Boston Restaurant Talk: Wakefield restaurants

Showing posts with label Wakefield restaurants. Show all posts

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Gong Cha to Open in Wakefield

Last week, it was reported that a growing chain of bubble tea shops would be opening a new location north of Boston, and now we have learned that yet another outlet will be opening north of the city as well.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Gong Cha is planning to open in Wakefield, with the website for the business saying that it will be moving into a space on Main Street in the center of town. Once it opens, expect to see such options as bubble tea, slush, and other tea beverages, and it will join a number of other locations locally--and as mentioned in an earlier article, an outlet of the chain is coming to Andover as well.

The address for the upcoming location of Gong Cha in Wakefield is 410 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. The website for Gong Cha (which first started out in Taiwan in 2006) is at https://www.gongchausa.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]

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Friday, July 11, 2025

Brother's Deli & Restaurant in Wakefield Has Closed

A decades-old cafeteria-style restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston that was known in part for its Greek fare has shut down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Brother's Deli & Restaurant in Wakefield is no longer in business, with the post saying the following:

After nearly two years of pouring our hearts into Brothers Deli, we've made the very difficult decision to close our doors. This wasn't what we had hoped for and continuing on was no longer sustainable.⁣...We may be stepping away from the business, but we'll always carry this community with us. If the lights come back on under new ownership, just know: what we built together can't be replaced or forgotten.⁣⁣ Just because we are closing up shop doesn’t mean its goodbye forever....With all our love and gratitude, Sunny, Sonia, Happy, & the Brothers Deli team⁣⁣

Brother's Deli & Restaurant's roots date back approximately 40 years, with an ownership change taking place in 2023.

The address for the now-closed Brother's Deli & Restaurant in Wakefield was 404 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

(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.)

Monday, February 24, 2025

Floramo's Is No Longer Affiliated with Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen in Wakefield

A couple of months ago, a restaurant famous for its steak tips joined up with a dining and drinking spot known in part for its "pour your own beer" concept, and now we have learned that the collaboration is over.

According to Facebook posts from both businesses, Floramo's is no longer involved with Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen in Wakefield, with a post from the former saying "Floramo's is no longer working in the kitchen at Bossmama....It wasn't the right atmosphere or concept for us....John and his kitchen staff and recipes are not available at that location," while the latter states that "We will not speak directly to the actions that abruptly ended this collaboration a few days ago, but will only re affirm that Bossmama's commitment to fostering a healthy work environment where our diverse staff are treated with respect and feel safe within our four walls is a non negotiable priority." Bossmama remains in operation in its Main Street space, while it is not known what plans Floramo's has at this point in time.

Floramo's Restaurant had first been in Chelsea, moving to spaces in Wakefield and Malden in 2022 after the Chelsea location closed due to redevelopment, though both the Wakefield and Malden restaurants shut down in 2024.

The address for Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen is 963 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

[Earlier Article]
Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen in Wakefield Is Bringing Floramo's into Its Space

(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.)

Thursday, December 05, 2024

Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen in Wakefield Is Bringing Floramo's into Its Space

A dining and drinking spot in the northern suburbs of Boston that is known in part for its "pour your own beer" concept is teaming up with a restaurant that is famous for its steak tips.

According to an Instagram post, Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen in Wakefield is bringing the Floramo's team into their space, with Bossmama keeping its menu in place while Floramo's will be offering their tips, ribs, and more to customers as well. The post indicates that over the next few week, Bossmama and Floramo's will be working to merge the two teams together, and more specifics on the collaboration should be coming out soon over social media.

Floramo's Restaurant had originally been in Chelsea, moving to spaces in Wakefield and Malden in 2022 with both of those locations closing earlier this year. (There is still talk that Floramo's will open back up in Chelsea at some point in the future. )

The address for Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen/Floramo's is 963 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. The website for Bossmama is at https://bossmamataproom.com/ while the Facebook page for Floramo's is at https://www.facebook.com/@Floramosbarandgrille/

(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.)

Monday, May 06, 2024

Feng's Asian Cuisine in Wakefield Has Closed

An Asian restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston has shut down.

According to a source, Feng's Asian Cuisine in Wakefield is no longer in business with a Facebook post from the Main Street spot indicating that it closed on April 29. Feng's first opened approximately 10 years ago in the Greenwood section of town, offering mostly Chinese and Japanese fare including noodle and rice dishes, sushi, chop suey, chow mein, egg foo young, and more.

The address for the now-closed Feng's Asian Cuisine was 963 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

[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.)

Monday, February 19, 2024

Floramo's in Wakefield Has Been Replaced by Main St Grille and Taphouse; Malden Location of Floramo's Remains in Operation

One of two locations of a legendary place for steak tips has shut down and has been replaced by a new spot.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Floramo's Restaurant in Wakefield is no longer in operation, with the post saying that "Floramo's Malden & Wakefield have combined" while referring customers to the Centre Street location in Malden. The thread also indicates that Floramo's does eventually plan to open back up in Chelsea, as was hinted at when its original location there closed in 2022, a few months after the Wakefield outlet debuted and just before the Malden location opened.

We have been told that the new spot replacing the Wakefield location of Floramo's is called Main St Grille and Taphouse, and it offers such options as BBQ, American fare, and pizza.

The address for the now-closed location of Floramo's in Wakefield (and the new Main St Grille and Taphouse) is 1099 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. The website for Floramo's is at http://floramos.net/ while the website for Main St Grille and Taphouse is at https://www.mainstgrilletaphouse.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.)

Monday, November 27, 2023

Charlie's on Main Is Opening in a New Location in Stoneham

A suburban pizzeria that lost its home due to a fire last year is being reborn in a new location one town away.

According to a source, Charlie's on Main is planning to open in Stoneham, with the address indicating that it will take over the space on Montvale Avenue that had been home to a location of The Gyro Spot until it recently closed. A Facebook post from the business gets into more details, saying the following:

We are so happy to finally be able to share the news that Charlie's is coming back! We will be reopening in a new location at 62 F Montvale Avenue, Stoneham MA 02180. We hope to reopen Tuesday, December 12th — but we will share an official date as we complete required inspections. We would have loved to stay in our old location, but unfortunately that was not possible. We cannot thank our north shore community enough for the love and support these past few months, and hope you will make the drive over to Stoneham — we promise the food is worth it!

Charlie's on Main had resided on Main Street in Wakefield, but its building was hit by a blaze in May of 2023 that also displaced four people who lived in the structure.

The website for Charlie's on Main can be found at https://www.charliesonmainpizza.com/

[December 19 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that its grand opening took place on Monday, December 18.]

[Earlier Article]
The Gyro Spot in Stoneham Has Closed

[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.)

Tuesday, April 04, 2023

Ciao Amici Opens in the Former Massimo's Ristorante Space in Wakefield

A new Italian restaurant has debuted in the northern suburbs of Boston, taking over the space that had been home to another Italian spot before it closed a few months ago.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Ciao Amici is now open in Wakefield, moving into the former Massimo's Ristorante space on Centre Street behind the downtown area. A look at their website indicates that the place offers fresh pasta along with beer, wine, and cocktails, and their chefs have "45 years combined experience in the Italian Cuisine."

Massimo's first opened in Wakefield in 2014 after being open in several other locations north of Boston; the restaurant closed permanently just before Christmas.

The address for Ciao Amici is 19 Centre Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website is at https://www.ciaoamicirestaurant.com/

[Earlier Article]
Massimo's Ristorante in Wakefield to Close Down on December 22

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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!

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Plazita Mexico Tacos to Open in the Former Pitstop BBQ Space in Wakefield

A Mexican restaurant is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston, moving into a space that had been home to a barbecue spot.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Plazita Mexico Tacos is planning to open in Wakefield, taking over the former Pitstop BBQ space on Vernon Street. A Yelp page for the place has a note from the business, saying that "Plazita Mexico Tacos is an authentic and unique recipe from the Galena family, providing you with excellent homemade recipes, handmade sauces, and fresh meat. bringing you the best taste to you and your loved ones." A menu posted on the page shows a variety of tacos along with burritos, quesadillas, quesadillas, taquitos, and more.

Pitstop BBQ closed last fall after being in business for 10 years.

The address for the upcoming Plazita Mexico Tacos is 10 Vernon Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

[March 13 update: According to multiple sources (and confirmed via a Facebook post from the place), Plazita Mexico Tacos plans to have its grand opening on March 20.]

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Friday, December 16, 2022

Massimo's Ristorante in Wakefield to Close Down on December 22

This spring, it was reported that an Italian restaurant that has resided in several different locations over the years was up for sale, and now we have learned of a closing date for the place.

According to a Facebook post, Massimo's Ristorante in Wakefield is shutting down after business hours on December 22, with the post saying the following:

Massimos Ristorante has been open almost 30 years serving communities from Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, and Wakefield. But We will be closing up shop here indefinitely 12/23/22. We will be open normal hours until then. And the final day is 12/22/22 open normal hours. We want to thank everyone for your support throughout this journey and we would never have made it this far without all of you!

Massimo's first opened in Wakefield in 2014, offering dishes such as lasagna, eggplant rollatini, fried calamari, spaghetti with garlic and oil, ziti primavera, lobster ravioli, veal parmigiana, and frutti di mare.

The address for Massimo's Ristorante is 19 Centre Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website is at https://massimositalian.com/

[Earlier Article]
Massimo's Ristorante in Wakefield Is Up for Sale

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Pitstop BBQ in Wakefield Is Closing

A barbecue spot in the northern suburbs is shutting down after being in business for 10 years.

According to a source, Pitstop BBQ in Wakefield is getting ready to close its doors, with a Facebook post from the Vernon Street place indicating that the people behind it are moving and that its last day in business will be Sunday, October 30. Pit Stop first opened in 2012, taking over the space that had been home to CnDs Barbeque Grille; its menu includes such items as ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork, brisket, wings, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.

The address for Pitstop BBQ is 10 Vernon Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Friday, July 29, 2022

Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield Is Becoming Floramo's

Last month, it was reported that the owner of a beloved spot for steak tips and ribs was taking over the kitchen of a restaurant in the northern suburbs, and now we have learned that the kitchen isn't the only thing changing.

A tweet from Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea says (via a screenshot of an article from the Wakefield Daily Item) that Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield is in the process of becoming a new location of Floramo's. Back in the early part of June, John Floramo started serving lunch at the Main Street spot, offering some faves from the original Floramo's, and a few days later he started offering dinner as well there. It is not known what kinds of changes (if any) the menu might ultimately have at the Wakefield location of Floramo's, and it isn't known if this will be more of a move or a second location, as a new development is being planned for the Floramo's space in Chelsea, though they have apparently been asked to return once construction is complete.

The address for Dockside Restaurant (and the upcoming Floramo's Restaurant) in Wakefield is 1099 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. The website for Dockside is at https://www.docksiderestaurants.com/ while the website for Floramo's is at http://floramos.net/

[Earlier Articles]
Owner of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea Takes Over Kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield
New Development at Floramo's Site in Chelsea Gets Approval; Floramo's Could Return to Space

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Monday, June 06, 2022

Owner of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea Takes Over Kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield

The owner of a legendary spot for steak tips and ribs just outside of Boston is now serving some of their faves at a restaurant in the northern suburbs.

According to a notice from the place, John Floramo of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea has taken over the kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield, with the post stating that "His lunch menu, cooked his way, with his recipes and sauces will start [Monday, June 6]" while showing a menu that includes steak and turkey tips, ribs, shrimp scampi, veal cutlet, and more. In addition, a tweet from Dockside says to "Stay tuned for a BIG announcement!" while including a #comingsoon hashtag, so we should know more as to the exact plans for the space over the coming days and weeks.

Floramo's, which dates back to the mid-1980s, is known for its grill items, BBQ, and Italian dishes, along with its famous slogan "where the meat falls off the bone." Dockside once had locations in Malden (two) and Chelsea, with one of the Malden outlets now being home to House of Smoke, a BBQ spot under the same ownership.

The address for Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield is 1099 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website is at https://www.docksiderestaurants.com/ while the website for Floramo's Restaurant is at http://floramos.net/

[June 10 update: A new tweet indicates that John Floramo now has a dinner menu in place at Dockside in Wakefield, including such items as steak tips, sausage, BBQ chicken breast, haddock marinara, and more.]

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Monday, May 23, 2022

Massimo's Ristorante in Wakefield Is Up for Sale

An Italian restaurant that has resided in three different locations north of Boston over the years is on the selling block.

According to a source, Massimo's Ristorante in Wakefield is for sale, with a post within the Boston's Wicked North Shore Facebook page giving a link to a listing showing that the Centre Street spot has a price of $75,000 and is "TRULY TURNKEY, Keep it Italian or a new specialty." Massimo's first opened in Wakefield in 2014, having previously been in Malden, and before that, Everett. It appears that the restaurant remains open for now, though if that changes, we will post an update here.

The address for Massimo's Ristorante is 19 Centre Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website is at https://massimositalian.com/

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Public Kitchen Is Opening in the Biltmore and Main Space in Reading

A restaurant and bar in the northern suburbs of Boston that is known in part for its beer and cocktail options is expanding a few miles to the north, and it will be replacing another dining and drinking spot.

According to a message from local hospitality writer Cheryl Fenton, Public Kitchen in Wakefield is expanding to a second location in Reading, with the address indicating that it will be taking over the Biltmore and Main Space in the center of town. A Facebook post from the place confirms this, saying that "PK is Getting a Sister! Coming soon to READING MA!" while also mentioning that updates will be coming to the Instagram page for the upcoming location.

Public Kitchen first opened in Wakefield in early 2018, while Biltmore and Main debuted in Reading in the fall of 2015.

The address for the new location of Public Kitchen in Reading is 530 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867. The website for the Wakefield location is at https://publickitchen.net/ while the Instagram page for the Reading outlet will be at https://www.instagram.com/pk_reading/

[December 20 update: A tweet from @dbelson indicates that Public Kitchen is now open in Reading, with the restaurant confirming this in a post.]

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

[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.)

Friday, October 22, 2021

Recanto da Bahia Opens in Wakefield

A new Brazilian restaurant has come to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a message sent by Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, Recanto da Bahia is now open in Wakefield, moving into a space on Main Street in the Greenwood neighborhood of town. It appears that the new eatery has a connection to an Everett-based food truck, and that the menu includes Brazilian tapiocas, which are crepes/flatbreads that come with various fillings.

The address for Recanto da Bahia is 927 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

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

[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.)

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Update: Prezza, Tonno (Both Locations), Blue Ox All Going into Hibernation As of December 14; Will Reopen in February

Four well-known restaurants that are all under the same ownership are the latest to announce their plans to shut down for the time being.

According to a source, Prezza in Boston's North End, Tonno in Gloucester and Wakefield, and the Blue Ox in Lynn are all planning to shutter as of Monday, December 14, with a Facebook post from Prezza saying that the decision was made due to "the current rise in Covid cases, new government restrictions, and overall consumer confidence in dining out." The post mentions that the hibernation will continue until the end of the year and they will make a decision at some point as to when in 2021 they think it would be best to reopen.

Anthony Caturano is behind all four restaurants, with Prezza being an Italian dining spot, both Tonno restaurants focusing on Italian seafood dishes, and the Blue Ox offering mostly New American fare.

[February 17, 2021 update: According to multiple social media posts, Prezza, Tonno, and the Blue Ox are all open once again.]

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

[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.)

Friday, May 01, 2020

Middleton, Wakefield, Waltham, Winchester, Winthrop Now Require Restaurant Workers and Customers to Wear Masks

The trend of Boston-area cities and towns putting stricter rules in place for restaurant workers and customers continues, with at least five more communities joining many others in requiring face coverings.

According to multiple sources, restaurant workers and diners are now required to wear masks or another form of protective face covering in Middleton, Wakefield, Waltham, Winchester, and Winthrop. The five communities join a lengthy list of others in the region, including Abington, Belmont, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Danvers, Essex, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Needham, North Reading, Peabody, Quincy, Reading, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Swampscott, and Whitman, though as of this writing, no such requirement is in place for the city of Boston.

Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to face restrictions in which they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery; the tentative end date for the order is May 18.

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Friday, March 06, 2020

Carol's Cafe in Everett Has Reopened in Wakefield

An Everett restaurant known in part for its breakfast dishes has moved to a brand new space in Wakefield.

According to a message sent from The Passionate Foodie, Carol's Cafe is now open on Tuttle Street a short distance west of Wakefield Center, approximately 10 months after leaving its home on Main Street a short distance south of the Everett/Malden line. Carol's offers such items as pancakes, French toast, waffles, and omelets, and it also serves lunch as well, including salads and sandwiches.

The address for the new location of Carol's Cafe in Wakefield is 39 Tuttle Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

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

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Monday, October 15, 2018

The Remedy Exchange Opens in the Former Porch Space in Wakefield

by Marc Hurwitz

A new spot featuring healthy fare has moved into the space where a Southern-style restaurant had been until closing a few months ago in anticipation of a move.

According to a source, The Remedy Exchange is now open in Wakefield, taking over the space on Tuttle Street where The Porch was. A check on the website and Facebook page for the new eatery indicates that it calls itself a "superfood cafe," focusing on dishes using locally-sourced and responsibly raised ingredients. A few of the menu items for The Remedy Exchange include salads, chia seed pudding, acai bowls, sea-salted almonds, and toast topped with such spreads as sweet potato and cashew cream cheese, along with smoothies, juices, and iced tea.

The Porch is in the process of moving into a larger space at the River's Edge development in Medford.

The address for this new restaurant in Wakefield is: The Remedy Exchange, 41 Tuttle Street, Wakefield MA, 01880. Its website can be found at https://theremedy.exchange/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]