Ray Adea's Mediterranean & Jamaican Cuisine in Salem Has Closed

 A dining spot on the North Shore that offered fusion fare has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Salem Food Digest post), Ray Adea's Mediterranean & Jamaican Cuisine in Salem is no longer in business, with a "for lease" sign in the window of the Lafayette Street space. The eatery was known in part for its vegetarian and vegan Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare including falafel, hummus, and babaganoush, while also offering meat-based Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and steamed fish.

The address for the now-closed Adea's Mediterranean & Jamaican Cuisine was 90 Lafayette Street (Unit 1B), Salem, MA, 01970.

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

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Neighborhood Tavern in Northborough to Expand, Opening a New Location in Salem

 A dining and drinking spot in Central Massachusetts is going to be expanding to the North Shore.

According to a Bluesky post from @l1samak.bsky.social, the Neighborhood Tavern in Northborough is going to be joined by another location in Salem, taking over the space on Washington Street that had been home to The Derby Restaurant & Bar. Once it opens, expect to see such items as fried pickles, wings, tenders, nachos, burgers, steak tips, fish and chips, roasted chicken, tacos, macaroni and cheese, and more, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the upcoming Neighborhood Tavern in Salem is 189 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970. The website for the business is at https://theneighborhoodtavern.com/

(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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Ba Banh Mi Is Opening in Salem

A Vietnamese sandwich spot will soon be opening on the North Shore.

According to a source, Ba Banh Mi is getting ready to open in Salem, with the website for the Washington Street eatery indicating that it will be a fast casual restaurant offering several types of banh mi while also serving pho, wraps, stir-fried noodle options, rice dishes, spring rolls, egg rolls, smoothies, iced coffee, and more. It appears that the dining spot is very close to debuting, though a specific opening date has not been given as of yet.

The address for Ba Banh Mi is 128 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://babanhmi.com/

(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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The Goat to Open in Salem

A group of country bars with four locations north of Boston will be opening a fifth, and this will be its closest one to the city.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), The Goat is planning to open in Salem, moving into the space on Derby Street that had been home to a location of American Flatbread. Once it debuts, the new outlet will join others in Newburyport along with Manchester, Hampton, and Portsmouth, NH, and based on those spots, it will be a burger and whiskey bar featuring live country music.

The address for the upcoming location of The Goat in Salem is 311 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970. The website for all locations is at https://goatbarnation.com/

(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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Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive Opens in Salem

A Nashville-style bar has come to the North Shore. 

According to its website, Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive is now open in Salem, replacing Rivalry Sports Lounge & Kitchen within the Hampton Inn  on Washington Street in what looks to be a rebrand. The website for the new spot indicates that it offers comfort food, cocktails, live country music, line dancing, and more, with its menu including such options as deep-fried shrimp in chili sauce, fried hot honey Brussels sprouts, pulled pork sandwiches, Nashville hot fried chicken sandwiches, cheesy shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, cornbread cake, and more. 

The address for Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive is 221 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://www.tipsysalem.com/

(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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Chez Casa in Salem Has Closed

A popular sandwich shop on the North Shore has shut down.

According to a Bluesky post from Adam Reilly of GBH News, Chez Casa in Salem is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the Bridge Street eatery saying "We have decided to close ChezCasa permanently. Thank you everyone for 5 amazing years!" It appears that Garcon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor, which is on New Derby Street in Salem and which has an ownership connection to Chez Casa, remains in operation.

Chez Casa first opened in the fall of 2019, taking over the space where Stacia's Place had been until closing in late 2017.

The address for the now-closed Chez Casa was 97 Bridge Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

(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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Owner of Fiesta Shows to Open Restaurant in Salem

The people behind a local carnival business are looking to open a dining spot on the North Shore.

According to a source, the Dean family--which runs Fiesta Shows--is planning on opening a restaurant in Salem, with the place being located on Derby Street. A Patch article mentions that the as-of-yet unnamed dining spot would be a restaurant and event space in the Riverwalk area, and that it is expected to offer pub-style comfort food and drinks; if all goes as planned, it could be opening in the spring of 2025.

Fiesta Shows is known for its amusement rides and concession stands that are set up for carnivals and fairs, and it is also behind the Salem Common Food Court that comes to the city during the busy tourist season in October. The website for Fiesta Shows is at https://www.fiestashows.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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Bernadette Is Opening in Salem

A new French restaurant is on its way to the North Shore, and the people behind it run a nearby dining spot.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Bernadette is planning to open in Salem, with the post saying that the husband-and-wife team Aaron and Shanna Chambers of Settler, a Mediterranean and New American spot that is just around the corner from the upcoming Washington Street place. The job listing for Bernadette says the following about the restaurant: "With a French-inspired, market-driven menu, we bring city-level dining to the North Shore—perfect for those looking to hone their craft without commuting to Boston. Bernadette embodies a neighborhood bistro vibe, with a refined yet approachable French cuisine that celebrates the local terroir and a service experience inspired by intimate dinner parties with close friends." 

Based on its social media, it looks like Bernadette will open its doors sometime this fall.

The address for Bernadette is 65 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website will be at https://www.bernadettesalem.com/

[November 20 update: According to an Instagram post from the place, Bernadette is now open in Salem.]

(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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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.)

 

Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park Has Closed (Again)

A landmark North Shore dining spot that closed a couple of years ago only to reopen last spring under new ownership has shut down again.

According to a source, Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

After finishing our second season we have decided to close the Salem Lowe. We did our best to try and save a piece of history. We learned a lot. We have spent the last three years on this project and it is time for us to move on. The Salem Willows is a special place and we look forward to the next chapter and its future. The space is available for anyone who is interested. Spread the word!

Salem Lowe, which has been known in part for its chop suey sandwiches, was originally run by the Yee family who retired from the business after 50 years at the end of the 2022 season; Kathleen Rodgers and Ryan Harriman of Spitfire Tacos in Salem and Marblehead took over the place and opened it back up in April of 2023.

The address for Salem Lowe is 201 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA, 01970.

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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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Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem Is Closing; New Concept Called Au Gratin Is Replacing It

A hot dog place on the North Shore is saying farewell, though the person behind it will be opening a new spot in its space.

According to a source, Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem is getting ready to shut down, with a Facebook post from Mike Denk of the Washington Street eatery saying the following:

Boston Hot Dog will be closing its doors after Memorial Day....But with every ending comes a new beginning, and here's the sweet part: we will be undergoing renovations to bring something new to the neighborhood! Our new place will feature a scratch -made menu inspired by a love of cheese, a completely updated kitchen, and comfy seating....Get ready to enjoy the best Paninis and Mac & Cheeses you've ever had....we look forward to welcoming you to our new spot, AU GRATIN....And don't worry-you can still find a Chicago or Chili Cheese dog on our new menu!

Boston Hot Dog Company first opened approximately 20 years ago, with Denk taking ownership of the place in 2020.

The address for Boston Hot Dog Company (and the upcoming Au Gratin) is 60 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

[May 31 update: A check on its social media confirms that Boston Hot Dog Company has closed.]

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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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American Flatbread in Salem Has Closed

A location of a group of restaurants that focus on flatbread pizza has shut down.

According to multiple sources (including a few within the restaurant industry), American Flatbread in Salem is no longer in business, with a call placed to the Derby Street spot indicating that the voicemail box was full. It is not known if this is the only location to close (the website for the company continues to show the Salem outlet); as soon as we find out more--including why the restaurant shut down--we will post an update here.

In the fall of 2021, American Flatbread replaced Flatbread Company in Salem, with the same changeover taking place with other Flatbread Company locations in Brighton, Somerville, and Georgetown. A local outlet of Flatbread Company remains open in Amesbury.

The address for the now-closed American Flatbread in Salem was 311 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970. The website for all locations is at https://americanflatbread.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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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.)

  

Maitland Farm, Kitchen, and Spirits Is Opening in Salem

The family behind an urban farm on the North Shore will be opening their very own restaurant.

According to a source, Maitland Farm, Kitchen, and Spirits is planning to open in Salem, moving into a space on Derby Street a short distance east of the city's downtown area. The owners of Maitland Mountain Farm are behind the upcoming dining spot, with a Facebook post from Holly Maitland saying the following:

Andy and I have always dreamed of opening our own restaurant highlighting locally grown food from our farm and other local New England farms. We're so excited that we have the opportunity to do this right here in our community of Salem. Construction has officially started - stay tuned for more updates soon!

Maitland Mountain Farm, which was established in 2009, is a small farm on Cedarcrest Avenue just north of the Swampscott line.

The address for Maitland Farm, Kitchen, and Spirits is 84 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970. The website for Maitland Mountain Farm can be found at https://www.maitlandfarms.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/maitlandfarmkitchen/

[November 5 update: According to its Instagram page, Maitland Farm, Kitchen, and Spirits is now open in Salem.]

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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.)

 

Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor Is Opening in Salem

A new pizzeria is on its way to the North Shore, and a well-known name within the local restaurant scene is behind it.

According to a press release, Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor is opening in Salem this month, offering what is described as a combination of traditional New York slices and lightly-charred New Haven-style pizza. The owner of the upcoming 50-seat spot on New Derby Street is Keenan Langlois, who runs Chez Casa (which is also in Salem) and who has been involved with such places as The Sinclair, Publico, Lumiere, Sorellina, Gaslight, Hamersley's Bistro, and 5 Corners Kitchen.

In addition to pizza, Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor will also serve baked goods, cookies and cakes, root beer floats, and ice cream frappes.

The address for Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor is 14 New Derby Strreet, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://www.garconsuperslicepizzapieparlor.com/

[December 20 update: Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor has debuted, with its website saying that its grand opening took place on December 19.]

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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.)

The Bohemian Club Plans to Open in Salem

A local musician is looking to open a dining spot on the North Shore.

According to an article from Vanyaland, Aaron Perrino (The Sheila Divine, Dear Leader, Aaron and the Lord) is planning to open The Bohemian Club in Salem, which is billing itself as "a quirky upscale takeout sandwich & salad shop inspired by the occult and dark arts." Vanyaland mentions that Perrino has started a Mainvest campaign to help get the place up and running, with the goal being to raise $75,000 by the end of June.

A sample menu posted on Vanyaland and Mainvest shows that The Bohemian Club may offer poutine and pizza in addition to salads and sandwiches.

The Instagram page for The Bohemian Club can be found at https://www.instagram.com/bohemianclubsalem/

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!

Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park Is Reopening Under New Ownership

Last summer, it was reported that an iconic North Shore eatery featuring an unusual regional food item was closing down, but now we have learned that it will be reborn with new owners at the helm.

According to a source, Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park is going to be reopening in April, with a Salem News article indicating that Kathleen Rodgers and Ryan Harriman of Spitfire Tacos in Salem and Marblehead are behind the rebirth of the place. The article mentions that the eatery, which is known in part for its chop suey sandwiches, will see some changes and upgrades, including the use of a pressure fryer for its chicken, and noodles with different styles and thicknesses being made in-house--and the place--which had been a season spot--will now be open year round.

The Yee family closed Salem Lowe last August after running the place at Salem Willows for more than 50 years.

The address for Salem Lowe is 201 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA, 01970.

[Earlier Article]
Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park 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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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.)

    

Dire Wolf Tavern Is Replacing Opus in Salem

A North Shore restaurant and bar known in part for its live music venue downstairs is shutting down and being replaced by a new spot under the same ownership.

According to an article from Vanyaland, Opus in Salem is closing its doors, with the restaurant part on the ground floor planning to say farewell after business hours on Saturday, January 7 while the Opus Underground music club had its final night on New Year's Eve. The post mentions that parent company Serenitee Restaurant Group (Maggie's Farm, 15 Walnut, Cala's Restaurant, Hale Street Tavern, The Spot, Minglewood Harborside, Alchemy), is reconcepting the space, though no details have been given as to the plans--and it doesn't appear that live music will be part of those plans.

The address for Opus (and Opus Underground) is 87 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

[January 13 update: A check on the place confirms that Opus is now closed, including both the restaurant and the music club.]

[February 14 update: A Facebook post from Creative North Shore indicates that the restaurant/bar replacing Opus will be called Dire Wolf Tavern, and its menu shows salads, sandwiches sushi, and brunch items; its website can be found at https://www.direwolfsalem.com/] 

[March 22 update: According to a source (and confirmed by the website for the place), Dire Wolf Tavern is now open.]

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!

PZA in Salem Is Reborn Under New Ownership

A North Shore pizza spot has returned under new ownership and with a slightly different name.

According to a source, PZA in Salem has opened back up, and its full name--which had been PZA Gourmet Pizza--is now PZA Grille & Bar. In addition to pizza, the new incarnation of PZA offers such items as calzones, subs, wraps, burgers, club sandwiches, seafood items, pasta dishes, bowls, wings, chicken fingers, steak tips, and more.

It appears that PZA Gourmet Pizza shut down in the fall of 2021, though an exact closing date is not known.

The address for PZA Grille & Bar is 331 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website is at https://www.pzagrille.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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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!

Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast Opens in Salem

A new dining spot has come to the North Shore, offering breakfast dishes and South American fare.

According to a source, Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast is now open in Salem, moving into a space on Canal Street south of the downtown area. The menu for Camille's shows such options as bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, empanadas, Brazilian coxinha, acai bowls, cookies, flan, tres leche, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, and more.

The address for Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast is 140 Canal Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Camillas-Cafe-Breakfast-103389962586224/

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!

Seth Gerber (MIDA) Purchases Major Magleashe's Space in Salem

A local restaurateur has bought the North Shore space where a longtime bar had been until closing recently.

According to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, Seth Gerber has purchased the space in Salem that had been home to Major Magleashe's Pub, with an Instagram post from Gerber saying the following:

I love the North Shore. This is my home. So there is no better place to dig in with a new concept besides "Witch City" Salem, MA. This space has been a restaurant since at least the 1960's. Frank's Cafe to Witches Brew to the beloved Major Magleashe's that has been operating since 1978. I am incredibly proud to honor the history here while bringing this venue into its next life.

Gerber is a business partner at Douglass Williams's MIDA, an Italian restaurant in Boston's South End, that also has Brian Lesser as a partner; another location of MIDA can be found in Newtonville while a third is being planned for East Boston as well. (The team also runs APIZZA at Hub Hall by North Station in Boston.)

The address for the upcoming spot from Seth Gerber (and the old Major Magleashe's Pub) is 268 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

[September 6, 2023 update: According to a source (Kalie Belvin), the new dining and drinking spot taking over the former Major Magleashe's space will be called The Babe, with various online job posts confirming this.]

[Earlier Article]
Major Magleashe's Pub in Salem Has Closed

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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.)

 

Major Magleashe's Pub in Salem Has Closed

A popular North Shore bar has shut down, and it is not known what will become of the space.

According to a Facebook post from Zachary Antczak of Behold Brands (and formerly Notch Brewing), Major Magleashe's Pub closed its doors last night, as the owners are apparently retiring. It appears that a new dining/drinking spot may move into the Washington Street space, though no specific details have been given as of yet.

Major Magleashe's Pub, which first opened in 1978, was known in part for its burgers and steak tips.

The address for Major Magleashe's Pub was 268 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

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!