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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Bean & Barrel Cafe to Open in Reading in November

A new cafe is getting ready to open in the northern suburbs of Boston, and it will also double as a cocktail bar as well.

According to its Instagram page, Bean & Barrel Cafe is planning to open in Reading in November, with a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site indicating that the High Street spot will be offering coffee and espresso drinks along with "North End pastries" beginning at 6:00 AM, with cocktails being served starting at 11:00 AM until closing time at 10:00 PM. No menu has been posted for the cafe as of yet, so stay tuned for updates on exact food/drink offerings as they come in.

The address for Bean & Barrel Cafe is 45 High Street, Reading, MA, 01867. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/beanandbarrel_cafe/

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The Woolly Brew Opens in Belmont

A new spot where people can enjoy a cup of coffee while knitting has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a press release, The Woolly Brew is now open in Belmont, moving into a space on Brighton Street near the Cambridge line. The new business, which resides in a commercial property from real estate firm The Hamilton Company, is a cafe, coffee retailer, and knitting shop run by sisters Jo-Ann and Cheryl Spera that offers coffee, tea, baked goods, and pastries and is open Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM and weekends from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The address for The Woolly Brew is 55 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at https://thewoollybrew.com/

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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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Daybreak Cafe and Provisions Opens within Dottys Kitchen & Raw Bar in Quincy

A new cafe has opened in Quincy, and it resides within an existing comfort food restaurant in the downtown area.

According to a source, Daybreak Cafe and Provisions is now open inside Dottys Kitchen & Raw Bar on Hancock Street, with the Instagram page for the business indicating that it offers such options as coffee, tea, baked goods, and pastries. With the opening of the new cafe, the space now has a cafe by day/restaurant by night concept, with Dotty's Kitchen & Raw Bar serving such options as seafood, sandwiches, brick chicken, risotto, bolognese, and pork schnitzel in the evening.

Dottys Kitchen & Raw Bar first opened in early 2024, replacing The Townshend.

The address for Daybreak Cafe and Provisions (and Dottys Kitchen & Raw Bar) is 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. The website for both is at https://www.dottyskitchen.com/ while the Instagram page for Daybreak Cafe and Provisions is at https://www.instagram.com/daybreakbydottys/

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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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Sunrise Cafe Bagels and Diner Is Opening in the Former Papa Gino's Space in Hyde Park

It looks like a new dining spot that will focus at least in part on breakfast is on its way to a Boston neighborhood.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Sunrise Cafe Bagels and Diner is planning to open in Hyde Park, moving into the space in Cleary Square that had been home to a location of Papa Gino's. It appears that the 34-seat eatery will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner based on its proposed hours, though a sign out front features breakfast items including bagels, bagel sandwiches, and coffee.

The address for Sunrise Cafe Bagels and Diner is 1270 River Street, Hyde Park, MA, 02136.

[October 14 update: Universal Hub states that Sunrise Cafe Bagels and Diner is now open, and in addition to the items mentioned above, it also offers tacos and pasta dishes.]

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INspire Cafe in Wakefield Is Closing

A community cafe in the northern suburbs of Boston that is known for being an inclusive workplace is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, INspire Cafe is getting ready to close, with a Facebook post from the Main Street eatery saying the following:

With heavy hearts, we share that INspire cafe will be permanently closing its doors on Saturday, September 5 at 4pm....Unfortunately, the financial realities of operating the Cafe have become increasingly challenging. Rising food and operation costs, broader economic pressures, and and uncertainty surrounding federal funding have all contributed to growing financial pressures on the Cafe's mission-centered operations. The organization has worked tirelessly and explored multiple avenues to identify a sustainable path forward; however, it has reached a point where continued Cafe operations are no longer possible.

Since first opening early last year, INspire cafe has focused on helping bring about change by offering employment opportunities for people with diverse abilities.

The address for INspire Cafe is 411 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website can be found at https://inspirecafe.org/

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NU Kitchen in Somerville Has Closed

A trio of cafes known for their healthy options is back down to two, as they have closed their sole Boston-area location.

According to multiple sources, NU Kitchen in Somerville is no longer in business, with a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page putting up a photo of a note out front saying "After nearly 10 wonderful years, we've made the difficult decision to close NU Kitchen Somerville." The note does mention that locations in Worcester and Newburyport remain in operation, saying "we hope to see many of you there."

NU Kitchen first opened on Washington Street on the outskirts of Union Square in 2016, offering such options as soups, salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, smoothies, and more including vegan and gluten-free options.

The address for the now-closed NU Kitchen was 195 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the business is at https://www.thenukitchen.com/

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Terrain Cafe Opens in Wayland

A new dining spot that is part of a home and garden center has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to its website, Terrain Cafe is now open in Wayland, moving into a space at Wayland Village on Route 20 just west of the center of town. The website for Terrain (which is a home/garden brand run by the parent company of Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters) says the following about the cafe:

Terrain Cafe is inspired by the idea of merging house and garden to create an immersive natural environment where customers can come to unwind, explore, and celebrate....Drawing from the beauty of New England landscapes, the cafe features custom garden furnishings, antique hutches and fixtures, a custom millwork bar, and a four seasons room anchored by a living tree.

The main menu for Terrain Cafe includes such items as mushroom soup, garlic hummus, lamb meatballs, a cheese plate, a beet and burrata salad, lasagna, seared salmon, lobster rolls, burgers, grilled chicken breast, bolognese, and carrot cake along with beer wine, and cocktails, while brunch is also offered.

Another New England location of Terrain (and Terrain Cafe) can be found in Westport, CT.

The address for Terrain Cafe in Wayland is 297 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Wayland, MA, 01778. Its web page can be found at https://www.shopterrain.com/wayland-restaurant

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SALT Patisserie in Newton Centre to Expand, Opening a New Location in Wellesley

A well-known chef is going to be opening a second location of a local pastry shop.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt) along with an earlier article from The Swellesley Report, Thiago Silva is planning to open SALT Patisserie in Wellesley, joining the original shop in Newton Centre. A Facebook post from Silva says "Location 2 loading….Wellesley MA! Hoping we get this construction going soon! Permits taking a while, but all things in Gods timing," so this appears to be in its early stages with no opening date given. Based on the Newton location, the new outlet could be offering such options as breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, croissants, prepared items to-go, coffee, and more.

Silva is a pastry chef who was born in Brazil and raised in Queens, being known in part for winning in the Food Network shows "Chopped" and "Dessert Games."

The address for the upcoming SALT Patisserie in Wellesley is 68A Central Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. The website for the business is at https://www.saltpatisserie.com/

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Fresh Boston in South Boston Has Closed

The South Boston location of a trio of upscale delis and specialty food shops has shut down.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, Fresh Boston on Old Colony Avenue is no longer in operation, with an Instagram post from the place saying the following:

Hi Southie — After nearly four incredible years, we've made the difficult decision to temporarily close the doors of Fresh Boston. This isn't the ending we hoped for. Like so many small businesses, the challenges of the last few years proved greater than we could overcome. We poured everything we had into this restaurant, and while this chapter is coming to an end, we are incredibly proud of what we built together.

The South Boston location of the business first opened in late 2022, joining its original location on Nantucket; both the Nantucket location and the newer Cambridge location at CambridgeSide will remain in operation.

The address for the now-closed Fresh Boston in Southie was 232 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the business is at https://www.freshboston.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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Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Opens in East Boston

Early this year, it was reported that a dining spot with Colombian influences was finally getting close to opening after being in the works for a long time, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Meridian Street in the Maverick Square area. The article mentions that the new spot offers Colombian and other Latin American fare and is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night, with breakfast/brunch served along with small and large plates, while cocktails are available as well.

Another location of Pomona (which is loosely affiliated) can be found in Swampscott, while one had also been in Winthrop but it is closed.

The address for the new Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar in Eastie is 18 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website is at https://pomonaeastie.com/

[Earlier Article]
Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Plans to Open in East Boston

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Kima Cafe to Open in Somerville's Union Square

It looks like a coffee shop is on its way to a Somerville neighborhood.

According to a message sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Kima Cafe is planning to open in Union Square, with the address given for the place within a public legal notice indicating that it will apparently be opening in the Fortissimo Coffeehouse space on Bow Street. The upcoming spot will offer food and drink with Korean and other Asian influences, and it hopes to open sometime in mid-September if all goes as planned.

The address for the upcoming Kima Cafe is 75 Bow Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

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Nana's Green Tea Opens in the Back Bay of Boston

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a chain of cafes with roots in Japan would be expanding to a space in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from boston.com, Nana's Green Tea is now open in the Back Bay, moving into a subterranean space on Newbury Street between Dartmouth Street and Exeter Street. The new spot focuses in part on Matcha green tea options while also offering such items as Japanese curry, rice bowls, parfaits, and more.

Nana's Green Tea started out in Tokyo in 2001, with its first location arriving in the United States in 2018.

The address for Nana's Green Tea in the Back Bay is 175 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain is at https://global.nanasgreentea.com/

[Earlier Article]
Nana's Green Tea Plans to Open in Boston's Back Bay

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Breaking Grounds Cafe in Peabody Is Closing

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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