The Friendly Toast Is Opening in Chestnut Hill

An eclectic local group of dining spots is opening yet another new location, with this one coming to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, The Friendly Toast is planning to open at The Shops at Chestnut Hill, with our source telling us that the new restaurant will take over the space where Besito had been until closing last month. A page within the Simon Property Group website confirms that the eatery is indeed on its way to the shopping center, saying that it is "coming soon."

The Friendly Toast, which is known in part for its breakfast dishes, currently has locations in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Bedford, NH, Portsmouth, NH, and Burlington, VT, and another new outlet is on its way to the former Applebee's space at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers as well. [Ed Note: The Danvers location is now open.]

The address for The Friendly Toast in Chestnut Hill will be 199 Boylston Street (Route 9), Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467. The website for all locations can be found at https://thefriendlytoast.com/

[February 28, 2022 update: According to a press release, The Friendly Toast in Chestnut Hill is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Besito Has Closed Its Chestnut Hill Location

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

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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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The Friendly Toast Is Opening in Danvers

An eclectic local group of dining spots known in part for their breakfast dishes will be opening a new location, with this one coming to the North Shore.

According to a tweet from @brokenfuses, The Friendly Toast is planning to open in the former Applebee's space at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers, with a search within the Indeed site showing a note within a job post saying "NEW OPENING!!! The Friendly Toast in Danvers is now hiring for all positions." Once it opens, the new location will join others in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Bedford, NH, Portsmouth, NH, and Burlington, VT, while another location in Cambridge's Kendall Square shut down last summer.

If all goes as planned, the new location of The Friendly Toast could be opening later this month.

The address for the new outlet of The Friendly Toast in Danvers is 50 Independence Way, Danvers, MA, 01923. The website for all locations can be found at https://thefriendlytoast.com/

[August 10 update: According to a source, The Friendly Toast in Danvers is now open, with the locations section of the website indicating that it debuted yesterday.]

[Earlier Article]
Applebee's in Danvers Has Closed

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

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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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Roadworthy in Dedham Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

An offbeat suburban restaurant that focuses on the types of street-food dishes you might find from food trucks is shutting down.

According to a source, Roadworthy in Dedham is getting ready to close, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street eatery confirming this, saying that "We will serve our last and best meals on Sunday, February 17th." The note also mentions that to those who are unable to come to the restaurant by this weekend, "we will do our best to refund your money," telling customers to message them on Facebook or on their website.

Roadworthy first opened in the spring of 2017, with the dining spot calling itself "the outlandish destination for fun and delicious foods....Inspired by today's wacky food trucks!" Some of its offerings include chili, biscuits, fried dough, pizza,  Italian beef sandwiches, porchetta sandwiches, schnitzel, fried ravioli, beef stroganoff, and more.

The address for Roadworthy is 125 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. Its website can be found at https://www.roadworthyfoods.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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City Girl Cafe in Cambridge's Inman Square to Suspend Dinner Service

by Marc Hurwitz

An eclectic eatery in Cambridge that is known for its Italian dishes is going through some changes.

According to a Facebook post from the place, City Girl Cafe in Inman Square is suspending dinner service at the end of February, with the focus being more on corporate catering and private events--though the Hampshire Street spot will continue to be open for its weekend brunch. The restaurant, which started out approximately 20 years ago, offers such Italian comfort food options as bruschetta, panini, pizza, and pasta dishes, and it has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as an under-the-radar spot, with the review being found at this link:

https://hiddenboston.com/CityGirlCafe.html

The address for City Girl Cafe is 204 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://citygirlcafe.com/

[February 28 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that tomorrow (Friday, March 1) will be the last night of dinner service at City Girl Cafe.]

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Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel in Boston's South End Are Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like one of Boston's best-known restaurants is closing, along with its sister spot next door.

According to a post from BosGuy, Tremont 647 in the South End is shutting down on April 1, with the adjoining Sister Sorel also saying goodbye. A poster on the South End Community Board Facebook group page mentions that owner Andy Husbands announced the news at the Pilot Block Neighborhood Association Party yesterday, while @pilotblock announced the news on Twitter as well. Two of our sources (including one in the restaurant industry) have confirmed the news as well, and while there is chatter about a Japanese dining spot going into the Tremont Street space, very little information on that has come out as of yet.

Tremont 647, which first opened in 1996, is known in part for its modern American fare with global influences as well as its funky vibe; Sister Sorel opened its doors in 2002, offering American fare in a trendy but casual setting. In addition to these two spots, Husbands is also behind The Smoke Shop, a pair of BBQ restaurants in Cambridge's Kendall Square and Boston's Fort Point (a third is being planned for Assembly Row in Somerville).

[February 9 update: Devra First from The Boston Globe mentions on Facebook that Tim Maslow--who is perhaps best known for his work at Strip-T’s in Watertown--is teaming up with restaurateur Brian Lesser to open a Japanese brasserie in the South End that is tentatively called Whaling in Oklahoma, and based on the chatter mentioned above and the fact that Lesser is involved with The Smoke Shop, it appears that this is indeed the restaurant that is planning to take over the Tremont 647/Sister Sorel space. (Neither Husbands nor Maslow will confirm this, however.)]

[February 13 update: An update to an earlier Boston Globe article confirms that Tremont 647 is closing, as Andy Husbands now says that the restaurant will indeed be shutting down. There is no confirmation as of yet, however, that Tim Maslow's upcoming restaurant--which hopes to open in June--will be moving into the space.]

[March 28 update: According to its website, Tremont 647 ends its run with a pajama brunch on Sunday, April 1 (which is also Easter) and it will be open for our regular service until then.]

[March 29 update: A licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website confirms that Whaling in Oklahoma will indeed be taking over the Tremont 647/Sister Sorel space.]

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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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Plans Have Fallen Through for The Friendly Toast to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

Earlier this year, we reported that a trio of eclectic dining spots was planning to open a fourth in Brookline. Now we have learned that this will not be happening after all.

According to a couple of sources, a "For Lease" sign is now up at the storefront in Coolidge Corner where The Friendly Toast had been looking to open, and a message from the group of restaurants confirms that they have decided not to move forward with the Beacon Street location at this point in time. They do tell us that plans to open outlets in Burlington and Bedford, NH, remain on, however, and those locations will join existing ones in Boston's Back Bay, Cambridge's Kendall Square, and Portsmouth, NH.

The space that The Friendly Toast had been looking at was previously home to Yasu, which shut down in early 2016 after approximately a decade in business.

The website for The Friendly Toast can be found at https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/

[Earlier Articles]
The Friendly Toast Plans to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner
The Friendly Toast Plans to Open in Former Bobby's Burger Palace Space at the Burlington Mall

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The Friendly Toast Is Opening in Former Bobby's Burger Palace Space at the Burlington Mall

by Marc Hurwitz

A trio of eclectic dining spots is planning to open a fourth, with this one moving into the space where a burger spot owned by a celebrity chef had been.

The Daily Times Chronicle is reporting that The Friendly Toast is looking to open a new location in the former Bobby's Burger Palace space at the Burlington Mall. The article says that the dining spot plans to have seating for 120 and that it hopes to get a liquor license from the now-closed Rainforest Cafe, which had been located within the mall as well. Once it opens, the new location of The Friendly Toast will join others in Boston's Back Bay, Cambridge's Kendall Square, and Portsmouth, NH, and another one could also be opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner as well. [Ed note: The Coolidge Corner location has fallen through.]

Bobby Flay first opened Bobby's Burger Palace in January of 2013, with the place closing its doors for good this past December; last month, we reported that a location of Davio's was eyeing the space, though the Daily Times Chronicle indicates that plans for that restaurant fell through, apparently due to lease obligations.

The website for all locations of The Friendly Toast can be found at https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/

[October 2 update: The Friendly Toast has apparently been given the green light to open at the Burlington Mall and it is now looking to staff up, accordingto a job post within the bostonchefs.com site. (No opening date has been given as of yet.)]

[October 19 update: According to a press release, The Friendly Toast opens at the Burlington Mall on Monday, October 23.]

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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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The Friendly Toast Plans to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A trio of eclectic dining spots is planning to open a fourth, and this one would be in one of the busiest sections of Brookline.

According to a couple of sources (including a message sent from the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog), The Friendly Toast is looking to open in Coolidge Corner, with a post from mypublicnotices.com confirming this. Based on the post (and one of our sources), the proposed eatery would be moving into the space on Beacon Street where Yasu had been until closing last winter.

The Friendly Toast, which is known in part for its all-day breakfasts, has locations in Boston's Back Bay, Cambridge's Kendall Square, and Portsmouth, NH.

The address for this proposed restaurant in Coolidge Corner is: The Friendly Toast, 1366 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the other locations can be found at https://www.thefriendlytoast.com/

[February 6 update: According to an article in boston.com, the new location of The Friendly Toast hopes to open in Brookline on June 1.]

[June 6 update: The Friendly Toast has not opened in Brookline as of yet, and two sources are telling us that the space now has a "For Lease" sign out front and one source says it does not appear that work is currently being done inside.]

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

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Tap n Vine Is Opening in Danvers

A new restaurant is on its way to the North Shore, and the person behind it is also behind one of the best-known pizzerias in the Northeast.

According to an article in the Patch, Anthony Buccieri of Pizzeria Regina is opening Tap n Vine in Danvers, with the website for the Endicott Street dining spot indicating that it will have "contemporary, yet retro" decor and food that is "American eclectic with a splash of comfort," while also offering beer, wine, and cocktails. The post says that Buccieri will initially be the manager of the place, though he will likely hire a general manager after it opens. (Buccieri is Chief Operating Officer of Regina's, according to a post within the Pizza Hall of Fame website.) The site for the restaurant shows that Tap n Vine plans to open on November 16.

Regina's, which first started out in Boston's North End in the 1920s, is often mentioned as one of the best places in New England for pizza, along with such spots as Pepe's, Modern, and Sally's in New Haven, CT, and Santarpio's in East Boston. In addition to its Thacher Street location, it also has shops in a number of other locations in and around the Greater Boston area, including in Faneuil Hall, South Station, the Fenway, Allston, Braintree, Burlington, Danvers, Medford, and Peabody,

The address for Tap n Vine is 194 Endicott Street, Danvers, MA, 01923. Its website can be found at http://tapnvines.com/

Thanks to Wicked Bites for initially bringing this to our attention.

[November 29 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tap n Vine is now open.]

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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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The Blue Room in Cambridge's Kendall Square Reopens After Fire; Belly Wine Bar Reopens Next Week

A pair of dining and drinking spots in Cambridge that closed last year because of a fire are back, with one reopening this week and the other returning next week.

A message sent to us this morning indicates that The Blue Room soft-opened last night and will open for real tonight, while Belly Wine Bar hopes to open back up next Wednesday if all goes as planned. Both spots were hit by a two-alarm fire in Kendall Square in August of 2015, with the blaze also forcing Flat Top Johnny's and Beantowne Coffee House to shut down. (The former reopened in April of this year while the latter reopened last month.)

The Blue Room is an eclectic restaurant that focuses in part on New American fare and comfort food, while Belly Wine Bar features small plates and a variety of traditional and progressive wines. Both spots are located at 1 Kendall Square.

[September 9 update: An Instagram post indicates that Belly Wine Bar reopens this evening.]

[Earlier Articles]
Three Restaurants in Cambridge's Kendall Square Sustain Damage in Fire
Kendall Square Dining/Drinking Spots Planning to Open After Fire

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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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Brewer's Tap & Table Is Opening in Former Watch City Brewing Space in Waltham

A couple of years ago, we reported that a brewpub and brewery in Waltham had shut down and that a local group of restaurants and brewpubs might open another location within the space. Now we have learned that this is no longer the case and that an eclectic restaurant and craft beer bar will be opening there instead.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Brewer's Tap & Table is opening on Moody Street in the former Watch City Brewing space, with the place promising to be a New American restaurant (with Asian, Latin American, and American Southern influences) and bar with a number of local beers available on tap and a variety of bourbon options as well. The post says that owners Matt and Nancy Sargent come from Vermont, where they hosted underground events called "Phantom Dinner" and also ran a Phantom food truck before opening Phantom Restaurant in Waitsfield (which is no longer in business).

Watch City Brewing closed its doors in June of 2014, with the space subsequently being looked at by Beer Works; it appeared that they were going to open at the site, but those plans fell through at some point.

The address for the upcoming Brewer's Tap & Table is 256 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. Its Twitter page can be found at https://twitter.com/BTT_Waltham

[September 6 update: Wicked Local states that Brewer's Tap & Table will have seating for 250, 48 taps of mostly local craft beer, and--pending approval from the city of Waltham--monthly live music possibly being in the works.]

[November 7 update: A Twitter post from the place indicates that Brewer's Tap & Table has soft-opened, with an earlier message sent from them saying that it is possible they could open for real sometime this week, though this is not a definite as of yet.]

[November 9 update: Eater Boston mentions that Brewer's Tap & Table officially opens today, though with a "small starting menu."]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]

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Not Your Average Joe's Is Opening in Peabody

A local chain of eclectic neighborhood restaurants that recently closed one of its locations north of Boston is opening a new outlet north of the city.

According to a source, Not Your Average Joe's will be opening at Northshore Mall in Peabody, with a possible opening date sometime in October though an official date will be coming as they get closer to the opening. This news comes a bit more than a month after the chain closed its Medford location, as its lease there came to an end and they decided not to renew. Currently, other locations of Not Your Average Joe's can be found in Acton, Arlington, Beverly, Burlington, Dartmouth, Hyannis, Methuen, Needham. Newburyport, Norwell, Randolph, Seekonk, Waltham, Watertown, Westborough, and Westwood, along with outlets in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The website for Not Your Average Joe's is at http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[September 27 update: According to a press release, the new location of Not Your Average Joe's in Peabody opens on October 10.]

[Earlier Article]
Not Your Average Joe's in Medford 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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Ten Tables Closes Its Cambridge Location

One of the highest-rated restaurants in Cambridge has closed its doors after being in business for approximately six years.

Eater Boston is reporting that Ten Tables shut down at the end of business hours on New Year's Eve, with the staff "abruptly" finding out about the closure of the Craigie Circle eatery from owner Krista Kranyak Chalfin on January 2. The article says that Stan Hilbert, who is the GM of the Jamaica Plain location of the restaurant, has bought the space, and it appears that the Ten Tables name probably won't be kept, according to Benjamin Lacy (the executive chef of the Cambridge location). Chalfin will now be turning her focus to the expansion of Grass Fed, a burger bar on Centre Street in JP that will soon expand to a second location in Forest Hills, along with her original Ten Tables which is also on Centre Street.

Last year, we mentioned that the Cambridge location of Ten Tables was possibly going to be sold and turned into a new spot called Homage Bistro, but that deal fell through.

Ten Tables in Cambridge was a higher-end restaurant known for its eclectic menu and intimate, cozy atmosphere; the dining spot has received high ratings since opening in 2009, with Zagat giving it a 26 (out of 30) for food, which is one of the highest ratings given for any restaurant in Cambridge.

The address for the now-closed Ten Tables in Cambridge was 5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138. The website for the JP location can be found at http://tentables.net/

[Earlier Articles]
Grass Fed Is Opening a Second Location in Jamaica Plain
Homage Bistro Is Coming to Cambridge
Homage Bistro Not Coming to Ten Tables Space in Cambridge After All

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

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Hojoko Is Opening in The Verb Hotel in Boston's Fenway

A highly-anticipated Japanese Tavern is on the verge of opening in Boston, and it is located in a quirky boutique hotel that took over a landmark space in the Fenway.

According to several sources, Hojoko soft-opened over the past few days within The Verb Hotel on Boylston Street, with the grand opening apparently being very close to happening (earlier reports had it possibly opening in late July). Once it officially opens, expect a "funky and fun" restaurant and bar that will offer Japanese pub fare, with Tim and Nancy Cushman of the award-winning O Ya in Boston's Leather District being behind the place.

[August 4 update: The Boston Globe is reporting that Hojoko is planning to officially open its doors for dinner Thursday evening.]

The Verb Hotel opened last August, moving into the space where the former Howard Johnson Inn (originally called the Fenway Motor Hotel) had been for more than 50 years, with the place also housing the Hong Kong Cafe and the Tiki Hideaway, which are also gone now. The Verb has been described as an "edgy" and "irreverent" spot that pays homage to the local music scene, and a post from Vanyaland indicates that the iconic city skyline stage backdrop from the recently-closed T.T. The Bear's Place in Cambridge has now taken up residence at Hojoko.

The address for Hojoko (and The Verb Hotel) is 1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

[Earlier Article]
The Verb Hotel and Hojoko Restaurant to Open in the Former Howard Johnson Space in Boston's Fenway

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]

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The Friendly Toast Is Taking Over the Zocalo Space in Boston's Back Bay

A pair of eclectic eateries with one location in Cambridge may be joined by a third, with this one slated for a space in Boston where another restaurant currently resides.

Eater Boston is reporting (via a Licensing Board page) that The Friendly Toast is looking to open in the Back Bay, taking over the space on Stanhope Street where Zocalo Cocina Mexicana is. If the license transfer is approved, the new location of the restaurant would join others in Cambridge's Kendall Square and Portsmouth, NH, while the apparent closing of Zocalo would mean there would be no more locations of that dining spot, unless a move or new opening takes place somewhere (the other location of Zocalo closed in Arlington over the winter).

[July 1 update: Universal Hub states that The Friendly Toast has hit a "snag" in its plans to open in the Back Bay, as the Boston Licensing Board won't allow its stated manager to run the shop because the manager is a resident of New Hampshire. (By law, managers of restaurants in Massachusetts that have liquor licenses are required to live in this state.) The Friendly Toast does say that it will replace that manager (who runs the Portsmouth location) with one who lives in the Bay State, though it is not known who that will be and it is also not known when the city of Boston will take up the proposal again.]

[August 26 update: Seacoast Online mentions that Friendly Toast co-owner Eric Goodwin is still planning to open a new location of The Friendly Toast on Stanhope Street, though no other details have been given.]

[September 29 update: According to a source, Zocalo has closed, with a sign out front saying that Friendly Toast will be moving in.]

[January 13, 2016 update: A message from the restaurant indicates that the new Friendly Toast will open in the Back Bay tomorrow (January 14).]

The Friendly Toast is known in part for its all-day breakfasts, with lunch and dinner items also offered.

The address for Zocalo (and the new location of The Friendly Toast) is 35 Stanhope Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for both locations can be found at http://www.thefriendlytoast.net/

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Cuchi Cuchi in Cambridge to Be Featured on Food Network's "Craziest Restaurants in America" Tonight

An eclectic dining and drinking spot in Cambridge is going to be in the spotlight this evening.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Cuchi Cuchi will be featured on the Food Network's "Craziest Restaurants in America," with the Main Street spot being part of an episode that is titled "Weird, Weirder, Weirdest." The web page for tonight's show does not give specific information on the episode, but it could be looking at the restaurant's old Hollywood vibe as well as the burlesque-type outfits worn by the waitstaff, along with the international small plates and unique cocktails. The show will air at 10:00 PM (EST), and as the Globe says, there won't be a viewing party at Cuchi Cuchi because it does not have a TV.

Cuchi Cuchi is located at 795 Main Street between Central Square and Kendall Square. Its website is at http://www.cuchicuchi.cc/

The website for "Craziest Restaurants in America" can be found at http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/craziest-restaurants-in-america.html

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Interesting Restaurant Interiors]

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Shanghai Social Club in Allston Has Closed; New Concept May Be On the Way

It looks like an eclectic restaurant and bar in Allston has closed its doors, though a new concept could be coming to the space.

An email sent this morning mentions what others on social media have been saying today, that Shanghai Social Club is no longer in business and that a sign is out front says a new spot will apparently be moving in next spring (likely under the same ownership). Phone calls placed to the Commonwealth Avenue restaurant have not been answered, and the reservations system is no longer going through.

Shanghai Social Club first opened in August of 2013, taking over the space where Jalapenos had been, and before that, Our House West.

The address for the now-closed Shanghai Social Club (and upcoming new concept) is 1277 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

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Delux Cafe in Boston's South End Reopens This Evening

Earlier this year, we had reported that an eclectic restaurant and bar in Boston's South End had closed, with a subsequent report saying that it would reopen under new ownership. Now we have learned that the place will indeed open its doors once again this evening.

According to an article from BosGuy, the Delux Cafe on Chandler Street will open at 5:00 PM today, with this info coming from a Twitter post from the restaurant earlier today. A Chowhound post from food writer MC Slim JB mentioned this yesterday as well, with MC saying that there will be "very few changes except a kitchen update and some reupholstered barstools."

The Delux Cafe closed temporarily in January, with the restaurant being sold to a couple of employees of the place. The new owners had initially been hoping to reopen in February.

The address for the Delux Cafe is 100 Chandler Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Article]
Delux Cafe in Boston's South End Has Closed; Will Reopen in February

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Delux Cafe in Boston's South End Has Closed; Will Reopen in February

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 26 to reflect the fact that the restaurant has been sold and will be reopening.]

An eclectic restaurant and bar in the South End of Boston has closed its doors, though it now looks like the place will reopen.

A note from Patrick M. of the Server Not Servant site indicates that Delux Cafe on Chandler Street has shuttered, with a Twitter post from @DigBoston (via Anna Norton on Facebook) confirming this--a sign out front saying "Delux Cafe -- RIP" is shown on Dig's page. [Update: A response to DigBoston by the restaurant says that it is "Gone, but not for long. Sold to a long time employee and will reopen in February." (Thanks to The Boston Globe for bringing this to our attention.)]

Delux Cafe, which first opened in 1993, featured mostly classic American fare, pub grub, and comfort food, with such dishes as Cubanos, BBQ ribs, grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, ravioli, and roasted half chicken offered.

The address for the Delux Cafe is 100 Chandler Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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Friendly Toast Restaurants Sold; New Owners May Eventually Open Additional Locations

Two years ago we reported that a pair of eclectic restaurants in Cambridge and Portsmouth, NH, were up for sale. Now we have learned that the eateries have finally been sold, and the new owners will be making changes--and could open new locations at some point.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Seacoast Online) that the Friendly Toast restaurants have been purchased by Eric Goodwin, who is president of Concord, NH-based Goodwin Hospitality & Associates, and business partner (and real estate broker) Scott Pulver. Goodwin and Pulver plan to do "culinary-driven" updates within the next few months, and new locations of the Friendly Toast may eventually be on the way as well. EB says that Marcus Thompson, who has been involved with the Barking Crab, Outback Steakhouse, and Uno Chicago Grill will be running the two restaurants.

[October 28 update: Cambridge Day mentions that the Friendly Toast restaurants will apparently remain much the same as they have always been, with Eric Goodwin stating that "We bought the business and paid a lot of money for the business because we love it, so we don't plan on changing." He goes on to say that "We look to accentuate the positives and hope to grow, but the roots are going to stay."]

According to its website, Goodwin Hospitality & Associates is involved in a number of services, including professional mystery shopping and food safety audits. Its website is at http://www.goodwin-associates.com/

The address for the Friendly Toast in Cambridge is: The Friendly Toast, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for both locations can be found at http://www.thefriendlytoast.net/

[Earlier Article]
Friendly Toast Restaurants in Cambridge and Portsmouth Are for Sale

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