Yas Chicken in Burlington Has Closed

A small group of chicken places with local roots has closed one of its locations in the Boston suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yas Chicken in Burlington is no longer in operation, with the website for the business confirming this as it has removed the Middlesex Turnpike outlet. The Burlington location of the eatery first opened in the early part of 2024 in a space that had once been home to an outlet of Qdoba; currently, there are locations of Yas in Brockton and Lynn along with others in Westfield, Providence, and Las Vegas. (All locations offer such items as chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, waffles, fries, and more.)

The address for the now-closed location of Yas Chicken in Burlington was 90 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the business can be found at https://www.yaschicken.com/

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Moon Flower House in Allston Has Closed

It looks like what was once a pair of Chinese dining spots known for their chicken options now has no remaining locations in Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Retaurants Facebook group page, Moon Flower House in Allston is no longer in business, with a Google search seeming to confirm this as it says the Brighton Avenue eatery is "permanently closed." Another location had also been on Kneeland Street in Chinatown but that one closed at some point in time as well.

Moon Flower House featured such items as fried chicken sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, wings, chicken wraps, popcorn chicken, and more.

The address for the now-closed Moon Flower House in Allston was 110 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

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Birdcode to Open in Hanover

A small group of chicken spots based in Connecticut will be expanding to Eastern Massachusetts, with a location coming to the South Shore.

According to a Facebook post from realtor Sean Murphy, Birdcode is planning to open in Hanover, moving into a space on Washington Street just north of the Route 3 intersection. Once it opens, the new location will join others in West Hartford, New Britain, Vernon, Cheshire, Brookfield, and Darien, and expect chicken sandwiches (including Nashville hot chicken), tenders, bites, and more at the new outlet.

Birdcode first started out in West Hartford in 2020.

The address for the upcoming location of Birdcode is 1978 Washington Street (Route 53), Hanover, MA, 02339. The website for the business is at https://eatbirdcode.com/

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Popeyes Plans to Open in Brighton

A chain of southern fried chicken spots that dates back more than 50 years may be expanding to a neighborhood of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Popeyes is looking to open in Brighton, moving into a space within Park Center Plaza on Washington Street between Brighton Center and Oak Square. The proposed location of the chain will likely focus on takeout, having only 7 seats and a kitchen in the back; if given the green light to open, the new outlet would join others nearby at Northeastern University in Boston, Roslindale, Roxbury, West Roxbury, and Newton, along with locations in Brockton, Chelmsford, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, Randolph, Quincy, and Woburn.

The address for the proposed location of Popeyes in Brighton is 470 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.popeyes.com/

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Frangos Chicken Fingers in Wilmington to Expand, Opening in Billerica

A dining spot in the northern suburbs of Boston that focuses on a specific comfort food item is expanding to a second space north of the city.

According to a source (Aron Levy) Frangos Chicken Fingers in Wilmington is planning to open a new location in Billerica, moving into the shopping center on Boston Road in North Billerica that is home to a location of Market Basket. Based on the original location on Lowell Street in Wilmington, expect the new outlet to offer chicken fingers along with grilled cheese, Texas toast, fries, and chocolate chip cookies.

The address for the upcoming location of Frangos Chicken Fingers in Billerica is 199 Boston Road, North Billerica, MA, 01862. The website for the business is at https://www.frangosofficial.com/

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K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken Opens in Somerville's Union Square

Last fall, it was reported that a chicken place could be coming to Somerville, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to multiple source, K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is now open in Union Square, and as mentioned in an earlier article, it has taken over the space on Washington Street that had once been home to Cantina La Mexicana. The menu for the eatery shows such options as wings, boneless tenders, and chicken sandwiches, and it also offers vegetarian options (using oyster mushrooms) along with fries, coffee, tea, and baked goods.

The address for K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is 249 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://www.kbokchicken.com/

[Earlier Article]
K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken May Be Opening in the Former Cantina La Mexicana Space in Somerville's Union Square

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Firebird Pizza Co. Opens in Wellesley

A new dining spot that features pizza and chicken sandwiches has come to the western suburbs of Boston, and a local restaurant group is behind the place.

According to its website and social media, Firebird Pizza Co. is now open in Wellesley, moving into the space on Forest Street that had been home to Deluxe Pizza. An article from The Swellesley Group indicates that the Wellesley Restaurant Group (The Local Kitchen & Drinks, Wayland Pizza Company) is behind the new eatery, with the website for Firebird Pizza Co. saying that "we're igniting a fresh take on comfort food....With a vibe that's modern, laid-back, and full of flavor, Firebird is here to turn up the heat in Wellesley."

The address for Firebird Pizza Co. is 1 Forest Street, Wellesley, MA, 02481. Its website can be found at https://www.firebirdpizzaco.com/

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Update: Big Chicken at the Northshore Mall in Peabody Has Closed, Will Relocate to Beverly

[Ed note: This article was updated on October 14 to reflect new information given.]

A chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer has closed a location in the Greater Boston area after a bit more than one year in business, though it will be reborn in a new location not too far away.

According to a source, Big Chicken at the Northshore Mall in Peabody is no longer in operation, with a Patch article confirming that it has indeed shut down. We have subsequently been informed that this is actually a move, with a new location of the restaurant coming to 19 Dodge Street in Beverly, possibly early in 2026.

Big Chicken, which is part of a chain founded by Shaquille O'Neal, first opened at the Northshore Mall in the summer of 2024, offering such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more. A food truck location of the chain called Big Chicken Dunk Truck remains open at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. The chain was first established in 2018 by O'Neal, who played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in 2011.

The website for Big Chicken can be found at https://www.bigchicken.com/

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Flip the Bird in North Woburn Has Closed

A local group of dining spots in the northern suburbs of Boston that focus on fried chicken sandwiches has closed one of its locations.

According to several sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Flip The Bird in North Woburn is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

Running a small but growing business comes with extreme highs and lows. Unfortunately this is a low. We have come to the decision to close the Woburn location of Flip the Bird. If any of our fans are entrepreneurs like us you know this decision did not come lightly. We have done all we can think of to get this location to where it needed to be. Unfortunately not everything always works out. We had a meeting with our staff over 2 weeks ago and told them we were closing the doors August 30th. We wanted to give them the courtesy of finding a new job while still having one with us. All our team members have also been offered jobs at other locations of Flip The Bird and some of them are already in the process of transferring to Beverly and Danvers! Our last week in business was supposed to be a way to give back to our regulars and thank them for the their support. Unfortunately circumstances beyond our control did not allow for us to do that. Thank you to the Woburn community for your support over the last few years!

Flip the Bird first opened in the former WuBurger space on Main Street in September of 2023; currently, locations can be found in Beverly, Danvers, and Swampscott, along with an upcoming outlet in North Andover.

The address for the now-closed location of Flip The Bird in North Woburn was 880 Main Street (Route 38), Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for all locations can be found at https://flipthebirdfriedchicken.com/

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Popeyes to Open in Brookline

A chain of chicken spots is going to be opening a location that should be popular with college students.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Brookline News article), Popeyes is planning to open in Brookline, moving into a space on Commonwealth Avenue by Boston University on the Boston line that had been home to a location of Mission cannabis dispensary. Once it opens, the new outlet will join a number of others in the Greater Boston area, including by Northeastern University in Boston, Roslindale, Roxbury, West Roxbury, Newton, Brockton, Chelmsford, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, Randolph, Quincy, and Woburn.

The address for the upcoming location of Popeyes in Brookline is 1024B Commonwealth Avenue, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.popeyes.com/

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Lily P's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing

A Cambridge restaurant that is known in part for its chicken and oysters along with its live entertainment is shutting down.

According to @jhayden.bsky.social, who posted on Bluesky, Lily P's in Kendall Square is getting ready to close its doors, with a phone call placed to the Binney Street spot confirming this, saying that Thursday, June 12 will be its last day in operation. Chris Parsons first opened the restaurant in the latter part of 2019, focusing on comfort food while also being popular for its ongoing Bluegrass Tuesdays events.

We have been told that there may be a slight chance Lily P's could return at some point, though for now, it will be shuttering at least for the foreseeable future after tomorrow. (Another location of Lily P's can be found at Hub Hall in Boston's North Station area, though no news has come out about that outlet as of yet.)

The address for Lily P's is 50 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its website can be found at https://lilypschicken.com/

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Crispy Chick Is Opening in Somerville's Winter Hill Neighborhood

A new dining spot that focuses on chicken is getting ready to debut in Somerville.

According to a source, Crispy Chick is opening in the city's Winter Hill neighborhood on May 24, with a Facebook post from the Broadway spot saying the following:

GRAND OPENING ALERT! Join us at Crispy Chick on Saturday, May 24, 2025, as we open our doors at 12 PM at 288 Broadway, Somerville, MA!  Come experience the Golden Crunch with a FREE chicken meal for all our opening day guests!  Don't miss out on the crispiest, juiciest chicken in town! Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and let's celebrate together!

The Facebook page for Crispy Chick mentions that the place will be offering wings and "crispy chicken," though a menu has not been seen as of yet.

The address for Crispy Chick is 288 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02145.

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YellowBird Chicken in West Roxbury Has Closed; Building Slated for Demolition to Make Room for Condos

A chicken spot in a Boston neighborhood has shut down, as its building is apparently going to be torn down.

According to an article from Universal Hub, YellowBird Chicken in West Roxbury is no longer in business, as owner Brian Martell put up a Facebook post saying that condo development is being planned for the site. The eatery was known for its comfort food items including wings, rotisserie chicken, tenders, and chicken sandwiches, along with burgers, fish cakes, and salads.

The address for the now-closed YellowBird Chicken was 239 Grove Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132.

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Chick'n More in Saugus Has Become a Location of Istanbul Diner

It looks like a chicken spot on Route 1 has been replaced by a Turkish restaurant, and it appears that this is a concept change under the same ownership.

According to a message from @IrishEyesPhoto1, Chick'n More in Saugus is now a location of Istanbul Diner, joining another location in Revere. The website for Istanbul Diner confirms this, mentioning that "we are excited to expand our mission with our new location in Saugus, MA." Chick'n More first opened last May, taking over the space where a location of Boston Market had once been.

The Facebook page for Chick'n More indicates the ownership connection between the two dining spots, saying that  "Since 2019, starting with Istanbul Diner Cafe, we're excited to continue growing. We hope you enjoy dining with us!"

The address for the now-closed Chick'n More (and new Istanbul Diner) is 168 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus, MA, 01906. The website for its Saugus location is at https://istanbuldiner-saugus.com/

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Shy Bird Opens in the Fenway Section of Boston

Last summer, it was reported that a pair of comfort food spots known in part for their chicken dishes would be joined by a third location, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, Shy Bird is now open in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, moving into a space on Brookline Avenue just down the street from Fenway Park. The new dining spot joins others in Cambridge's Kendall Square and in South Boston, and it offers such items as chicken bites, piri piri chicken, herb roasted chicken, truffled chicken frites, and chicken sandwiches, along with such non-chicken options as butternut squash soup, marinated anchovies, smash burgers, umami bowls, linguine with clams, seared cod, and more along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the new location of Shy Bird in the Fenway is 201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations is at https://www.shybird.com/

[Earlier Article]
Shy Bird Plans to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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Dave's Hot Chicken Opens in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

Last summer, it was reported that a growing chain of chicken spots would be opening a new location in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from MassLive, Dave's Hot Chicken is now open in the city's Fenway neighborhood, moving into the Bon apartment development on Boylston Street. The new outlet, which features tenders and sliders with varying heat levels, joins a number of others in the local area, including two others within the Boston city limits--in the Theatre District and at South Bay.

The address for the new location of Dave's Hot Chicken in the Fenway is 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website is at https://www.daveshotchicken.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Halal Guys, Dave's Hot Chicken Plan to Open at the Bon Apartment Complex in Boston's Fenway

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Krispy Krunchy Chicken to Open in the North Cambridge/Alewife Area, Will Apparently Be Selling Prince Pizza

A chain of chicken places typically found in gas stations and convenience stores will be opening a standalone shop in Cambridge, and it looks like it will be selling pizza from a popular North Shore restaurant as well.

According to a couple of sources, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is opening in the North Cambridge/Alewife section of the city, with an earlier Cambridge Day article mentioning that it will take over the space on Rindge Avenue where Ferro's Laundrytown had been (and next door to Ferro's Foodtown). Both sources say that the upcoming eatery will sell "take 'n bake" pizza from Prince Pizzeria in Saugus, while Cambridge Day states that Krispy Krunchy will also offer such items as fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and honey biscuits.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken was established in Louisiana in 1989, while Prince Pizzeria (whose "take 'n bake" pizza can be found in a number of stores locally) dates back to 1961.

The address for the upcoming Krispy Krunchy Chicken is 336 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the business is at https://www.krispykrunchy.com/

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Pollo 2Go Opens in Cambridge

A new takeout spot that focuses on chicken has opened in Cambridge.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Pollo 2Go is now open on Harvard Street, moving into the former Izzy's space in The Port section of the city and being run by the people who are behind Pollo Lounge & Grill in Dorchester. Based on the article and the website for the business, the new eatery offers Latin American fare including grilled chicken, fried chicken, and rotisserie chicken along with such options as mofongo, trifongo, stewed beef, fried pork belly, ribs, pork shoulder, ham and cheese patties, sweet plantains, macaroni and cheese, and stewed pigeon beans.

Izzy's was a Puerto Rican restaurant that had been around for 40 years until it closed in 2022.

The address for Pollo 2Go is 169 Harvard Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://pollo2gocambridge.com/

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

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K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken May Be Opening in the Former Cantina La Mexicana Space in Somerville's Union Square

A new restaurant that is part of a hot trend in dining could be on its way to a space in Somerville that had been home to a beloved eatery until last year.

According to a source, K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is planning to open in Union Square, taking over the former Cantina La Mexicana space. A licensing commission page mentions that the proposed eatery plans to have seating for 50 and hopes to acquire a liquor license, though little else is known about the place, at this point in time.

Cantina La Mexicana got its start as Taqueria la Mexicana in 1995, with the restaurant closing in September of 2023.

The address for the proposed K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is 249 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

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Boston Market in Brockton Appears to Be Closed

Last week it was reported that a restaurant chain that got its start in the Boston area had closed its sole remaining location inside Route 128, and now it looks like its only location inside Route 495 has shuttered as well.

According to a Google search, Boston Market in Brockton has permanently closed, with a call placed to the Belmont Street outlet indicating that the phones are no longer in service, while a check on the Boston Market website indicates that the entire website is actually down. This apparent closure comes on the heels of the Quincy location being locked up and dark on Friday, while a source told us that the Framingham outlet closed at some point as well. 

The address for the now-closed Boston Market in Brockton was 756 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA, 02301.

[Earlier Article]
Boston Market in Quincy Has Closed

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

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