Breaking Grounds Cafe in Peabody Is Closing

A cafe on the North Shore that gives job training to people with disabilities including autism is going to be closing its doors.

According to an Instagram post from Northeast Arc (which operates the place), Breaking Grounds Cafe in Peabody is getting ready to shut down, with the post saying the following:

Northeast Arc has made the difficult decision to close Breaking Grounds Cafe in Peabody after 9 years of operation. This was not an easy choice, but it is the right move for the financial health of our organization as we face rising costs and an uncertain state and federal funding landscape....Closing Breaking Grounds will allow Northeast Arc to direct all of our resources toward our core mission of helping people with disabilities and autism live as fully included members of their communities. Our commitment to job training remains unchanged and we will continue preparing individuals for community employment through our other internship programs. Existing Breaking Grounds employees will have the opportunity to apply for other positions within Northeast Arc. We are so thankful to all of the incredible employees and participants who have contributed to making Breaking Grounds such a vibrant and welcoming place for nine years. We are also grateful for the continued partnership and support of the City of Peabody.

The post mentions that Breaking Grounds Cafe will close after business hours on July 31.

The address for Breaking Grounds Cafe is 67 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://breakinggroundscafe.com/

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

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ShoYu Plans to Open in Peabody

It looks like a trio of Asian restaurants will be opening a fourth location, and this one will be on the North Shore.

According to an article from What Now Boston, ShoYu is planning to open in Peabody, with the city's mayor (Edward A. Bettencourt) making the announcement on social media that the dining spot is planning to open in the downtown area. Once it debuts, the new location will join others in Boston, Saugus, and Andover, and expect it to offer pan-Asian fare including sushi, stir-fry noodle dishes, rice bowls, Chinese items such as chow fun and General Gau's chicken, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of ShoYu is 12 Peabody Square, Peabody, MA, 01960. The website for all locations is at https://www.shoyusushi.com/

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

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The NexMex Thing in Peabody Is Closing, Moving to Lynn

A Mexican restaurant on the North Shore is going to be leaving its current location and will be reopening in another space not all that far away.

According to a Facebook post from the business, The NexMex Thing in Peabody is closing and will move to a new space in Lynn, with the post saying the following:

After 10 incredible years, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors in Peabody....This decision was not made lightly. The prolonged road work in the area, ongoing for the past two years and expected to continue for 2-3 more years, has significantly impacted accessibility to our restaurant. The resulting detours and street closures ultimately forced us to discontinue lunch service and made it increasingly difficult to operate sustainably. While this chapter is coming to a close, our connection to Peabody remains strong. We will be actively looking for opportunities to return to the city in the near future.  Until then, we will relocate Nexmex to 125 Lynnfield Street in Lynn early June. Our last day in Peabody will be April 30th, 2026.

The post also refers diners to their other dining spot (Pots, a hotpot restaurant at 77 Main Steet in Peabody).

The current address for The NexMex Thing is 5 Central Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://nexmexthing.com/

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

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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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Update: Big Chicken at the Northshore Mall in Peabody Has Closed, Will Relocate to Beverly

[Ed note: This article was updated on October 14 to reflect new information given.]

A chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer has closed a location in the Greater Boston area after a bit more than one year in business, though it will be reborn in a new location not too far away.

According to a source, Big Chicken at the Northshore Mall in Peabody is no longer in operation, with a Patch article confirming that it has indeed shut down. We have subsequently been informed that this is actually a move, with a new location of the restaurant coming to 19 Dodge Street in Beverly, possibly early in 2026.

Big Chicken, which is part of a chain founded by Shaquille O'Neal, first opened at the Northshore Mall in the summer of 2024, offering such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more. A food truck location of the chain called Big Chicken Dunk Truck remains open at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. The chain was first established in 2018 by O'Neal, who played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in 2011.

The website for Big Chicken can be found at https://www.bigchicken.com/

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

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Grecian Diner in Peabody Has Closed

A Greek diner on the North Shore has shut down.

According to a source, Grecian Diner in Peabody is no longer in business, with a MassLive article saying that its last day in business was March 16. The diner first opened in the summer of 2018 on Route 1, taking over the space where Kayla's Diner had previously been; some of the menu items at Grecian Diner included pancakes, omelets, souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, pastitsio, pork chops, steak tips, fried scallops, shrimp scampi, and spanakopita.

The address for Grecian Diner was 136 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960.

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Update: Jade's Restaurant in Peabody Remains Open After Announcement of Its Closure

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 7 to reflect the fact that the restaurant continues to be in operation.]

It looks like an old-school Chinese restaurant on the North Shore could be shutting down at some point, though it remains open for now.

According to a Facebook post from the place on March 27, Jade's Restaurant in Peabody appeared to be getting ready to close its doors, with the post saying the following:

After 30 incredible years, it's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye. We've shared so many wonderful memories together—celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and countless special moments with you all. From the first bite of your favorite dish to the familiar faces we've come to know so well, it's been an honor to be part of your lives. We're sad to close this chapter. Please join us for our last weekend to celebrate these beautiful memories. Thank you for being part of our journey—we'll miss you!

However, a new Facebook post from April 6 says that the restaurant now remains open "indefinitely," though no other details have been given.

Jade's Restaurant is known in part for its Chinese-American fare along with its Polynesian drinks.

The address for Jade's Restaurant is 4 Bourbon Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://www.jadesrestaurant.com/ 

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Fogo de Chao Churrascaria to Open at the Northshore Mall in Peabody

A chain of high-end Brazilian steakhouses with two locations in the Greater Boston area will be opening a third--and this will be its second suburban location.

According to an article from Mass Live (via a press release from globenewswire.com), Fogo de Chao Churrascaria plans to open at the Northshore Mall in Peabody sometime this year, joining other locations in Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay and at the Burlington Mall. Based on those and other locations of the chain, expect to see a variety of roasted meats as well as shareable plates, seafood, South American wines, cocktails, and more at the new outlet, which will include a large dining area that is centered around an open churrasco grill.

Fogo de Chao first started out in Brazil more than 40 years ago; its website can be found at https://fogodechao.com/

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

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The Skinny Pancake Is Opening at Northshore Mall in Peabody

A Vermont-based group of dining spots known in part for their crepes will be opening their first outlet in the Greater Boston area.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1 on Twitter/X, The Skinny Pancake is planning to open at Northshore Mall in Peabody, with a photo indicating that it will be moving into the former hop + grind space. Based on the other locations of The Skinny Pancake (which got its start as a cart on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace in 2003), the new location could be serving such items as breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, sweet and savory crepes, smash burgers, poutine, maple milkshakes, coffee, and more.

The website for The Skinny Pancake can be found at https://skinnypancake.com/

[March 31, 2025 update: A check on the space indicates that the Peabody location of The Skinny Pancake is now open]

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

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Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Opens in Peabody July 10

Last fall, it was reported that a chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer was planning to expand to a location on the North Shore, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to a press release, Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken is slated to open at the Northshore Mall in Peabody July 10, with this being the chain's first location on the Greater Boston area--and in Massachusetts. Big Chicken was founded in 2018 by O'Neal, who played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in 2011; the chain offers such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more.

The website for Big Chicken is at https://www.bigchicken.com/

[Earlier Article]
Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Plans to Open at the North Shore Mall in Peabody

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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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Honeygrow Opens at Northshore Mall in Peabody

A Philadelphia-based group of dining spots specializing in stir-fry dishes has opened a third location in the Greater Boston area.

According to a press release, Honeygrow is now open at Northshore Mall in Peabody, with the new outlet joining others in Boston's Fenway and in the Seaport District along with approximately 40 others in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In addition to a variety of stir-fry options, the restaurant also offers salads and honeybars, with all food options being customizable.

The website for Honeygrow--which started out in Philly in 2012--can be found at https://www.honeygrow.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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La Siesta in Peabody Is Closing; Winthrop Location to Remain in Operation

The newer location of a pair of Mexican restaurants north of Boston is shutting down.

According to an Instagram post from the business, La Siesta in Peabody is closing its doors, with the note saying that "Owner Martin has decided to sell the restaurant so he can spend more time with his family." The post does mention that the Winthrop location will remain open, stating that "We invite you to continue to support us" at that restaurant.

The Peabody outlet of La Siesta first opened in 2018, while the original dates back to 2006.

The address for La Siesta in Peabody is 1 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. The website for the business is at http://www.lasiestarestaurante.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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Stanzy's Country Ranch in Peabody Has Closed, Will Be Replaced a by New Pub

A Southern-influenced restaurant, bar, and music spot on the North Shore has shut down, and a new dining and drinking spot will be replacing it.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a North Shore Dining post), Stanzy's Country Ranch in Peabody has shuttered, with a note from the Main Street place saying that they are selling the business to the landlord who will be opening a pub within the space. The note mentions that gift cards can be used at the upcoming pub or at Rivalry in Salem, which is under the same ownership as Stanzy's.

Stanzy's Country Ranch first opened its doors at the end of 2019.

The address for the now-closed Stanzy's (and upcoming pub from the landlord) is 1 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960.

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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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Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Plans to Open at the North Shore Mall in Peabody

This spring, it was reported that a chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer was planning to expand to the Greater Boston area, and now we know where one of its locations will be.

According to a post from Boston 25 News, Big Chicken is opening at the North Shore Mall in Peabody, and as mentioned earlier, Shaquille O'Neal's is behind the chain. Back in May, it was announced that six locations of Big Chicken--which was founded in 2018--would be coming to the local area, offering such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more.

The website for Big Chicken can be found at https://www.bigchicken.com/

Thanks to @IrishEyesPhoto1 for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Big Chicken to Expand to the Greater Boston Area

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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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Kong Dog to Expand to Boston, Braintree, and Peabody

A chain of Korean corn dog spots that opened its first Boston-area location in Somerville last year is planning to open at least three more outlets in the local area.

According to the locations page within its website, Kong Dog is looking to open locations at Faneuil Hall in Boston as well as in Braintree and Peabody, with the latter two possibly coming to Northshore Mall and South Shore Plaza, those these two locations have not been confirmed as of yet. Once they open, the new shops will join another on Elm Street in Davis Square, and they will likely offer corn dogs with such coatings as sweet potato, ramen crumbles, fried potato, Cheetos, fruity rice puffs, Doritos, and more along with bubble tea.

Kong Dog was established in Illinois in 2021; the website for the company can be found at https://kongdog.us/

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!

Ithaki Is Moving from Ipswich to Peabody

A popular North Shore restaurant that features Greek and Mediterranean fare is moving to a new location that will be closer to Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Ithaki in Ipswich is heading to a new location in Peabody, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

Ipswich has been our home, but we are so excited for Ithaki's next chapter. Same fantastic food & owner! Different zip code! Stay tuned for renovation magic! Last day in Ipswich: August 14th 2022 New location coming soon! September 2022

Ithaki, which first opened in Ipswich back in 1997, is a casual upscale restaurant that offers such dishes as grilled octupus, shrimp saganaki, pork souvlaki, spanakopita, baked feta, falafel, blackened salmon, pastitsio, pasta with clams, moussaka, lamb skewers, and roasted chicken.

The original address for Ithaki is 25 Hammatt Street in Ipswich while the new address is 1A Newbury Street (Route 1) in Peabody. Its website can be found at https://www.ithakicuisine.com/

[October 16 update: According to its social media, Ithaki is now open in its new home in Peabody.]

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!

Kouzina Is Opening in Peabody; Owners of Brothers Kouzina Behind the Place

A Greek restaurant with a familiar name is on its way to the North Shore.

According to a source, Kouzina is opening on Route 1 in Peabody, with a Facebook post indicating that the owners of the now-closed Brothers Kouzina are behind it, saying that "Previous Brothers Kouzina owners are opening up a new location in Peabody, Ma. The new Kouzina is opening soon!!" Brothers Kouzina, which closed down in 2019 after being in business for approximately 13 years, was located near the Route 1/128 intersection while the upcoming Kouzina will reside a couple of miles to the north near the exit ramp that connects Route 1 and Route 95.

The website for the new eatery shows "Kouzina: A Greek Story" on the home page while also mentioning that it plans to debut sometime this month.

The address for Kouzina is 134 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960. The website for the restaurant is at https://kouzinapeabody.com/

[May 27 update: According to its social media pages, Kouzina is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Brothers Kouzina in Peabody Announces Its Closure

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!

De Mi Cocina Opens in Peabody

It looks like a brand new Mexican restaurant has opened on the North Shore.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, De Mi Cocina is now open in Peabody, moving into a space on Bourbon Street just off Lowell Street near the Route 95 underpass and the Route 1 intersection. A menu has not been seen for the place as of yet, but Jeremy tells us that it offers such items as nachos, salads, tacos, and fruit drinks.

The address for this Mexican restaurant in Peabody is 7 Bourbon Street, Peabody, MA, 01960.

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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Our Place Kitchen & Bar Is Opening in Peabody

A new dining spot is on its way to the North Shore, and it looks like it is taking over the space where a location of an Italian-American restaurant chain had been for nearly 20 years.

According to a source, Our Place Kitchen & Bar is opening in Peabody, with a sign up for it at the former Carrabba's Italian Grill space on Route 1. A LinkedIn job post mentions that the eatery is indeed getting ready to open and is currently looking to hire people with breakfast and lunch experience, though little other information has been given as of yet.

The address for Our Place Kitchen & Bar in Peabody is 1A Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://www.ourplacekitchenandbarpeabody.com/

[June 10 update: A Facebook post from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie indicates that Our Place Kitchen & Bar is now open, and that the owners of Nick & Andy's in Danvers are behind it. The website for the restaurant shows that it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while Auffrey says that it also has a full liquor license. (The menu shows mostly a mix of New American and classic American fare.)] 

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 Double Bull Taphouse & Grill Is Opening in the Former Bancroft Space in Peabody

It looks like a brand new indoor and outdoor beer garden is on its way to the North Shore, replacing an upscale steakhouse under the same ownership.

According to a source, The Double Bull Taphouse & Grill is planning to open in the old Bancroft Space at the Northshore Mall in Peabody, with a Patch article confirming this. The upcoming place will be run by the Webber Restaurant Group, which also operates the still-open Bancroft in Burlington along with the Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton and the Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham. If all goes as planned, The Double Bull Taphouse & Grill could be opening sometime this spring.

An earlier article here had mentioned that a new concept would indeed be replacing the Peabody location of The Bancroft, which closed as the pandemic took hold last spring and subsequently announced that it would not be reopening.

The website for The Double Bull Taphouse & Grill can be found at https://www.thedoublebull.com/

[June 10 update: Based on its social media, The Double Bull Taphouse & Grill is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Bancroft in Peabody Has Closed; New Concept Coming to Space

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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