Francis Food Mart in Watertown Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a neighborhood market has shut its doors after nearly 70 years in business.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Francis Food Mart in Watertown is no longer in business, with a call placed to the Belmont Street shop confirming that it has indeed closed. The grocery store, which dates back to 1950, offered produce, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, everyday food items, and more, along with beer and wine.

The address for this now-closed market in Watertown was: Francis Food Mart, 1084 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

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La Casa de Pedro in Watertown Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

What was once a pair of Venezuelan restaurants has now apparently disappeared from the landscape, at least for now.

According to several sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, La Casa de Pedro in Watertown is no longer in operation, with the Watertown News confirming this while a post on the restaurant's Facebook page states that "Today, the doors close to create a new adventure, for you! Stay tuned, watch closely, for we want you to be our first to share our table once again, friends of La Casa de Pedro." It is not known what could be coming into the Arsenal Street space, nor is it known if the owners of the dining spot will be opening something in that space or are looking to open a restaurant elsewhere; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

La Casa de Pedro first opened in Watertown Square approximately 25 years ago, eventually moving to what was its current location in East Watertown; another location in Boston's Seaport District closed last summer and a company affiliated with the dining spot filed for bankruptcy.

The address for the now-closed La Casa de Pedro in Watertown was 343 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

[March 6 update: The Boston Globe states that La Casa de Pedro in Watertown shut down in the wake of bankruptcy proceedings, with the restaurant having to be sold off in order to pay off debt that was amassed from the now-closed Seaport District location.]

[Earlier Articles]
La Casa de Pedro in Boston's Seaport District Has Temporarily Closed
La Casa de Pedro Could be Selling Seaport District Location in the Wake of Bankruptcy Filing

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O2 Yoga and VO2 Vegan Cafe in Cambridge to Close

by Marc Hurwitz

A combination yoga studio/cafe in Cambridge is going to be shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, O2 Yoga and VO2 Vegan Cafe on Mass. Ave. between Harvard Square and Central Square plans to close on April 30, with a Facebook  post from the place confirming this, indicating that the owners hope that someone might be able to take over the space--saying that "That may still be happening, and we will keep you posted." The note goes on to say that the location of O2 Yoga on Highland Avenue in Somerville will remain in operation.

VO2 Vegan Cafe offers breakfast and lunch items, with its menu including such items as bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee, and more.

The address for O2 Yoga and VO2 Vegan Cafe is 1001 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the business can be found at http://o2yoga.com/

[April 11 update: Scout Somerville states that VO2 Vegan Cafe could live on as a food truck that serves both Cambridge and Somerville, with an earlier Eater Boston article mentioning this as well.]

[April 23 update: A new Facebook post indicates that will be closing on Sunday, April 28.]

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Medford Brewing Company Planning to Open a Brewery and Taproom

by Marc Hurwitz

A contract brewery that started out a few years ago could be getting its very own brewery and taproom if all goes as planned.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Medford Brewing Company is currently crowdfunding to open a facility in Medford, with two options being a larger space in West Medford or a smaller space in Medford Square, depending on how much money can be raised. The post says that co-founders Nick Bolitho and Max Heinegg hope to have a brewery and taproom up and running by the start of next year if all goes well. Currently, Medford Brewing Company producing its beer at Down the Road Beer Company, which is located in Everett.

The website for Medford Brewing Company can be found at https://medfordbrewingcompany.com/

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BOND, The Reserve in the Langham Hotel to Be Replaced by New Restaurants; Ballroom to Take Over Cafe Fleuri's Space

by Marc Hurwitz

Last fall we reported that an upscale restaurant and bar within a downtown Boston hotel had closed as the hotel got ready to undergo renovations. Now we have learned that changes will be affecting other dining spaces within the hotel as well.

According to an article in boston.com, the Langham Hotel is shutting down on April 1 for what looks to be a year of upgrades, and when it reopens, the BOND space will be home to a new restaurant while The Reserve, which is a lobby lounge, will also be replaced by a new dining spot. The post also mentions that Cafe Fleuri's space will become a ballroom, though it is not known if the cafe will remain open somewhere in the hotel. (The chocolate bar and Sunday brunch will both return, though specifics on where they will be located have not been given as of yet, while afternoon tea will probably be offered in the old BOND space.)

The address for the Langham Hotel in downtown Boston is 250 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110. Its web page can be found at http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/boston/

[March 12 update: Eater Boston states that the final chocolate bar event (for now) will take place at the Langham Hotel on Saturday, March 23.]

[Earlier Article]
BOND Restaurant and Lounge in Boston's Financial District to Close December 1; Exact Status Unknown

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La Perle Caribbean Restaurant in Everett Is Closing; Cites Casino Construction As Reason

by Marc Hurwitz

A dining spot in Everett is shutting down this month, and the owner says that work on the nearby casino is the reason for its closure.

According to an article in the Everett Independent, La Perle Caribbean Restaurant on Bow Street (by Broadway) is closing its doors on March 16, with owner Valery Joseph saying that construction and other issues related to the upcoming Encore Boston Harbor resort across the street is the reason. Joseph says that "I would have loved to stay," but "The customers try to come, but they can't get here. It's not easy for a group of people trying to come here and they're circling and circling to find a spot. They just give up. It's discouraging and they leave. We've been struggling the last year with this. If it weren't for take-out and catering, we would have already closed." In addition to parking issues, there have also been problems with traffic, dust, and street closures and rerouting of roadways, all of which led to Joseph's decision to shut down. She does say that the plan is to reopen La Perle in another space, though it is not known exactly where at this point in time.

La Perle first opened in 2011, offering Caribbean food including Haitian fare and French-influenced dishes.

The address for La Perle Caribbean Restaurant is 41 Bow Street, Everett, MA, 02149. Its website can be found at https://www.laperlerestaurantboston.com

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