Boloco to Close Its Sole Remaining Location; Downtown Boston Outlet Shuts Down September 25

What was once a local chain of restaurants will soon be officially gone, as its final location is going to be shutting down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Boloco is closing its downtown Boston location, with the note saying the following:

It's been a hell of a ride. After 29 years, Boloco's last location--50 Congress St, Boston--closes for good on September 25. (Building has been sold, converting to residential.) 10,746 days down, 60 days to go.

Boloco's roots date back more than 25 years, with the Boloco brand replacing "The Wrap" in 2005; there had once been a number of locations throughout the Greater Boston area and elsewhere in New England including two others that have shuttered of late--at Boston Children's Hospital on Longwood Avenue and in Hanover, NH, the latter of which rebranded to BocaSoca under new ownership. All locations were known in part for their burritos and bowls.

The website for Boloco can be found at https://boloco.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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Nana's Green Tea Opens in the Back Bay of Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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[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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IHOP in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed

Another Boston-area location of a chain of pancake houses has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, IHOP in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge has closed after being in business for approximately 20 years, joining another location in Quincy that shuttered a couple of years ago though it appears that that one will eventually reopen in a new, nearby location. A number of locations of the chain still remain in the Greater Boston area, including in Braintree, Brighton, Brockton, Dedham, Framingham, Norwood, Revere, Salem, Saugus, and Tewksbury.

The address for the now-closed IHOP in Harvard Square was 16 Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. The website for the chain is at https://restaurants.ihop.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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Clover Closes Harvard Square, Newtonville Locations; Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center Location Remains Open

Several weeks ago, it was reported that a local restaurant chain featuring vegetarian fare was ceasing operations only to have the business being saved at the last minute. Now we have learned that at least two outlets of the chain will not be returning to their spaces.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, brick-and-mortar locations of Clover in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Newtonville are shuttered with a "for lease" sign in the latter while a Harvard Crimson article states that the former is indeed closed while also saying that the nearby outlet in Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center remains open for business. As mentioned in an earlier article here, locations in Cambridge's Inman Square, Central Square, Kendall Square, Boston's Financial District, and the Prudential Center are back open along with the aforementioned Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center space, though it isn't yet known at this point  if any other locations that have not reopened will actually be reopening.

The website for Clover can be found at https://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

[Earlier Article]
Clover Is Returning; Boston and Cambridge Locations to Reopen June 9

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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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Smashburger in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

Another location of a Colorado-based chain of quick-casual burger restaurants has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Smashburger in Boston's Back Bay is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the chain seeming to confirm this, as the Boylston Street outlet is no longer listed. This comes on the heels of a location of the chain in Medford shutting down toward the end of 2025, leaving the local area with locations in Attleboro, Natick, and Westwood. (Another location in Plainville is gone as well).

The address for the now-closed location of Smashburger in the Back Bay was 545 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain is at https://smashburger.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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Hooters in Dedham and Saugus Have Closed

A restaurant chain has disappeared from the local landscape, closing its two locations in the Greater Boston area while also saying farewell to Massachusetts as well.

According to multiple sources over the past couple of days, locations of Hooters in Dedham and Saugus are no longer in business, with signs up out front at the two dining spots thanking diners, workers, and the communities for their support over the years. (We reached out to the chain yesterday morning for more information but have not yet heard back from them.) Another location in West Springfield also shuttered this week, and an outlet in Shrewsbury had closed last month; all were franchised locations of the chain, which was established in Florida in 1983. 

The website for Hooters can be found at https://www.hooters.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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Naya Opens in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

Last fall, it was reported that a growing group of Middle Eastern restaurants with roots in New York City would be expanding to a new location in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, Naya is now open in the city's Fenway neighborhood, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has moved into a space on Boylston Street where a location of Caffe Nero had been. The new location of Naya, which joins others in downtown Boston, the Back Bay, Cambridge's Kendall Square, Arsenal Yards in Watertown, and Burlington, features a garage-door-style facade that fully opens to the sidewalk, and it offers dishes with Lebanese influences including customizable bowls, wraps, salads, desserts, and more.

Naya first started out with a restaurant in Midtown East in Manhattan back in 2008.

The address for the new location of Naya in the Fenway is 1375 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.eatnaya.com/

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

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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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First Watch Plans to Open in Dedham and Swampscott

A Florida-based chain of breakfast and lunch spots is further expanding into the local area, with two new ones planned for the suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, First Watch is looking to open in Dedham, with an earlier Patch article confirming this while also saying that another location is on its way to Swampscott as well. Our source tells us that the Dedham location will be coming to Dedham Plaza on Providence Highway while the Patch article indicates that the Swampscott outlet will be coming to Vinnin Square. The news of these two locations planning to open in the region come on the heels of news published here last month of a Woburn location also being in the works, with all three joining existing locations in the Back Bay of Boston and Hanover (another in Attleboro is also on its way).

First Watch was established in Pacific Grove, CA, in 1983, moving its headquarters to Bradenton, FL, three years later. Its website can be found at https://firstwatch.com/

[Earlier Article]
First Watch May Be Opening in the Former On the Border Space in Woburn

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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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First Watch May Be Opening in the Former On the Border Space in Woburn

It looks like a Florida-based chain of breakfast and lunch spots could be expanding further into the local area, with one possibly on its way to a space in the northern suburbs of Boston that had been home to a Tex-Mex restaurant.

According to a source, work is currently being done to the former On the Border space in Woburn, with a check online indicating that First Watch may be opening in the Commerce Way space. If it does open there, it would join others in the Back Bay of Boston and in Hanover, with another in Attleboro coming as well this summer (another outlet can be found in Nashua, NH).

On The Border was founded in Dallas back in 1982 and had its sole Boston-area outlet in Woburn, while First Watch was established in Pacific Grove, CA, in 1983, moving its headquarters to Bradenton, FL, three years later.

The address for the proposed First Watch in Woburn is 19 Commerce Way, Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for the chain is at https://firstwatch.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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Anna's Taqueria Opens in South Boston

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a local group of Mexican eateries was planning to open a new location in South Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, Anna's Taqueria is now open in Southie, moving into a space on W Broadway a short distance west of the Dorchester Street intersection. The new location of Anna's has 3,000 square feet of space and seating for 36 people including high-top communal tables, booths, and traditional table seating, and it is part of an expansion that includes a new outlet in Cranston, RI, and another one soon debuting in Concord, NH, with all joining a number of locations in the Greater Boston area.

The address for the new location of Anna's Taqueria in South Boston is 457 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for all locations is at https://annas.com/

[Earlier Article]
Anna's Taqueria Seeks Approval to Open in South Boston

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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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Clover to Cease Operations

A local restaurant chain that features vegetarian fare is saying farewell.

According to an email, Clover is shutting down, with Thursday, May 28 being its final day of restaurant service and meal box delivery. The note in the email says the following:

So what's happened? We've always prized transparency along Clover's journey. Our current situation isn't a unique story. In the best of times, restaurants are a tough business: margins are thin, building new restaurants is expensive, and our industry is the most exposed to macroeconomic forces. For years we've been navigating the hangover effects of COVID and inflation at every part of our supply chain, but we are proud to have remained committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local farms. Today, everyone is getting hit with rising costs—food prices are up, delivery prices are up, and a hundred other costs are moving in the same direction....We're deeply saddened to share this news—for our employees, New England farmers, and you, our guests and supporters.

Clover first started out in 2008 with a food truck at MIT and has since grown to include a number of brick-and-mortar locations; a couple of months ago, it was learned that the business was in danger of going under if a buyer could not be found by May 29.

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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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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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[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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Cava Opens in Braintree

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a Washington, D.C.-based group of fast-casual Mediterranean spots was planning to expand to a new location south of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to its website, Cava is now open in Braintree, moving into a space on Union Street that had once been the site of a Motel 6. The new location joins others locally in Beverly, Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Framingham, Hanover, Hingham, Lynnfield, Mansfield, North Andover, and Woburn, and like the others, it offers a variety of bowls, salads, and pitas. 

The address for the new location of Cava in Braintree is 125 Union Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for all locations can be found at https://cava.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cava May Be Opening a Location in Braintree

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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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Panda Express Is Opening at South Bay in Dorchester

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that the restaurant will not actually be taking over the Wahlburgers space as was originally thought; thanks to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page for bringing this to our attention.]

A chain of fast-food restaurants that focuses on Chinese fare is opening just off the Expressway.

According to a message sent from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub, Panda Express is planning to open at South Bay in Dorchester, while a licensing board voting agenda page mentions that the upcoming location is slated to have seating for more than 60, though it doesn't look like there will be any outdoor seating. Once it opens, the new location of Panda Express will join others locally in Boston, Medford, Dedham, Westwood, and Walpole.

The address for the new location of Panda Express at South Bay is 5 District Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.pandaexpress.com/

[May 19 update: According to a press release, Panda Express is now open at South Bay.]

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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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Smokey Bones Closes All Locations, Including Taunton and Tyngsboro

All locations of a chain of BBQ spots have closed--including the two remaining locations in Eastern Massachusetts--as the chain has gone out of business.

According to its website, locations of Smokey Bones in Taunton and Tyngsboro are no longer in operation, with both outlets saying that they are closed Monday through Sunday, while a note on the home page says the following about the chain itself:

After 27 incredible years, Smokey Bones has officially closed its doors as of Monday, April 27th. This isn't just the end of a restaurant—it's the closing of a chapter filled with shared meals, celebrations, traditions, and countless memories. From first bites to final toasts, you made this place more than just BBQ—you made it home. We are deeply grateful for every visit, every smile, and every moment you chose to spend with us. Serving this community has been an honor we'll never forget. While the smokers have cooled and the doors are closed, the spirit of what we built together will always stay with us.

An article from the Restaurant Business website says that the now-bankrupt franchising company FAT Brands, which includes Smokey Bones under its umbrella of chains, is having all of its brands being sold except for Smokey Bones, saying that it "will not survive the bankruptcy process."

Smokey Bones, which was originally founded in Florida and became part of FAT Brands in 2023, used to have locations in Peabody and Stoughton as well.

The website for Smokey Bones can be found at https://smokeybones.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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99 Restaurant in Charlestown May Close, Be Replaced by Apartments

A longtime location of a local group of restaurants could become the site of residential development.

According to an article from Universal Hub, the 99 Restaurant in Charlestown may be closing at some point, as the Boston Planning Department board has approved of plans to build 240 apartments at the Austin Street site. The article mentions that the six-story structure could be built by 2028, though it is not yet known when the restaurant might have to close.

The Charlestown location of the 99 Restaurant was the site of a notorious shooting back in 1995 that left four people dead and which UH says was "one of the last major spasms of mob violence in Boston."

The address for the 99 Restaurant in Charlestown is 31 Austin Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. The website for the chain (which is headquartered in Woburn) is at https://www.99restaurants.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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The Halal Guys Opens in Newton

Last summer, it was reported that a growing chain of halal spots with roots in New York City would be opening a new location in the western suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, The Halal Guys is now open in Newton, moving into a space on Needham Street just south of where it meets Dedham Street and Winchester Street and a short distance south of Route 9. The new location offers some new menu items including a lamb and beef gyro, waffle fries, and a berry mint refresher, and it joins others locally in downtown Boston, the Theater District, the Fenway, South Bay, Cambridge's Porter Square, Dedham, and further out, in Shrewsbury.

The Halal Guys first started out in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan.

The address for the new location of The Halal Guys in Newton is 55 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02461. The website for the chain can be found at https://thehalalguys.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Halal Guys Plans to Open New Location in Newton

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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 Peach Cobbler Factory to Expand to New England, Opening a Location in Downtown Boston

A chain of dessert shops with roots down south will be expanding to the region, opening a location in the heart of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Peach Cobbler Factory is planning to open on Summer Street in the city's downtown area, with the business saying in an Instagram post that "y'all, the framers have been WORKING. The bones of this store are everything we dreamed of. Our family walked EVERY inch of that space...and we could already picture it: the smell of fresh cobbler, the sounds of happy guests, the Peach Cobbler Factory vibe Boston deserves. One word for what’s coming: CHOICES! Stay locked in—opening very soon"

The Peach Cobbler Factory was first established in Nashville in 2013 and is currently based in Fort Lauderdale, offering such options as peach cobbler, banana pudding, cheesecake, cookies, ice cream, brownies, shakes, and more.

The address for the upcoming Peach Cobbler Factory in downtown Boston is 77 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the company is at https://peachcobblerfactory.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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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/

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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.)

The Brass Tap Opens in Framingham's Nobscot Village

Last spring, it was reported that a growing chain of beer bars would open its first New England location in the western suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to Kiat Cormier of ChewOnThis, The Brass Tap is now open in Framingham, moving into a space on Water Street in Nobscot Village. A Facebook post from the business indicates that the new location is having its soft opening Monday and Tuesday of this week, with full hours beginning on Wednesday, and as mentioned in an earlier article, the place offers beer options from local breweries (including 60 taps), classic American fare and comfort food, and cocktails and wine.

The Brass Tap chain got its start in Florida, opening its first location in Wesley Chapel in 2008.

The address for the The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar in Framingham is 770 Water Street, Framingham, MA, 01701. The website for the chain is at https://www.brasstapbeerbar.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar Plans to Open in Framingham

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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.)