and used up our savings....In the end we owe money to the state for meal taxes....I have confidence with a little more time we could fix this problem, but we need help. If anyone knows anyone that is interested in investing in us, please have them contact me."

Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe, which first opened in September of 2016, is known in part for its Guatemalan dishes along with American and regional comfort food items. The eatery was chosen by Travel and Leisure as one of the 25 best diners in the United States last June.

The address for Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe is 353 Lincoln Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752.

[July 16 update: A new article from Wicked Local states that Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe is hoping to open in a new space, though it is first looking to sell the space in which it resided until it was seized.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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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Allora Ristorante in Marlborough Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

An upscale restaurant that was one of the relatively few lakeside dining spots inside Route 495 has closed down.

According to multiple sources, Allora Ristorante in Marlborough is no longer in business, with the website for the Lakeside Avenue spot confirming this, saying "With great sadness, Allora Ristorante has closed its doors. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our guests for their support over the past 12 years, many who we are proud to call our friends." No reason was given for its closure, nor is it known for sure what might be going into its space; we have heard a rumor that a new restaurant may move in, but are still trying to find out more details before mentioning its name.

Allora was an Italian and Mediterranean spot that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) featured as a place to go in part for its sprawling patio with views of Lake Williams. A link to the review can be found below:

https://hiddenboston.com/AlloraRistorante.html

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Marlborough was: Allora Ristorante 139 Lakeside Avenue (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752.

[February 15 update: Wicked Local states that Allora was evicted from its space, as it owed more than $50,000 in back taxes and rent (the landlord is now in control of the property).]

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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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Hot Table Eyes Expansion into the Greater Boston Area

by Marc Hurwitz

A Springfield-based group of dining spots known for their panini options will soon be heading east.

According to an article from Mass Live, Hot Table is planning to open a location in Marlborough and is also looking at opening more shops in the western suburbs of Boston. The post says that John DeVoie, who is president of the company, is not ready to expand into Boston proper yet, but he says that "we feel there is a lot of opportunity" west of the city. Mass Live states that the Marlborough outlet plans to open at the Apex Center next week.

Hot Table, which first started out 10 years ago, now has a total of five locations, including in Springfield (two), Hadley, Enfield, CT, and Glastonbury, CT. The menu at all of the locations features pressed panini along with soups, salads, and sides. Its website can be found at https://hottable.com/

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Sandwiches from Boston-Area Dining Spots]

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Brew on the Grid to Open in Cambridge, Lynn, Marlborough, and Salem

The group behind a Worcester coffee shop will be expanding the place to several locations in Eastern Massachusetts.

Eater Boston is reporting that Brew on the Grid is planning to open in Cambridge this month, Lynn this fall, Marlborough in November, and Salem next year, with Frank Peace and his New England Craft Restaurant Concepts group being behind the shops. This jibes with information from an earlier article from the Worcester Business Journal, and as reported here earlier, it looks like New England Craft Restaurant Concepts is also taking over Ecco in East Boston, which is currently closed for renovations. The earlier article here also mentioned that the restaurant group could be looking at expanding one or more of its brands nationwide, though it is not yet known which ones. (The group runs a handful of different restaurants in addition to Brew on the Grid.)

The original Brew on the Grid in Worcester offers salads, sandwiches, pastries, and more in addition to coffee. The website for the business can be found at http://www.brewonthegrid.com/

[August 30 update: According to an update from EB, the first Boston-area location of Brew on the Grid opens today, as its new shop on 93 Windsor Street in Cambridge is now up and running.]

[March 2, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Brew on the Grid in Cambridge has closed.]

[Earlier Article]
Ecco in East Boston Closed For Renovations; Plans to Reopen in Five Weeks

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Wendy's New Upscale Concept Has Come to Franklin and Marlborough

A fast-food joint that is known for its burgers has brought a new "upscale" concept to two communities along the Route 495 belt west of Boston.

The Boston Globe is reporting that a new version of Wendy's is now open in Franklin and an existing Wendy's in Marlborough has been changed over to the new format, with each restaurant including a fireplace, flat-screen TVs, WiFi, and a menu that goes well beyond the standard burgers and fries for which the chain is known. The article mentions that the new concept is part of Wendy's "A Cut Above" brand position that aims to differentiate the chain from other fast-food burger spots.

A couple of the items included on the menu at the Wendy's locations in Franklin and Marlborough include a berry almond chicken salad and a spicy guacamole chicken club sandwich, according to the Globe.

The article mentions that a press release shows there only being 10 such Wendy’s restaurants in the entire country that currently have this new concept.

Thanks to the Boston Business Journal for bringing this to our attention.


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Sonic Drive-In Will Apparently Not Be Opening in Marlborough After All

It looks like a chain of drive-ins that has opened its first two locations in the Boston area over the past year or so will not be opening a third spot west of the city.

According to The MetroWest Daily News, plans for a new Sonic Drive-In on Route 20 in Marlborough have fallen through. The article states that the city had been hoping for construction to begin at the site this month after moving ahead with the site plan review, but the owner of Sonic in Peabody emailed the city saying that there will be no restaurant built at that site after all.

The new Sonic in Marlborough was to be constructed near the intersection of Route 20 (Boston Post Road West) and Ames Street, a little less than a mile west of the Route 495 intersection.

Sonic Drive-In opened its first New England location last summer on Route 1 in Peabody, and its second spot this spring on Route 38 in Wilmington. Sonic, which is known in part for its burgers, Coney Island hot dogs, limeade, and shakes, is the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the United States, with more than 3,000 locations.

For more information on this story, please go to The MetroWest Daily News link below.

Sonic Drive-In pulls plug in Marlborough

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Latest Review: Allora Ristorante, Marlborough

The latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for Allora Ristorante, an upscale Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in Marlborough. Located across the street from Lake Williams near the intersection of Route 20 and Route 495, Allora Ristorante has a large outdoor deck with views of the lake, and a menu that features a variety of dishes from the Mediterranean. To read more about Allora Ristorante in Marlborough, please click on the link above.