Soup Zen Hot Pot to Open at the Burlington Mall

An Asian restaurant located north of the border will be expanding to the Greater Boston area, bringing a new location to the northern suburbs.

According to an article from the Daily Times Chronicle, Soup Zen Hot Pot is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with What Now Boston saying that it will be joining its sole location which resides in Montreal. The website for the business mentions that the restaurant "fuses authentic recipes from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond with contemporary influences," while if all goes as planned, the new location will open sometime this fall.

The website for the Montreal location of Soup Zen Hot Pot is at https://www.soupzenhotpot.com/

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

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Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar to Open in the Former Rosa Mexicano Space at the Burlington Mall

A small chain of Mexican restaurants with roots in Florida will be expanding to the local area, with its first New England location coming to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to an article from the Daily Times Chronicle, Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, moving into the space where Rosa Mexicano Space used to be. Once it opens, expect to see such items as tacos, guacamole, quesadillas, burritos, and enchiladas, along with a wide variety of tequila options.

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar got its start in West Palm Beach back in 2007; its website can be found at https://www.roccostacos.com/

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

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Waffle & Bagel Is Opening at the Burlington Mall

A new fast-casual restaurant that focuses on breakfast will be coming to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Waffle & Bagel is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with a page within the bcattv.org website and an article from the Daily Times Chronicle saying that it will take over the former Dunkin' space in the mall. The upcoming eatery will feature handheld Belgian Liège-style waffles as well as bagels, bagel sandwiches, fruit cups, and coffee, and it appears that this will be a takeout spot that will not have seating.

If all goes as planned, Waffle & Bagel will open late this spring or early in the summer.

[June 30 update: According to a source (along with an Instagram post), Waffle & Bagel is now open at the Burlington Mall.]

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

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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/

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

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Noah's BBQ Opens in Braintree

A new barbecue spot has opened south of Boston.

According to a source, Noah's BBQ is now open in Braintree, moving into a space (with its own entrance) at the South Shore Plaza. The new restaurant, which has an ownership connection to Birdies Hot Chicken in Brockton, Westwood, and Boston, offers such options as brisket, ribs, wings, pulled pork, sausage, and macaroni and cheese.

The Instagram page for Noah's BBQ can be found at https://www.instagram.com/noahs_bbq/

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

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Sergeant Burgers to Open at the Burlington Mall

A burger spot that recently opened in Lowell will be expanding to a space closer to Boston.

According to posters within a thread on the Merrimack Valley Eats Facebook group page, Sergeant Burgers is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with a Boston Real Estate Times article confirming this. Once it opens this summer, the new location will join its original on Middlesex Street in Lowell, and based on that location, expect the new outlet to offer burgers, shakes, and possibly other food/drink items with Brazilian influences.

The Instagram page for the Lowell location of Sergeant Burgers can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sergeantburgers/

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

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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 Skinny Pancake Is Opening at Northshore Mall in Peabody

A Vermont-based group of dining spots known in part for their crepes will be opening their first outlet in the Greater Boston area.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1 on Twitter/X, The Skinny Pancake is planning to open at Northshore Mall in Peabody, with a photo indicating that it will be moving into the former hop + grind space. Based on the other locations of The Skinny Pancake (which got its start as a cart on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace in 2003), the new location could be serving such items as breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, sweet and savory crepes, smash burgers, poutine, maple milkshakes, coffee, and more.

The website for The Skinny Pancake can be found at https://skinnypancake.com/

[March 31, 2025 update: A check on the space indicates that the Peabody location of The Skinny Pancake is now open]

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

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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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Fiorella's Cucina Opens in Burlington

Last summer, it was reported that a local group of Italian restaurants was looking to expand to a new space north of Boston, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a source, Fiorella's Cucina is now open in Burlington, moving into the space at the Burlington Mall where a location of Parm had been. The new location joins others in Concord and Newton as well as outlets of Fiorella's Express in Belmont, Brighton, Lexington, and Wellesley. 

The website for Fiorella's Cucina can be found at https://www.fiorellascucina.com/

[Earlier Article]
Fiorella's Cucina May Be Opening at the Burlington Mall, Replacing Parm

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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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Gatsby's Chop House to Open in the Former Met Bar Space at the Natick Mall

A high-end restaurant may be opening in the western suburbs of Boston this fall.

According to an article in the Natick Report, Gatsby's Chop House has gotten approval of a full liquor license from the Natick Select Board, with the plan being for the restaurant to open on the first floor of the Natick Mall in the space that had been home to Met Bar. In the article, restaurant owner Harry Harjani says that "I'm trying to bring something completely very nice, high end to Natick," while the article mentions such offerings as beef tartare, lamb lollipops, a variety of steak options, and chicken and seafood dishes.

If all goes as planned, Gatsby's Chop House could be opening within the next 45 to 60 days.

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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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Greco Opens in Burlington

Last summer, it was reported that a new location of a local group of Greek restaurants was planning to open, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to an Instagram post, Greco is now open in Burlington, moving into a space at the Burlington Mall--and this one being its first suburban outlet in the Greater Boston area. The new location joins others in Downtown Crossing, the Back Bay, the Seaport District, and Hub Hall in the North Station area, and offers such options as soups, salads, gyros, souvlaki, loukoumades, and more.

The website for Greco is at https://grecoboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Greco Plans to Open at the Burlington Mall

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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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Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Opens in Peabody July 10

Last fall, it was reported that a chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer was planning to expand to a location on the North Shore, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to a press release, Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken is slated to open at the Northshore Mall in Peabody July 10, with this being the chain's first location on the Greater Boston area--and in Massachusetts. Big Chicken was founded 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 chain offers such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more.

The website for Big Chicken is at https://www.bigchicken.com/

[Earlier Article]
Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Plans to Open at the North Shore Mall in Peabody

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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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Chris Coombs to Open Four Dining Spots at a New Pickleball Facility in Natick

A well-known local chef and restaurateur is planning to open multiple options for dining at an upcoming pickleball venue west of Boston.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Chris Coombs is partnering with former tennis pro D.J. Bosse, with Coombs looking to open four restaurants at Bosse, which will be located within the Natick Mall and will include 21 pickleball courts. Exact details on the dining options are still in the works, though the article mentions that Coombs appears to be opening "a restaurant focused on rustic Italian dishes; an all-day cafe with coffee, smoothies, and baked goods; a 'courtside culinary experience'; and a sports bar and lounge with New American fare." If all goes well, both Bosse and the dining spots will open this fall.

Chris Coombs is co-founder of Deuxave in the Back Bay and Boston Chops in the South End and Downtown Crossing, and he has also been involved with Dbar in Dorchester .

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

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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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Rosa Mexicano at the Burlington Mall Has Closed

A small group of upscale Mexican restaurants has closed one of its locations in the Greater Boston area.

According to an email from The Daily Lunch, Rosa Mexicano at the Burlington Mall is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the business seeming to confirm this, as it is no longer shown within the locations section of the site. The Burlington outlet of the restaurant first opened in June of 2022, joining another in Boston's Seaport District; other locations can also be found in New York City, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The website for Rosa Mexicano can be found at https://www.rosamexicano.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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Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Plans to Open at the North Shore Mall in Peabody

This spring, it was reported that a chain of chicken spots founded by an NBA hall of famer was planning to expand to the Greater Boston area, and now we know where one of its locations will be.

According to a post from Boston 25 News, Big Chicken is opening at the North Shore Mall in Peabody, and as mentioned earlier, Shaquille O'Neal's is behind the chain. Back in May, it was announced that six locations of Big Chicken--which was founded in 2018--would be coming to the local area, offering such items as chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more.

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

Thanks to @IrishEyesPhoto1 for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Big Chicken to Expand to the Greater Boston Area

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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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Terra Nossa Brazilian Grill Is Opening at the Burlington Mall

A small group of fast-casual Brazilian dining spots will be expanding to a new space within a mall in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Terra Nossa Brazilian Grill is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, joining others at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree and the Natick Mall along with another at Providence Place in Rhode Island. Based on the other locations, expect to see such options as rice, beans, fried yucca, wings, salads, burgers, chicken sandwiches, steaks, sausage, pork with garlic, Brazilian pastel, and more at the new place.

The website for Terra Nossa Brazilian Grill can be found at https://www.terranossabraziliangrill.com/

[June 16, 2024 update: According to a source, Terra Nossa Brazilian Grill is now open in Burlington.]

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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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Greco Plans to Open at the Burlington Mall

A fifth location of a local group of Greek restaurants is on the way, and this will be the first one that is outside of Boston.

NBC10 Boston is reporting (via the Boston Business Journal) that Greco is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, joining existing locations in Downtown Crossing, the Back Bay, the Seaport District, and Hub Hall in the North Station area. Based on the offerings at those locations, expect to see such options as soups, salads, gyros, lamb chops, souvlaki, bowls, and more at the new spot.

The website for Greco can be found at https://grecoboston.com/

[June 26, 2024 update: According to a press release, the Burlington location of Greco is slated to open on July 1.]

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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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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.)

  

Fiorella's Cucina May Be Opening at the Burlington Mall, Replacing Parm

A local group of Italian restaurants may be expanding to a new space north of Boston, and it would be replacing an Italian dining spot with roots in New York.

According to a message from @CMFoster23 (via a Daily Times Chronicle article), Fiorella's Cucina is looking to open at the Burlington Mall, taking over the space where a location of Parm currently resides. If approved, the new location would join others in Concord and Newton along with outlets of Fiorella's Express in Belmont, Brighton, Lexington, and Wellesley.

Another location of Parm can be found in Boston's Back Bay, while others can be found in Manhattan (3), Brooklyn, and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, NY.

The website for Fiorella's Cucina is at https://www.fiorellascucina.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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Rosa Mexicano Looks at June Opening at the Burlington Mall

A small group of upscale Mexican restaurants is on the verge of opening its second location in the Greater Boston area.

According to a press release, Rosa Mexicano tentatively has its grand opening at the Burlington Mall on June 6, joining another outlet in Boston's Seaport District along with others in New York City, New Jersey, and Maryland. The new location of the dining spot will have seating for 225 (including 14 at the bar and additional seating on an outdoor patio), and the menu will include modern takes on authentic Mexican cuisine as well as 100 different tequilas and agave-based spirits.

The Burlington location of Rosa Mexicano was first announced last summer.

The website for Rosa Mexicano can be found at https://www.rosamexicano.com/

[June 7 update: According to its website, Rosa Mexicano opens its doors for dinner service today, with lunch and dinner service offered this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and dinner this weekend.] 

[Earlier Article]
Rosa Mexicano Planning to Open in the Former Besito Space at the Burlington Mall

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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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!

Common Craft Opens at the Burlington Mall

A unique multi-concept dining and drinking spot has come to the northern suburbs.

According to an Instagram post, Common Craft soft-opens later today at the Burlington Mall, and as mentioned in an earlier article, it has multiple rooms including ones for Idle Hands which is set up as a traditional German biergarten, Hermit Thrush with a selection of sour beers from its taproom, Deacon Giles Distillery which has a speakeasy concept and a craft cocktail menu, and the Élevage Wine Room which features boutique wine producers from around the globe. In addition, the space features a bottle shop and an outdoor patio with a lounge and game area, and food offerings include gastropub-style options with the menu offering starters, snacks, sandwiches, and entrees.

The website for Common Craft can be found at https://www.commoncrafthospitality.com/

[Earlier Article]
Common Craft Plans to Open in Burlington

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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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!

Rosa Mexicano Planning to Open in the Former Besito Space at the Burlington Mall

A small group of upscale Mexican restaurants is planning to open a second Boston-area location, and this one will replace a location of another small group of upscale Mexican restaurants.

According to a source, Rosa Mexicano is looking to open in the former Besito space at the Burlington Mall, with a page within the Simon site confirming this, while another page within burlington.org gives a bit more information on its plans, including an application, cover letter, renderings, and a site plan. If given approval to open, the new location of the dining spot will join another one in Boston's Seaport District along with several in New York City and others in New Jersey and Maryland.

The website for Rosa Mexicano can be found at https://www.rosamexicano.com/

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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