Honeycomb Creamery Team to Open Crisscross Bakehouse in Cambridge

The people behind an ice cream shop in Cambridge will be opening a new bakery next door.

According to a source, (Sarah Wu), Crisscross Bakehouse is planning to open on Massachusetts Avenue between Porter Square and Harvard Square and adjacent to Honeycomb Creamery, with an Instagram post from the ice cream shop saying the following:

We got big news, y'all... We're opening a bakery! @crisscrossbakehouse will open right next door to our shop in the near future, with a menu full of delicious savory and sweet pastries, coffee and tea. While we wait for the space to finish getting set up, Crisscross will be popping up at our shop starting Thursday, October 29th! We'll be serving a sneak peek of the bakery's menu Thursday through Sunday, 8am-noon every week until 1700A is ready for operation. We're so excited to share what we're working on at Crisscross with y'all!

Honeycomb Creamery got its start in 2015 selling its ice cream at local shops, farmers markets, and popup events, moving into its brick-and-mortar storefront a year later.

The Instagram page for Crisscross Bakehouse is at https://www.instagram.com/crisscrossbakehouse/

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Niveaux Pâtisserie Is Expanding, Opening a New Location in Boston's Financial District

A French patisserie just south of Boston appears to be expanding to a second location, and this one will be in the heart of the city.

According to a source, Niveaux Pâtisserie in North Quincy is apparently expanding to the Financial District of Boston, with an Instagram reel from Robert Gonzalez of the bakery-cafe showing him outside a storefront along State Street. A Toast page for Niveaux indeed shows a second location at 75 State Street that isn't yet taking online orders, while the reel's video indicates that the new location plans to open early next year.

In addition to Niveaux Pâtisserie (which first opened on Hancock Street in North Quincy in the summer of 2024), Gonzalez is also involved with Masons Steakhouse in Quincy Center.

The website for Niveaux Pâtisserie can be found at https://www.niveauxpatisserie.com/

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Michette Opens New Location in Cambridge

About a year ago, it was reported that a bakery in Somerville would be expanding to a second space in Cambridge, and now we have learned that it is open.

According to an article from Boston Uncovered, Michette is now open on Webster Avenue on the outer edge of Inman Square, joining the original location on Broadway in East Somerville. The new shop is much larger than the original and includes a good amount of seating, and its offerings include such options as breads, croissants, cookies, sandwiches, coffee, and more.

The address for the new location of Michette is 305 Webster Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for the business is at https://michette-bakery.com/

[Earlier Article]
Michette Plans to Open a New Location in Cambridge

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Yafa Bakery & Cafe Plans to Expand, Opening a Location in Somerville's Davis Square

An award-winning bakery in Somerville is planning to expand to a second space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yafa Bakery & Cafe on Somerville Avenue is looking to open another location in Davis Square, with the Cambridge Somerville Independent mentioning that it will move into the space on Elm Street where Posto had been before it moved to Assembly Row. The original location is known for its Palestinian foods including spinach and cheese rolls, hummus, Jerusalem bread, baklava, dates, sandwiches, and coffee.

Yafa Bakery & Cafe has received multiple "best of" awards from both Boston Magazine and The Boston Globe since opening its doors in 2022.

The address for the original location of Yafa Bakery & Cafe is 594 Somerville Avenue while the address for the upcoming second location is 187 Elm Street; its website can be found at https://yafabakerycafe.com/

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C'Yool Yemeni Cafe & Bakery Opens in Boston's South End

A new coffeehouse has come to Boston, and it focuses on Middle Eastern treats and drinks.

According to a source (BosGuy), C'Yool Yemeni Cafe & Bakery is now open in the South End, moving into the space on Harrison Avenue where Atlantico had been. The website for the new spot mentions that it offers such items as Yemeni mountain coffee, qishr (a traditional Yemeni hot drink made from coffee husks and spices), Yemeni chai, honeycomb bread, warm pocket bread, sabayah (a sweet pastry), manakeesh (a Levantine flatbread), and more.

The address for C'Yool Yemeni Cafe & Bakery is 600 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at https://cyoolcoffee.com/

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The Foodsmith in Duxbury Is Closing

A bakery-cafe on the South Shore that has a couple of well-known media people behind it is shutting down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, The Foodsmith in Duxbury is getting ready to close its doors, with the post from owner Laura Raposa saying the following:

Steven and I have had a wonderful experience running the Foodsmith for the past 11 years, but we've decided it's time to retire....A 70-hour work week has taken a toll on my back...as well as my aching feet. I'll need both in working order to enjoy life in the years ahead. Our plan is to serve our last breakfast sandwich and cold brew on Wednesday, Sept. 30. So, if you have a gift card -- and there are many floating around town -- please come in and use it. We'll be happy to refund remaining card balances upon request through our closing date.

Laura and her husband Steven Syre had previously been involved in the Boston media, with Laura writing for The Inside Track in The Boston Herald while Steven was a business columnist for The Boston Globe.

The address for The Foodsmith is 17 Standish Street, Duxbury, MA, 02332. Its website can be found at https://www.thefoodsmithduxbury.com/

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Bethencourt Bakehouse to Open Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Acton

A local bakery business whose breads are found online and at popups and markets will soon have a shop of its own.

According to a message sent from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Bethencourt Bakehouse is planning to open a brick-and-mortar store in Acton, moving into a space on Routes 2A/119 (Great Road) within a strip mall about midway between the Concord rotary and the Route 27 intersection. A Facebook post from owner Gonzalo Bethencourt mentions the following:

It turns out wild yeast isn't the only thing that expands when you give it time and care. A little over a year ago, Bethencourt Bakehouse started as an idea, a starter jar, and a passion for slow-fermented, European-style bread. Today, I'm holding the keys to our very own brick-and-mortar home at 166 Great Road in Acton, Massachusetts. To say thank you feels like an understatement. The incredible warmth from our local community, the loyal lines at pop-ups, markets and drops, and the generous support of our friends at Eve & Murray’s helped turn a humble bake setup into a permanent storefront. The core remains unchanged: organic flours, freshly milled grains, long fermentations, and uncompromising quality—just with a lot more counter space, a proper hearth, and room to introduce brand-new creations. Buildout begins now. Follow along as we turn an empty space into a living bakehouse. Acton, we can't wait to welcome you home.

Gonzalo Bethencourt grew up in Madrid, moving to Los Angeles in 2011 then Amsterdam in 2013 before settling in Boston in 2016.

The website for Bethencourt Bakehouse is at https://bethencourtbakehouse.com/

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Bottega Cannuccia to Open in the Former Homestead Cafe Space in Dorchester's Fields Corner

The chef/owner of an Italian restaurant in Dorchester will be opening a second spot nearby.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Stefano Quaresima of Via Cannuccia, which is on Dorchester Avenue between Fields Corner and Ashmont, is planning to open Bottega Cannuccia in the former Homestead Cafe space in Fields Corner (and also on Dorchester Avenue), with this place being an Italian bakery-cafe by day and a wine bar by night. The new spot will have seating for 30 and it will offer pastries, coffee, and sandwiches in the daytime and small plates and wine in the evening.

If all goes well, Bottega Cannuccia could be opening as soon as December.

The address for the upcoming Bottega Cannuccia in Fields Corner is 1448 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

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Party Favors in Brookline Has Closed

A decades-old bakery in Brookline that was known for its cakes has shut down.

According to its Instagram page, Party Favors in Coolidge Corner is now closed, with the last day in operation for the Beacon Street shop being yesterday. There had an earlier note on its website saying "The news is true, after 35 years we are closing our doors. It has been a pleasure to serve you, and to be a part of your celebrations." while a Brookline News article quoted co-owner John Pergantis as saying that "There's no walking traffic anymore. People are still ordering stuff online. The cake business is great, but we can' t keep it going on just cakes without some other revenue coming in." Co-owner Mary Lynn Pergantis also states that "I don’t think people quite understand the volume of business it takes to pay the bills as a retailer....We really don't need this kind of space anymore, and we really can't justify paying the rent to be in this kind of space anymore."

The article does mention that the business could be reborn in a smaller space, with Mary Lynn saying that "Hopefully we can find something smaller and kind of work it a little differently and build it up and then be able to retire."

The address for the now-closed Party Favors was 1356 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

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Weesh Bake Shop in Roslindale Closes Its Retail Shop; Business Will Continue Via Pickups and Popups

A retail bakery in a Boston neighborhood has shuttered after approximately five years in operation, though the business will continue on.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Weesh Bake Shop in Roslindale closed its retail shop at the end of last month, with owner Elyse Purbaugh saying the following in a Facebook post:

Retail has not been profitable for us and when two freezers and a dishwasher break and cost thousands, we need to keep the lights on. We absolutely love our repeat customers who come in for their weekly brownie or weekly M&M cookie and it breaks my heart to give them this news....Retail is not for the faint of heart and nor is being a business owner. Bringing joy to your special day is why Weesh started, and we fully intend to keep that promise.

Purbaugh mentions in a comment within the post that "We are not leaving Birch Street right now as we will continue pre-order pickups there (3x per week) and will host pop-ups! The only thing that will stop is our Saturday retail walk-in."

The website for Weesh can be found at https://weesh.com/

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Harvard Book Store and Lakon Paris Patisserie to Open Near Faneuil Hall in Boston

A beloved bookstore in Cambridge that has been around for nearly 100 years will be expanding to Boston, and it will be joined by a location of a local group of bakeries.

According to an article from Universal Hub, the Harvard Book Store is planning to open a second location just outside of Faneuil Hall, moving into a space on Union Street in the historic Yankee Publishing Building within the Blackstone Block, which the bookstore's website says is the oldest commercial district in Boston. The new store will be teaming up with Lakon Paris Patisserie which will run a cafe next door, while the bookstore will also offer wine at book talks along with other events. If all goes as planned, the new location of the Harvard Book Store will be opening sometime this fall.

The Cambridge location of the Harvard Book Store (which is located on Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square) was founded in 1932 while Lakon Paris Patisserie first started out in Newton Highlands in 2020 and now has locations in Newton Highlands, Brookline, Brighton, and Boston's Seaport District.

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About Thyme Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A brand new Middle Eastern bakery is coming to Cambridge.

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

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

The address for About Thyme is 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/abtthyme/

[September 16 update: According to a source, About Thyme is now open.]

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Zinneken's to Expand, Opening a New Location in Downtown Boston

A group of bakery-cafes known for their Belgian waffles will be expanding to a new location, and this one should be popular with college students.

According to a message sent from Adam Castiglioni of @conciergeboston.bsky.social along with an article from What Now Boston, Zinneken's is planning to open by Boston Common and Emerson College, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

hey boston we've got something really sweet coming your way… Zinneken's Waffles is popping up at Boston Common think: warm, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside Belgian waffles plus coffee  + ice cream  to keep you going (or treat yourself… no judgment) 

What Now says that the new location in Boston plans to open in the winter of 2027, with another in Amherst also coming (and that one could open this fall); both outlets will join the original location in Cambridge's Harvard Square along with others Providence and Glastonbury, CT (a food truck is also part of the business as well).

The address for the upcoming location of Zinneken's in downtown Boston is 98A Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the business is at http://zinnekenswaffles.com/

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Home.stead Bakery and Cafe in Dorchester's Fields Corner Is Closing

A bakery-cafe in Dorchester that is known for its deep connections to the local community is shutting down.

According to multiple sources along with a Facebook post from the place, Home.stead Bakery and Cafe in Fields Corner is closing its doors on June 20, with the post saying the following:

After ten years of being a third place for the wonderful Dorchester community, we have made the difficult decision with heavy hearts to close our door after June 20....We are deeply grateful for the friendships and support that you have given us over the years. It has truly been a privilege to have known you, and we would love to stay in touch. Thank you again for being a big part of our journey and our family in having created many beautiful memories.

No specific reason was given for the closure of the place, which first opened in March of 2016 and has been known as a business that supports local nonprofits and features works from local artists within their space.

The address for Home.stead Bakery and Cafe in Fields Corner is 1448 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at https://dorchesterhomestead.com/

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Lucky Stars Bakehouse to Open in Concord

A new bakery appears to be on its way to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com website, Lucky Stars Bakehouse is planning to open in Concord, saying in the listing that it will be "a new, mission-driven gluten-free bakery focused on baking a variety of breads and other baked goods (cookies, bars, etc.)." The address shown within the listing leads to a residential section of town while the website for the place is not yet up and running; as soon as an exact address and any other information is given in the place, we will post an update here.

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JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe Plans to Open in Burlington

It looks like a bakery-cafe may be on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe is planning to open in Burlington, moving into a space within The Shoppes at Simonds Park on Cambridge Street. A Patch article mentions (via a BCAT post) that the business plans to offer such options as pies, cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and scones along with sandwiches and afternoon tea, and that owner Julie Lewis was once the bakery manager at the Burlington location of Wegmans.

If all goes as planned, JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe could be opening in late April of May.

The address for the upcoming JulieAnne's Bakery and Cafe is 154 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website can be found at https://julieannesbakeryburlington.com/

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Framingham Baking Co. in Framingham Is Closing

A bakery west of Boston that is known in part for its pizza is shutting down after more than 100 years in business.

According to multiple source, Framingham Baking Co. in Framingham is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Waverly Street spot saying "The End of an Era" while mentioning that it will be shuttering on March 29. Framingham Baking Co., which first opened in 1917, offers such items as sheet pizza, scali bread, rolls, biscotti, Italian cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more.

The address for Framingham Baking Co. is 840 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA, 01702. Its website can be found at https://www.framinghambakingcompany.com/

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Muffin House Cafe to Open in Canton

A local group of bakery-cafes with locations south and west of Boston will be opening a new location south of the city.

According to an article from MassLive, Muffin House Cafe is planning to open in Canton, moving into a space in the Cobb Corner Shopping Center on Washington Street. Based on other locations in Westwood, Natick, Walpole, Medway, Hopkinton, and Mendon, expect to see a variety of muffins along with breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bagels, toasts, pastries, coffee, and more.

It appears that the new location of Muffin House Cafe could open in April, though an exact opening date has not been given as of yet.

The address for the upcoming Muffin House Cafe in Canton is 22 Washington Street, Canton, MA, 02021. The website for all locations is at https://www.muffinhousecafe.com/

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Chef George Mendes to Open Agosto, Baby Sister in Boston's South End

An acclaimed chef who was once based in New York City and now calls Boston his home is planning to open not one, but two new spots in the city.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, George Mendes is planning to open Agosto and Baby Sister in the South End, with the former being a 45-seat restaurant on Washington Street with a chef's counter and a tasting menu, while the latter will be a bakery-cafe that is located next door (and both will have Portuguese influences). It looks like Agosto could open next summer, and Baby Sister is hoping to debut later next year.

George Mendes was the opening chef at Amar at Raffles in the Back Bay which opened in 2023, while also being behind Aldea, a Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant with Portuguese and Spanish influences that closed in 2020 after more than 10 years in operation.

The address for Agosto and Baby Sister will be 1673 and 1679 Washington Street in the South End.

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Silver Whisk Bake Shop & Chocolatier Opens in the Former Emma's Macarons Space in Waltham

The person behind an online bakery business has opened a brick-and-mortar shop in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Silver Whisk Bake Shop & Chocolatier is now open in Waltham, moving into the former Emma's Macarons space on Moody Street. An earlier Waltham Channel Facebook post mentioned that owner Nancy Zhou is known for such items as gourmet cakes, chocolates, cookies, cupcakes and other sweet treats, and she focused on running the business online for ten years before opening the new shop in Waltham.

The address for Silver Whisk Bake Shop & Chocolatier (which is currently open on Fridays and Saturdays) is 248 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. Its website is at https://silverwhiskbakeshop.com/

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