In The Game to Open in Peabody

by Marc Hurwitz

A small group of entertainment centers that include food, drink, and games is expanding to the Greater Boston area, with an outlet coming to the North Shore.

A message sent from @CappyinBoston indicates that In The Game is opening in Peabody, with the website and Facebook page for the Lowell Street business indicating that it may be opening next weekend. The upcoming spot will feature more than a hundred games including virtual reality and high-tech simulators while also offering arcade games, mini bowling, a rock wall, laser tag, and a ropes course, with food and drink options including burgers, steaks, pizza, pasta, beer, and cocktails.

In The Game, which is headquartered in Illinois, currently has four locations, including one each in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Texas.

The address for this new entertainment center in Peabody is: In The Game, 535 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. The website for the business can be found at https://inthegame.net/

[March 17 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, In The Game opens in Peabody on Saturday, March 23.]

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]

---

Tweet

Lucky Strike Social Opens at Assembly Row in Somerville

by Marc Hurwitz

A long-awaited bowling and entertainment center has come to a growing development in Somerville.

According to a message sent from the place, Lucky Strike Social is now open at Assembly Row, with the spot offering bowing, food, live music, and arcade gaming along with private and semi-private events space. The new location of the Lucky Strike chain joins another Lucky Strike Social location behind Fenway Park in Boston as well as outlets in Albany and Honolulu. (Approximately 20 locations of the original concept--Lucky Strike--can also be found across the country.)

The Assembly Row location of Lucky Strike Social is open from 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM Sunday through Wednesday and 11:30 to 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday.

The address for this new bowling and entertainment center in Somerville is: Lucky Strike Social, 325 Revolution Drive, Somerville, MA, 02145. The website for Lucky Strike Social can be found at http://www.luckystrikesocial.com/

[Earlier Article]
Lucky Strike Plans to Open at Somerville's Assembly Row

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]

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games Building in Cambridge Being Demolished

by Marc Hurwitz

A Cambridge landmark that shut down for good over the summer is officially disappearing from the landscape this week.

According to a Twitter post from @Spedmunki, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is in the process of coming down, with another tweet from @boxofbacon showing the structure being demolished. The complex--which featured bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink--closed in August after more than 30 years in business, with the site eventually becoming home to an apartment complex.

The address for the Lanes & Games site is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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]

---

Tweet

Jillian's in Boston's Fenway to Become Lucky Strike Social

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime entertainment complex in the Fenway is getting a name change.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Jillian's and Lucky Strike on Ipswich Street is rebranding to Lucky Strike Social, with a few changes coming to the space including a staircase connecting the billiards and bowling spot to Cheeky Monkey Brewing Company downstairs. The post mentions that once the changeover is complete, Lucky Strike Social will join two others in Albany and Honolulu.

Jillian's first opened approximately 30 years ago, with the Lucky Strike brand coming to the space toward the end of 2003; Cheeky Monkey Brewing Company is a newcomer to the site, taking over the former Tequila Rain space this summer.

The address for Jillian's/Lucky Strike (and the rebranded Lucky Strike Social) is 145 Ipswich Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The Jillian's website is at http://jilliansboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. to Open in Former Tequila Rain Space in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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]

---

Tweet

Kings Bowl America Becoming Kings Dining and Entertainment; Flagship to Open in Boston's Seaport District

An expanding group of entertainment facilities based in the local area is being rebranded--and its flagship location will soon be opening on the Boston waterfront.

According to a press release, Kings Bowl America is changing its name to Kings Dining and Entertainment, with the change being made as it continues to evolve from group of bowling, dining, and drinking spots to more of a full-fledged group of entertainment complexes. As earlier reported, its flagship--and largest location--is slated to debut at One Seaport Square in the Seaport District in October, and it will be billed as a multi-floor "adult playground" with a sports bar, an arcade bar, billiards, multiple bowling areas, a private bowling room, three corporate event rooms, and DJs nightly.

Currently, locations of Kings can be found in Boston's Back Bay along with Burlington, Dedham, Lynnfield, Raleigh, NC, Franklin, TN, Doral and Orlando, FL, and Rosemont, IL. Its website is at http://kingsbowlamerica.com/

[October 14 update: According to a press release, the new Kings in the Seaport District is slated to open on October 30.]

[Earlier Article]
Kings to Open in Boston's Seaport District

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]

---

Tweet

Plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements in Saugus Withdrawn, May Be Modified

Last month we reported that a family entertainment spot that would include bowling, billiards, food, drink, and more could be on its way to Saugus. Now we have learned that these plans have been shelved, at least for now.

According to an article from Wicked Local, plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements to open at the Square One Mall have fallen through, as the company has withdrawn its proposal without prejudice after town selectmen raised concerns such as the possible draining of public safety resources and alcohol-related issues. The company will still be able to talk about its plans with the Saugus police department and reapply if it wishes to do so, though it is not yet known if this will indeed happen.

One location of the Japan-based Round 1 Bowling & Amusements can be found in Massachusetts (in Taunton) while another 14 outlets can be found in nine other states.

The website for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements is at http://www.round1usa.com/

[December 8 update: Wicked Local states that the group behind Round 1 Bowling & Amusements did indeed modify their proposal, making the closing time 1:00 AM instead of 2:00 AM and offering plans to install mirrored walls, glass doors, and security cameras in the private karaoke rooms, but the Saugus Board of Selectmen rejected the application, citing "public discontent and concerns from the Saugus Police Department." The article mentions that the group may appeal the decision, with their decision expected over the next few days.]

[Earlier Article]
Round 1 Bowling & Amusements May Be Opening in Saugus

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]

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13

A Cambridge landmark will be closing next month.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is shutting down for good after the weekend of August 12 and 13, confirming what sources have been saying over the past few days, that it was planning to close in a couple of weeks. As mentioned earlier, the complex is slated to be replaced by an apartment complex that will also be taking over the adjacent Gateway Motel site.

Lanes & Games first opened more than 30 years ago featuring bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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]

---

Tweet

Round 1 Bowling & Amusements May Be Opening in Saugus

A family entertainment spot that includes bowling, billiards, food, drink, and more may be on its way to Saugus.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Round 1 Bowling & Amusements is looking to open on the second floor of Sears at the Square One Mall, with the proposed 60,000-square-foot seeking a beer and wine license that would allow it to serve alcohol along with "typical bowling alley foods." The post says that the proposal includes the possibility of having 14 bowling lanes, 8 pool tables, 300 arcade games, a couple of dart machines and a couple of Ping Pong tables, and four private karaoke rooms. Currently, there is one other location of the Japan-based Round 1 Bowling & Amusements in Massachusetts (in Taunton) while another 14 outlets can be found in nine other states.

The website for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements is at http://www.round1usa.com/

[August 18 update: A new article from Wicked Local states that plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements to open at the Square One Mall have fallen through, as the company has withdrawn its proposal after town selectmen raised concerns about the plans, including worries about the draining of public safety resources and issues related to alcohol. The article does say that because the application for the place was withdrawn without prejudice, Round 1 Bowling & Amusements can still discuss the plans with Saugus police and apply once again, though it is not yet known if this will happen.]

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]

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space

Last summer we reported that a local institution for bowling and more might be shutting down in order to make way for a new development. Now we have learned that this will indeed be happening.

According to an article from Wicked Local, the Cambridge Planning Board has approved of plans to build a 320-unit apartment complex on Route 2 at the site where Lanes & Games and the Gateway Motel currently reside. In August of 2016, we mentioned that the residential project was being proposed and that the family behind the bowling alley was expected to keep it open for another year or so; the current article from Wicked Local mentions that the plan was for Lanes & Games to remain open until the bowling leagues finish up for the summer, and a Tweet from today seems to confirm this.

Lanes & Games, which first opened more than 30 years ago, has been a popular place for bowling, pool, and video games over the years; it also has a restaurant and bar that offers such items as burgers, pizza, ribs, and steak tips.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[May 16 update: Cambridge Day is reporting that following April's approval by the Cambridge Planning Board of plans to build the apartment complex, the Arlington Redevelopment Board decided last night not to file any sort of appeal against the proposal, which appears to be a major blow for opponents of the project since the deadline for any appeals is only a week away (Tuesday, May 23).]

[June 26 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Lanes & Games will remain open through at least mid-July, though posters on The Arlington List Facebook group page are saying it might remain open until the end of July.]

[Earlier Article]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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]

---

Tweet

Flatbread Company to Open at Boston Landing in Brighton

Several months ago, we reported that a handful of dining spots were going to be coming to a new development at the New Balance site in Brighton, including a pizza and bowling spot, and now we have learned who is behind this place.

According to a press release sent today, a lease has been signed for the Flatbread Company to open at Boston Landing, with this being its second combination pizzeria/bowling alley, joining one in Somerville's Davis Square. Once it opens, the new spot will join other Flatbreads in Amesbury, Bedford, and Georgetown, along with a handful of others in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and New Hampshire, as well as one in British Columbia.

In addition to Flatbread Company, a couple of other spots also signed leases to open at Boston Landing--Rail Stop Restaurant and Bar [ed note--now open] and Kohi Coffee Company.

The website for Flatbread Company can be found at http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/

[September 12 update: A new Craigslist job post indicates that the Flatbread Company is now hiring for its upcoming Brighton location, and that it will be accompanied by Brighton Bowl, with nine candlepin bowling lanes being within the space.]

[November 17 update: According to several sources (including Henry Santoro of WGBH), the new Flatbread Company plans to open in Brighton on Sunday.]

[Earlier Articles]
Rail Stop 96 Restaurant & Bar to Open at Boston Landing in Brighton
Pizza/Bowling Spot, Greek Eatery, Cafe, Juice Bar to Join Seaport Grille at Boston Landing in Brighton

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

Lucky Strike Plans to Open at Somerville's Assembly Row

It looks like a small chain of bowling alleys that also features food, drink, and entertainment may be coming to a growing development in Somerville.

According to a source, Lucky Strike is planning to open at Assembly Row, apparently coming to the part of the complex that will also be home to a location of Mike's Pastry Shop. (As reported earlier, Mike's is coming to the new Partners HealthCare building, which is part of Phase II of the Assembly Row development.) A check on the Bizapedia site indicates that Lucky Strike has indeed set up a Limited-Liability Company called "Lucky Strike Somerville, LLC," which was filed on September 16, though an exact address for the business itself has not been given.

Lucky Strike has more than 20 locations around the country, including one behind Fenway Park in Boston. The only other locations in the Northeast are all in New York--Albany, Manhattan, and West Nyack.

The website for Lucky Strike can be found at http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/

[March 6, 2018 update: According to a Craigslist job post, Lucky Strike will open this spring and that it will be another location of its Lucky Strike Social concept, which features bowling, food, live music, and arcade gaming.]

[April 9, 2018 update: A events page hints that Lucky Strike Social appears to be on the verge of opening at Assembly Row, as a VIP Launch Party takes place there on Thursday, April 12.]

[Earlier Article]
Mike's Pastry to Open in Somerville's Assembly Row

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]

---

Tweet

Kings Drops Plans to Open at Shoppers World in Framingham

Plans for a bowling alley/restaurant complex to open west of Boston have fallen through, at least for the time being.

According to an article in Wicked Local Framingham, Kings has decided to withdraw its plans to open within a proposed residential and retail building at Shoppers World that is now on hold apparently because of both the indoor skydiving facility iFLY and the bowling alley dropping out. James Hanrahan, who is a lawyer representing the plaza's owner, says of Kings withdrawal, "We're not sure that that is final, but rather than have this board and Natick get multiple continued iterations of plans until the leasing program was satisfied, we chose to withdraw at this time."

As reported here last year, Shoppers World had been making plans to add what was originally going to be a retail complex, including Kings, a second dining spot, and iFLY, but a housing component in the form of apartments was later added to the proposal.

Kings currently has local outlets in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Dedham, and Lynnfield, with another one coming to Boston's Seaport District in 2017. Its website can be found at https://www.kingsbowlamerica.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kings, Second Restaurant, iFLY Skydiving Facility Proposed for Shoppers World in Framingham and Natick

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]

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

It looks like a local institution for bowling and more could disappear from the landscape and be replaced by a new development.

Universal Hub is reporting that Criterion Development Partners is planning to build a residential complex at the site of Lanes & Games along Route 2 in Cambridge, with the development (which will be called the Residences at Alewife Station) including two buildings that would apparently take over the space where the adjacent Cambridge Gateway Inn currently resides as well. A meeting on the project takes place tonight with The ​North Cambridge Stabilization Committee while The Cambridge Conservation Commission will hold a hearing tomorrow, with UH stating that one concern that will require commissioner approval is the fact that the structures would be built on a floodplain. (The Cambridge planning board will also need to approve the proposal as well.)

Lanes & Games has been a popular spot for bowling, pool, and video games since it first opened more than 30 years ago; it also has a restaurant and bar that offers such items as pizza, burgers, steak tips, and ribs.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[August 26 update: The Cambridge Chronicle/TAB mentions that Lanes & Games is expected to remain open for another year or so before saying farewell, with Criterion consultant Rich McKinnon saying that the family behind the place has "made a decision; they're tired. They want to retire, they don't want to run it anymore, and the next generation doesn't want to run it anymore." The article also mentions that the Lanes & Games space is expected to become home to a high-end apartment building. (Thanks to Drew Starr for bringing this to our attention.)]

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]

---

Tweet

Sports Bar, Bowling Alley Part of Development Plans for Former Boston Garden Site

The first phase of a project that would bring new development to the old Boston Garden space has cleared a big hurdle, and the plans include a massive sports bar along with a bowling alley.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that the Boston Civic Design Commission has given approval for a multi-level podium called "Champions Row" at the site of the old Garden (and currently, a parking lot) on Causeway Street next to North Station. The article says that the podium would have 2.8 acres of space and would include a 20,000-square-foot sports bar with room for 500, a bowling alley, and other businesses such as a Star Market, a movie theater, and additional space for retail. No specific details have been given for who might be behind the sports bar or bowling alley--and while the blueprint for the project shows the logo for the latter being similar to that of Strike Rock N' Bowl in Niagara Falls, NY, there is no indication at this point in time that that place would be opening within the development.

Boston Properties is behind the mixed-use project, which is also slated to have both a residential tower and an office tower along with a hotel and a parking garage.

[January 27, 2016 update: According to a Twitter post from @ConciergeBoston, construction has begun on the new project next to North Station that will include a multi-level podium with a sports bar, bowling alley, grocery store, and more. (The post says that the name of the project is "The Hub on Causeway.")]

[January 28, 2016 update: The Boston Herald states that Big Night Entertainment and concert promoter Don Law are teaming up with the plan being to open an entertainment complex within the upcoming development at the former Boston Garden site. The article says that the aforementioned bowling alley would be a part of the complex, along with a restaurant, nightclub, and venue for live concerts. (It is not known if the sports bar mentioned earlier would be part of it.)]

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]

---

Tweet

Kings, Second Restaurant, iFLY Skydiving Facility Proposed for Shoppers World in Framingham and Natick

A shopping center west of Boston is making plans to add on to its space, with a bowling alley/restaurant complex, a second dining spot, and a skydiving facility being included in the proposal.

Wicked Local Natick is reporting that Shoppers World has filed plans to bring a location of Kings and a separate unnamed restaurant to 19 Flutie Pass in Framingham (between Shoppers World and the Natick Mall), with an indoor skydiving facility called iFLY being included at the site as well, just on the other side of the border in Natick. The article says that the 12.8-acre space being looked at is a vacant lot at the present time, and it had formerly been a snow dump along with commuter parking and overflow parking for the nearby AMC cinema. The Framingham Planning Board is looking to hold a public hearing on the proposed Kings and separate restaurant on September 10, while the Natick Planning Board is looking to hold a hearing on the skydiving facility on September 16.

[September 14 update: A new article in Wicked Local Natick mentions that the Framingham Planning Board was "happy" to hear of the plans for a Kings, a restaurant, and a skydiving facility at Shoppers World, with the public hearing on the project continuing October 1. (As mentioned previously, Natick will be discussing the plans on Wednesday.) The article also notes that a tenant has not been chosen for the restaurant as of yet, with the search continuing.]

[February 24, 2016 update: Wicked Local Natick states that both Kings and the still-unnamed restaurant have been given the green light to open by the town of Framingham, while the skydiving facility has been given the ok by the town of Natick; if all goes well, the complex could open sometime in late 2017.]

Kings currently has locations in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Dedham, Lynnfield, Raleigh, NC, Orlando, FL, and Rosemont, IL, with another one coming to Boston's Seaport District in 2017. iFLY, which has facilities in North America, the United Kingdom, and Asia, has a sole New England location in Nashua, NH.

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]

---

Tweet

Kings to Open in Boston's Seaport District

An entertainment facility with several locations in the Boston area is going to be opening another spot in one of the hottest sections of the city.

According to the coming soon section within its site, Kings is planning to open a new complex in the Seaport District, with a photo from that area shown on the page, looking back toward the downtown area of Boston. It is not known exactly where the new place will open, with the page only saying that it will be opening in the summer of 2017. In addition to the Seaport District, another location of Kings will be coming to Chicago as well, with that complex possibly opening this fall.

Kings, which features dining, drinking, bowling, pool, and other games, can be found in Boston's Back Bay, along with Burlington, Dedham, Lynnfield, Raleigh, NC, Orlando, FL, and Rosemont, IL. Its website is at http://kingsbowlamerica.com/

[April 14 update: According to a number of sources, including an earlier article from boston.com, the new Kings will open at One Seaport Square, a new complex that will be located between Seaport Boulevard and Northern Avenue.]

[August 14, 2017 update: The Boston Herald states that the long-awaited Seaport District location of Kings plans to open in October, and that it will be the chain's flagship location--and one that is being billed as an "adult playground" with a sports bar, an arcade bar, billiards, a private bowling room, three corporate event rooms, and DJs seven nights a week. (The article also says that the chain itself is being rebranded into more of a place to get food and enjoy entertainment, along with bowling.)]

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]

---

Tweet

After Setback Due to Fire, Kings to Open in Burlington in Early 2015

In April, we reported that an upcoming location of an entertainment facility was damaged in a fire that caused parts of the structure to collapse and forced firefighters from the building. Now it looks like the rebuilt place is getting closer to opening.

According to a post on its Facebook page, Kings is looking to open in Burlington in early 2015 and is currently hiring for the new location. The complex, which will include bowling, dining, and more, will be located at the new 3rd Ave Burlington, a retail area that will be in the middle of the Northwest Park development just north of the Burlington Mall.

[December 17 update: According to a Twitter post from @FoodserviceEast, the new Kings in Burlington opens on February 9.]

[February 9, 2015 update: According to posts from its Facebook page, the new Kings will not be opening today because of the weather, instead opening to the public on Thursday (February 12).]

Other locations of Kings in the local area can be found in Boston, Dedham, and Lynnfield. The Kings website is at http://kingsbowlamerica.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kings in Burlington Heavily Damaged by Fire; Will Rebuild

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]

---

Tweet

Splitsville and Howl at the Moon Are Opening in Foxborough

A small chain of upscale bowling alleys and restaurants is going to be teaming up with another small chain of dueling piano bars to open a dining and entertainment complex southwest of Boston.

According to a post within the BostonChefs.com jobs section, Splitsville and Howl at the Moon are opening at Patriot Place in Foxborough, with the Patriot Place site saying that Splitsville will include 12 luxury lanes and food items such as sushi, steak chimichurri, burgers, and pizza. Based on the location of Howl at the Moon in downtown Boston, expect the complex to also feature entertainment that may include two players on baby grand pianos along with folks playing other instruments and plenty of audience participation (it is not yet known whether Howl at the Moon will offer its 86-ounce buckets of booze at this location).

[September 12 update: According to its Facebook page, Splitsville and Howl at the Moon are now open at Patriot Place (it looks like they opened in August).]

Splitsville has 5 locations in Florida, Virginia, and Texas, while Howl at the Moon has 15 locations spread out across the country. The website for Splitsville can be found at http://www.splitsvillelanes.com/ while the website for Howl at the Moon is at http://www.howlatthemoon.com/

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex just off Route 1 that is adjacent to Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution.

Tweet

Kings in Burlington Heavily Damaged by Fire; Will Rebuild

An upcoming location of an entertainment facility with locations in Boston, Dedham, and Lynnfield was hit by a major fire last night.

An article in the Burlington Patch states that flames broke out at Kings in Burlington around 10:00 PM, with the fire going to two alarms and causing parts of the building to collapse, forcing firefighters out of the building. The post says that several nearby communities helped knock down the fire, including Bedford, Lexington, Reading, Wilmington, and Woburn, with the main part of the blaze being under control sometime after midnight. It is not yet known what the cause of the fire was, nor the exact extent of the damage.

[April 14 update: In a post from Banker & Tradesman, Burlington Assistant Fire Chief Michael Patterson is quoted as saying that the Kings building is "most likely a total loss."]

[April 14 update #2: Kings owner Patrick Lyons says in a statement that "We will rebuild and hope to be open within a year. We want to thank everyone for their outpouring support and kind words and gestures." (Thanks to CBH Communications for posting this info.)]

The new location of Kings had been scheduled to open at 3rd Ave Burlington (a retail area that will be in the middle of the new Northwest Park development) later this month, with the complex being the largest location yet, at approximately 30,000 square feet.

Thanks to Patrick M. of the Server Not Servant blog for bringing this to our attention via a post from @bostonradio.

[Earlier Article]
Kings to Open in Burlington

Tweet

Kings to Open in Burlington

An entertainment facility with locations in Boston and Dedham [and Lynnfield as of October, 2013 -ed] that features bowling, billiards, food, and drink is apparently planning to open another location in the area, with this one being in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to The Boston Herald, the group behind Kings (The Lyons Group) is looking at a space across from the Burlington Mall in Burlington as the potential site for another Kings location. The article states that the site used to be a car dealership, but it does not mention the name of the former dealer--an article we had posted in the fall had mentioned that a chain of restaurant and video game arcades called Dave & Buster's has also been looking at a former car dealership space across from the mall (Burlington Dodge) for a new location of its entertainment spot, but we have not yet been able to find out whether both places are looking at vying for the site or "sharing" the same space (keep checking back for updates here).

[February 14 update: According to The Burlington Union and Wicked Local, the location for the proposed Kings in Burlington would be at Northwest Park, which is a business park on Third Avenue at the Middlesex Turnpike intersection, a short distance north of the Burlington Mall. The article mentions that a formal application for Kings looks to be filed with the Burlington Planning Board sometime in the next month or two.]

[April 3, 2013 update: Kings is now in the process of being built, with the Burlington Patch reporting (via a Tweet from 3rd Ave Burlington) that it is planning to open this fall. The Patch says that the new Kings will include seating for nearly 300 diners along with 24 bowling lanes.]

[April 3, 2014 update: An email sent this week indicates that the new Kings in Burlington will open later this month, and it will be the largest Kings yet, with 30,000 square feet of space.]

Kings first opened in 2003 in the Back Bay of Boston, with a second location opening at Legacy Place in Dedham in the early fall of 2009. [Ed note: As mentioned above, a third Boston-area location of Kings opened in Lynnfield in the fall of 2013.]

For more information on the proposed opening of Kings in Burlington, please go to the Boston Herald link below.

Lyons Group eyeing a third Kings facility across from mall

Tweet