Boston Restaurant Talk: historic restaurants

Showing posts with label historic restaurants. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2026

The Union Oyster House May Be Going Through an Ownership Change

It looks like one of Boston's best-known restaurants could be getting a new owner.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, the parent company of the Union Oyster House (Union Oyster House, Inc.) has petitioned to transfer its license to UOH Manager, LLC, with the Union Oyster House name slated to remain the same. The notice mentions that the manager is listed as Kathleen Street, while a check on Bizapedia indicates that UOH Manager, LLC is a domestic limited-liability company organized under the laws of the State of Texas and that its registered agent/principal is Steven L Scheinthal, who is Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Landry's, Inc. Based on information received from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub, the company behind Landry's (and other dining spots including Morton's) currently owns another historic local restaurant--the Chart House on Boston's Long Wharf--along with other Chart House locations, though it is not known whether UOH Manager, LLC would be part of Landry's, Inc or as a separate subsidiary of Fertitta Entertainment, which owns Landry's.

The Union Oyster House is one of Boston's oldest restaurants, having debuted back in 1826; it can be found at 41 Union Street just north of Faneuil Hall.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Jacob Wirth Plans an Early 2024 Reopening in Boston's Theater District

A couple of years ago, it was reported that a landmark Boston restaurant that has been closed since a 2018 fire might be coming back, and now we have learned that it could be reborn this winter.

According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, the space that has been home to Jacob Wirth is currently undergoing extensive renovations, with City Realty Group and other business partners planning to open the place back up much like it was before, including German food (and presumably German beers), a mahogany bar, and piano singalongs, while also making some tweaks such as a more accessible bar area, additional women's bathrooms, and updated lighting. If all goes well, Jacob Wirth could be opening back up in February of 2024.

The address for Jacob Wirth is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Article]
Jacob Wirth May Be Returning to Boston's Theater District

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Plans Still Being Looked at for a Restaurant to Open at the Josiah Smith Tavern Site in Weston

An historic building in the western suburbs of Boston could still become the site of a restaurant thanks in part to the efforts of a nonprofit group.

According to someone involved with Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern, plans are in place to have a restaurant operator open a dining spot at the Josiah Smith Tavern site in Weston Center, with the proposed restaurant possibly including dining areas on the ground floor, a front and back patio, and a second-floor ballroom. We have been told that the town has given its approval for the space to be used as a restaurant (and the town actually owns the property), though any final lease is subject to approval by the town's Select Board while the buildout would be subject to final approval by Historic New England.

Proposals to open a restaurant at the site have been given since at least 2009, when we first reported on the possibility of a dining spot opening within the space; the tavern itself dates back to 1757 and was originally used as a stagecoach stop and meeting place.

The address for the Josiah Smith Tavern site is 358 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA, 02493. More on the plans for the space can be found here.

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Monday, June 19, 2023

Abington Depot Restaurant in North Abington Has Reopened

A suburban restaurant in an historic location that shut down late last year has been reborn.

According to a source (Wayne Tucker), the Abington Depot Restaurant in North Abington is open once again, with social media posts indicating that the Railroad Street spot is now under new ownership. The previous owners, who ran the place for 23 years, said in December that "We have been struggling to keep up with the soaring costs to operate and it is no longer feasible. Not the way I saw it ending, but it is the reality."

The space in which the Abington Depot Restaurant resides is an old passenger and freight railroad depot that goes back to the 1890s.

The address for the Abington Depot Restaurant is 101 Railroad Street, Abington, MA, 02351.

[Earlier Article]
Abington Depot Restaurant in North Abington Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Thursday, February 02, 2023

Greater Boston Bar Co. Investors Purchase Jacob Wirth Building in Boston's Theater District

A year and a half ago, it was reported that a landmark Boston restaurant could be returning and that the people behind its reopening were also behind the purchase of a number of local bars over the past several years. Now we have learned that those investors have bought the building it was housed in.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Fred Starikov and Julius Sokol of Greater Boston Bar Co. have purchased the structure in the Theater District that had been home to Jacob Wirth, with the Stuart Street building going for $5.27 million. As mentioned earlier, a licensing board hearing in September of 2021 indicated that Sokol was the manager listed in a hearing notice showing that Jacob Wirth was seeking to acquire a liquor license, with a subsequent report by Universal Hub saying that Sokol was planning to reopen the place with "no changes."

Jacob Wirth first opened in 1868, being known in part for its German food and extensive beer list as well as its piano singalongs. The restaurant and bar was hit by a fire in 2018 and has been closed ever since.

The address for the Jacob Wirth space is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Article]
Jacob Wirth May Be Returning to Boston's Theater District

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Monday, January 02, 2023

The Barker Tavern in Scituate Ends Restaurant Service; Hosting of Events to Continue

An iconic South Shore dining spot whose space dates back to the 17th Century is going through changes.

According to a source, The Barker Tavern in Scituate is no longer offering restaurant service, with a Facebook post from the place seeming to confirm this, saying the following:

As we say goodbye to another challenging year, we want to thank our customers, staff, and neighbors for all your support in our time of need. Barker Tavern will close a la carte dining beginning January 1, 2023. However, we will continue to host current and future private events. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

According to its website, the Williams-Barker house was constructed as early as 1634 and was used as a garrison later in that century. The property was purchased in 1978 by Eli Jordan and The Barker Tavern was established, with the Jordan family running it to this day.

The address for The Barker Tavern is 21 Barker Road, Scituate, MA, 02066. Its website can be found at https://www.barkertavern.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Friday, December 16, 2022

Abington Depot Restaurant in North Abington Is Closing

A restaurant south of Boston that is located in an historic building is shutting down.

According to a source, the Abington Depot Restaurant is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Railroad Street spot saying the following:

For 23 years, you have supported our staff, allowed us to be a part of your lives and helped to cement the Depot family in history. I am eternally grateful to have been a recipient or your generosity & kindness. Unfortunately, it is time for us to go. We have been struggling to keep up with the soaring costs to operate and it is no longer feasible. Not the way I saw it ending, but it is the reality.

Another Facebook post mentions that the dining spot plans to close on Saturday, December 17.

The Abington Depot Restaurant resides in a former passenger and freight railroad depot that dates back to the 1890s; the dining spot has been known as a family-friendly eatery over the years, offering such items as wings, nachos, quesadillas, French onion soup, burgers, American chop suey, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, London broil, and pizza.

The address for the Abington Depot Restaurant is 101 Railroad Street, Abington, MA, 02351.

[December 22 update: The social media for the Abington Depot Restaurant confirms that the restaurant is indeed now closed.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Jacob Wirth May Be Returning to Boston's Theater District

A landmark Boston restaurant that has been closed since 2018 could be coming back.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Jacob Wirth is seeking to acquire a liquor license to operate in its old space on Stuart Street in the Theater District, with the notice indicating that Julius Sokol of the Greater Boston Bar Co. is the manager listed. Since its closing due to a fire a few years back, there have been multiple proposals for the space, including talk of a sports bar moving in, then a recreational cannabis establishment.

Jacob Wirth first opened in 1868, with the place being known in part for its German food and extensive beer list along with its piano singalongs.

The address for the Jacob Wirth space is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[October 8 update: Universal Hub reports that the plan is to reopen Jacob Wirth with "no changes," restoring the restaurant to the way it was before it sustained water damage in the fire. It appears that the licensing board won't take any action until at least November, as Sokol will apparently be having neighborhood meetings between now and then to discuss the plans.]

[Earlier Articles]
Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District May Become JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant
Recreational Cannabis Establishment Being Proposed for Jacob Wirth Space in Boston's Theater District

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Thursday, September 09, 2021

Update: Rye Tavern in Plymouth Reopens After Closing "Indefinitely"

[Ed note: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that the place is open once again.]

An upscale South Shore restaurant hidden away in an historic spot has opened back up after being shut down for a short time.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Rye Tavern in Plymouth shuttered last week, with the note indicating that it was "closed indefinitely" while saying that "This is breaking our hearts" and hinting that the closure is due at least in part to a lack of workers, stating that they are trying to adequately staff their kitchen. The farm-to-table spot, which is located in a remote area in the Pinehills section of town, had posted that it shut down late last month after a couple of workers tested positive for Covid, though a subsequent post gave hope that it would reopen this week. A poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, this week notes that the restaurant has reopened, with a post from the spot saying that "We are back!" though reservations are not being taken for the time being.

Rye Tavern first opened in the summer of 2011, moving into a structure that dates back to the 1700s and had once been an inn and meeting spot.

The address for Rye Tavern is 517 Old Sandwich Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360. Its website can be found at https://ryetavern.org/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Thursday, April 01, 2021

Update: OAK Long Bar + Kitchen in Boston's Back Bay Reopens After Being Closed for the Winter

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 2 to reflect the fact that the restaurant is open once again.]

A high-end restaurant in the Back Bay that tends to be a particularly popular spot during the holidays has closed for the time being.

According to several sources, OAK Long Bar + Kitchen within the Fairmont Copley Plaza on St. James Avenue has shut down for the winter, with a Facebook post from the place saying that "In response to the pandemic, we made the very difficult decision to temporarily close OAK Long Bar + Kitchen through the winter. We are 'hibernating' with a tentative reopening date of April 1, 2021." The upscale eatery, which replaced The Oak Room eight years ago, is one of many Boston-area spots to go into hibernation as the pandemic continues, though in this case, the hotel will remain open and the restaurant will continue to offer in-room dining service to hotel guests.

The address for OAK Long Bar + Kitchen (and the Fairmont Copley Plaza) is 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the hotel can be found at https://www.fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston/

[April 2, 2021 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that OAK Long Bar + Kitchen reopened on April 1.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, March 26, 2021

Recreational Cannabis Establishment Being Proposed for Jacob Wirth Space in Boston's Theater District

A couple of years ago, it was reported that a landmark Boston restaurant could become home to a sports bar. Now we have learned that those plans may have changed.

Universal Hub indicates that a recreational cannabis establishment appears to be looking to open in the Jacob Wirth space in the Theater District, with a tweet from @DrewDawg including a link to a public meeting notice confirming this, mentioning that "an application by Andrea Pearce, Royalty Group, LLC for a Recreational Cannabis Establishment to be operated at the address of 31-39 Stuart Street" is slated to be discussed on March 31 in a community meeting via Webex. Back in 2019, it was announced that JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant could be opening in the Jacob Wirth space, with the plan being to renovate the building with "due respect" to the structure (it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places).

Jacob Wirth was the second-oldest continually operating restaurant in Boston until closing down in 2018.

[April 8 update: Universal Hub mentions that an online community meeting was held on the proposal where it was learned that if the plans are approved, the proposed cannabis place would include a dispensary called JW Tree Star on the ground floor of the building (where the restaurant had been) while its corporate offices--which currently reside in the building on Tremont Street that is home to Royale nightclub--would be located on the upper two floors.]

[Earlier Article]
Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District May Become JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, October 09, 2020

Proposal Submitted That Would Keep Amrheins in South Boston Open, Though in a Smaller Space

Over the past couple of years, there has been much chatter about how an historic South Boston restaurant's future could be in doubt because of possible development. Now we have learned that the restaurant could remain in business, but it may lose part of its space.

According to an article from Universal Hub, The Matteson Companies and GFI Partners have filed plans with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) to construct a new building at the Amrheins site on West Broadway, with the left section of the restaurant (and its four-story building which includes apartments) remaining in place while an eight-story mixed-use R&D structure with ground-floor retail space would be built where the right section of the restaurant and its parking lot currently reside. The post says that Amrheins would continue to operated as a cafe and bar and that it would also gain outdoor seating as well, though it isn't know how Mul's Diner would play into the plans. (Mul's, which is under the same ownership, moved into the Amrheins space this summer from across the street because of possible new development on the way to that space as well.) If all goes as planned, construction could begin in the fall of 2021, with the project expected to be completed two years later.

Amrheins, which first opened in 1890, is known for its hand-carved bar which is the oldest of its kind in America.

[November 9, 2021 update: Universal Hub mentions that the Zoning Board of Appeal has approved of the plans to replace the right section of Amrheins and its parking lot with an office building while preserving the left side of the restaurant.]

[Earlier Articles]
Amrheins Site in South Boston Is Under Agreement
Amrheins in South Boston May Be Going Up for Sale
Mul's Diner Moves Into the Amrheins Space in South Boston

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, October 02, 2020

Proposal Given for the Reopening of Doyle's in Jamaica Plain

Last month, it was reported that plans could be in the works for one of Boston's best-known dining and drinking spots to return after closing in the fall of 2019. Now we have learned quite a bit more about the proposal.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Lee Goodman of Watermark Development and Jeremy Kean of Brassica Kitchen + Cafe gave details of a proposal last night that would reopen Doyle's in its former location on Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, with the plan being to add a roofdeck to the building--with the building itself undergoing extensive renovations both inside and out--and a market next door with four floors of condos above, while part of its back parking lot would be redeveloped for more condos and additional condos built across Williams Street. The post says that the existing bar would remain in the new Doyle's space, and an upgraded dining section would be created along with a new "Kennedy Room" meeting area and a kitchen that is partially open--and much of the interior would pay homage to the old place, including its tin ceilings and old-fashioned posters and murals. (The old Braddock Cafe sign out front would be changed to Brassica Cafe and Kitchen.) UH says that the menu at the new Doyle's would include such items as pizza and fried chicken and the hope is for Brassica's liquor license to be transferred to the spot.

If all goes well and it gets approval to open, construction on the new Doyle's could commence in about 12 months and possibly be completed in about 30 months.

The address for the Doyle's space is 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[February 24, 2021 update: Universal Hub reports that plans for Doyle's Cafe and the condos have now been filed with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), with the new version of Doyle's including the restoring of the original walnut bar and the construction of a larger Kennedy Room for meetings and parties, while a roofdeck is still part of the plans.]

[October 19, 2021 update: The Jamaica Plain News states that the BPDA has approved the proposed project that would include new commercial and residential space while bringing Doyle's back to the site as well.]

[Earlier Articles]
Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Has Closed
Could Doyle's Be Returning to Jamaica Plain?

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, January 03, 2020

Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro in Boston Has Closed For Renovations

A hotel and restaurant that resides in an historic building in Boston has shut down for at least the time being, and it is not known exactly what will be happening with the space at this point in time.

According to a source, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro on Charles Street is closed, with a post on its Facebook page saying "It is bittersweet that we announce that we have closed for renovations. We truly appreciate all of your loyalty & friendship, and are so excited to be creating a new space to share with all of you in the coming months. Stay tuned here and on our website for more information!" Our source isn't sure what may be happening to the space, and no other information has been given by the business other than a note on its website saying that it is closed for renovations, so keep checking back for updates.

The Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro first opened approximately 20 years ago in a space that dates back to the 1800s.

The address for the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro is 25 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website (which now appears to be mostly taken down) is at https://beaconhillhotel.com/

[January 16 update: A check on the place indicates that a sign out front says the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro will have a "new look but the same smiling faces" and that it plans to reopen this summer. It is not known what changes might be coming, including whether it will keep its name, what the concept of the restaurant may be, and whether it will be under new ownership, so keep checking back for more updates.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

One of Boston's best-known dining and drinking spots has closed its doors for good.

According to a post from CBS Boston, Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain has shut down, with @stevegarfield confirming that yesterday was its last day in business. As stated earlier, the Washington Street restaurant and bar sold its liquor license to an upcoming location of Davio's in Boston's Seaport District, though it is still not known what might happen to the space itself.

Doyle's Cafe first opened in 1882.

The address for Doyle's was 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[November 6 update: According to a Facebook events page, an auction is taking place today for some of Doyle's memorabilia and restaurant equipment, with the post saying that the Boston Public Library is going to help preserve the history of the place by digitizing any of the items sold at the auction, then setting up a gallery of the items at DigitalCommonwealth.org.]

[Earlier Article]
Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

It looks like one of Boston's most iconic restaurants will soon be saying farewell.

According to a couple of sources, Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain is planning to close and sell its liquor license to an upcoming location of Davio's in Boston's Seaport District. This has been confirmed by a Boston Globe article, which quotes owner Gerry Burke Jr. as saying that "It's a terrible thing and I'm as sad as I can be. But the real estate in JP is as high as it's going to get and I can't afford to stay here any more." It is not yet known when the last day for Doyle's might be, so keep checking back for updates.

Doyle's, which first opened in 1882, is a renowned dining and drinking spot that has attracted politicians and celebrities alike over the years.

The address for Doyle's is 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://www.doylescafeboston.com/

[September 19 update: Doyle's is one step closer to officially saying farewell, as Universal Hub says that the licensing board has approved the transfer of the restaurant's liquor license to the upcoming location of Davio's in the Seaport District.]

[October 23 update: According to a number of poster on social media, it appears that Doyle's could be closing on or possibly before November 1, with an events page for an October 27 send-off seeming to confirm this, saying that it will close at the end of this month.]

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

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

Wednesday, June 05, 2019

Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District May Become JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant

Last week it was learned that a landmark Boston restaurant and bar that has been closed for a year could be undergoing an ownership change. Now we have learned that the new owners apparently plan to change the concept of the place.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Jacob Wirth in the Theater District may be replaced by JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant, and that as mentioned earlier, William Gateman who has been involved with such local spots as the Beacon Hill Pub, The Tam, and Sullivan's Tap is one of the people behind it along with business partner Nancy Maida. The post says that the plan is to renovate the building with "due respect" to the structure--it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places--while building out the restaurant itself, with the work possibly taking up to a year to complete once they are given the green light. The owners will need to meet with three neighborhood groups before any action can be taken on the purchase of Jacob Wirth's liquor license, with one such meeting slated to take place next week.

Jacob Wirth was the second-oldest continually operating restaurant in the city until shutting down last June; the place first opened in 1868 and was known in part for its German dishes, extensive beer list, and piano singalongs.

The address for Jacob Wirth (and the proposed JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant) is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Articles]
Change of Ownership May be Coming to Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Closed After Fire in Building
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Is Up for Sale

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

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

Friday, May 31, 2019

The Salem Diner Closes Its Doors Today

A couple of months ago, it was learned that a North Shore diner that also happens to be an historic landmark was looking at an uncertain future. Now it has been confirmed that the place is shutting down for good today--though there is still hope that it could reopen elsewhere.

As indicated in an earlier article, The Salem Diner on Loring Avenue closes today after nearly 80 years in operation according to a CBS Boston post, as Salem State University--which purchased the eatery in 2013--is consolidating its on-campus food options. CBS mentions that the diner structure itself is up for sale and the hope is that a new owner might purchase it and move it to another space, but for now, today is the last day for the place.

The Salem Diner, which first opened in 1941, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

[Earlier Article]
The Future of The Salem Diner Is Up in the Air

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Change of Ownership May be Coming to Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District

An iconic Boston restaurant that has been closed for nearly a year may be getting a new owner.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, the current company behind Jacob Wirth Restaurant in the Theater District is petitioning to transfer its license to BN Venture LLC to operate at the same location on Stuart Street, with the parent company being BN Venture LLC and the listed manager being Eric Alpert. No name change is shown in the hearing notice, and no other details have been given other than the fact that the place would have a closing hour of 2:00 AM--and no information on BN Venture LLC or Eric Alpert was able to be found online, so expect more to come out on the exact status of Jacob Wirth after the meeting takes place (it is slated for June 5). The restaurant has been shuttered ever since being hit by a fire last June, and talk of the place being up for sale before the fire continued afterwards as well.

Jacob Wirth first opened in 1868 and has been known in part for its German food and extensive beer list, as well as its piano singalongs. The dining and drinking spot resides in a building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and until it closed last year, it was the second-oldest continually operating restaurant in the city.

The address for Jacob Wirth is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[May 29 update: According to several sources (including Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie), one of the people behind BN Ventures LLC (it appears to be "Ventures" rather than "Venture") is William Gateman, who has been involved with a number of local restaurants and bars over the years including most recently the Beacon Hill Pub, The Tam, and Sullivan's Tap). A page within the corp.sec.state.ma.us site confirms this, and also includes the name Nancy Maida, who may be the same person who co-owns Pawsh Dog Boutique in the Back Bay, though this has not yet been confirmed.]

[Earlier Articles]
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Closed After Fire in Building
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Is Up for Sale

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

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

Thursday, March 07, 2019

The Future of The Salem Diner Is Up in the Air

by Marc Hurwitz

A North Shore diner that is also an historic landmark is now facing what appears to be an uncertain future.

According to an article in The Salem News, the future of The Salem Diner is now unclear, as Salem State University--which purchased the Loring Avenue eatery in 2013--is in the middle of consolidating its on-campus food options in order to make things more efficient for its students, and because the diner is one of the options, it is not known what might happen to the place. The article says that because the nearby Marsh Hall has a food service area, and the university also wants to redevelop the diner's space, it is now facing a possible closure, with university President John Keenan saying that "One of the things [consultants] had suggested is we may not want to continue to deliver dining options in the diner."

The Salem News mentions that it is possible that The Salem Diner--which has been in business for nearly 80 years and which is on the National Register of Historic Places--could conceivably be moved to another space and possibly reopen under new ownership, though this is all speculation at this point.

The address for The Salem Diner is 70 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA, 01970.

[May 2 update: A Facebook post from the Salem Food Digest and a new article from The Salem News both indicate that The Salem Diner will be forced to close, with the latter saying that its last day will be May 31. The hope remains that the diner will be purchased and relocated to another space, according to both the Facebook post and the article.]

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]