April, 2010
CLOSED:
-- 33 Restaurant and Lounge, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Poppy's Diner and Pizza, Peabody, MA
-- Shabu Shabu Toki, Allston, MA
OPEN:
-- Agave Mexican Grille and Tequila Bar, Malden, MA
-- Benvento's, Boston (North End), MA
-- Bergamot, Somerville, MA
-- Garlic N Lemons, Allston, MA
-- Karma, Weymouth, MA
-- Mehak, East Boston, MA
-- Menton, Boston, MA
-- Scoozi, Boston, MA
-- Stoddard's Fine Food and Ale, Boston, MA
-- Temptations Cafe, Brookline, MA
-- Toki Super Fusion, Allston, MA
March, 2010
CLOSED:
-- Carmen's Kitchen, East Boston, MA
-- Finz, Dedham, MA
-- Hot Tomatoes, Boston (North End), MA
OPEN:
-- Buddachen, Brookline, MA
-- Center Cafe, Needham, MA
-- El Pelon Taqueria, Brighton, MA
-- EVOO, Cambridge, MA
-- Let's go Burrito, Woburn, MA
-- Nud Pob, Boston, MA
-- Siam Bistro, Boston, MA
-- Twitters Bar and Grill, Saugus, MA
-- Turbine Wine Bar, Lynn, MA
-- Za, Cambridge, MA
February, 2010
CLOSED:
-- Jae's Cafe, Brookline, MA
-- Roadhouse Restaurant, Brookline, MA
-- Wu Chon House, Somerville, MA
OPEN:
-- American Craft, Brookline, MA
-- Cafe at Mohr and McPherson, Boston (South End), MA
-- Cutty's, Brookline, MA
-- Fat Cactus, Lynnfield, MA
-- Formosa Taipei, Lexington, MA
-- J'Way Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA
-- Pulse Cafe, Somerville, MA
January, 2010
CLOSED:
-- The Battery, Brighton, MA
-- El Pollo Loco, Chelsea, MA
-- Littlenecks Bar and Grill, Weymouth, MA
-- Seaport Bar and Grille, Boston, MA
OPEN:
-- Azama Grill, Allston, MA
-- Beacon Grille, Woburn, MA
-- Bistro Chi/Kama Lounge, Quincy, MA
-- Daily Catch, Brookline, MA
-- East by Northeast, Cambridge (Inman Square), MA
-- Khayam, Brookline, MA
-- Milestone, Wellesley, MA
-- Parish Cafe, Boston (South End), MA
-- Pizza Party, Braintree, MA
-- Robinwood Cafe and Grille, Jamaica Plain, MA
-- Six Burner, Boston (Back Bay), MA
December, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Jin Asian Restaurant, Saugus, MA
OPEN:
-- Absolutely Fabulous, Melrose, MA
-- Arbri Cafe, Roslindale, MA
-- Aristo Cafe, Boston, MA
-- Barlow's, South Boston, MA
-- Bisuteki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, Cambridge, MA
-- Cafe Graffiti, Boston (North End), MA
-- Coppa, Boston (South End), MA
-- The Chateau, Waltham, MA
-- House of Chang, Cambridge (Huron Village), MA
-- Jazz Bar and Cafe, Roslindale, MA
-- Legal C Bar, Dedham, MA
-- Mick Morgan's, Newton, MA
-- Nickel's Grille, Woburn, MA
-- Poppy's Diner and Pizza, Peabody, MA
-- Symphony 8, Boston, MA
November, 2009
CLOSED:
-- C.F. Dononvan's, Dorchester, MA
-- Fava, Needham, MA
-- Skyline Restaurant, Quincy, MA
OPEN:
-- Bistro Du Midi, Boston, MA
-- Bobby's Grille, Wellesley, MA
-- Congas, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- La Puerta Del Sol, Revere, MA
-- Lazziz Restaurant, Watertown, MA
-- Lord Hobo, Cambridge, MA
-- M.J. Ready, Brookline, MA
-- Ravi's Pasta and Pizzeria, Malden, MA
-- Regal Beagle, Brookline, MA
-- Sea to You, Brookline, MA
-- Singh's Cafe, Wellesley, MA
-- Summer Shack, Hingham, MA
-- Symphony 8, Boston, MA
-- Woodward, Boston, MA
October, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Edgewater Cafe, Salem, MA
-- Franky 'N the Boys, Brookline, MA
-- The Jury Room, Quincy, MA
-- Pho Republique, Boston (South End), MA
OPEN:
-- Basta Pasta, North Quincy, MA
-- Cafe 57 and Grille, Brighton, MA
-- FireBox BBQ Restaurant, Bedford, MA
-- Ginger Exchange, Cambridge (Inman Square), MA
-- Lee's Burger Place, Newton Centre, MA
-- Littlenecks Bar and Grill, Weymouth, MA
-- Market by Jean-Georges, Boston, MA
-- Peace o' Pie, Allston, MA
-- Rose and Vicki's, Weymouth, MA
September, 2009
CLOSED:
-- BanQ, Boston (South End), MA
-- Lucille's Fine Chicken, Saugus, MA
-- Tigerlily, Boston, MA
OPEN:
-- 290 Main Restaurant and Lounge, Malden, MA
-- Aquitaine, Dedham, MA
-- Fusion Taste, Arlington, MA
-- Ginger Park, Boston (South End), MA
-- Montebello Ristorante Italiano, Malden, MA
-- Myung Dong 1st Avenue, Allston, MA
-- Post 390, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Red Lentil, Watertown, MA
-- Sofia Italian Steakhouse, West Roxbury, MA
-- Stadium Sports Bar and Grill, Quincy, MA
-- Trina's Starlite Lounge, Somerville, MA
-- Tom Yum Koong II, Arlington, MA
-- Zaps, Allston, MA
August, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Achilles-Persephone (The Achilles Project), Boston, MA
-- Gavens, Middleton, MA
-- Mifune, Arlington, MA
-- Vela, Wellesley, MA
-- Zon's, Jamaica Plain, MA
OPEN:
-- Abby Park, Milton, MA
-- Dorado Tacos and Cemitas, Brookline, MA
-- The Ledge, Dorchester (Lower Mills), MA
-- Mount Vernon Restaurant, Lynnfield, MA
-- Olecito, Boston (Kenmore Square), MA
-- Pomodoro, Needham, MA
-- Prana Cafe, Newton, MA
-- The Stork Club, Boston (South End), MA
-- Tu Y Yo, Needham, MA
July, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Capri Restaurant and Wine Bar, Braintree, MA
-- Icarus, Boston (South End), MA
-- Sweet Sue's Cafe, Arlington, MA
OPEN:
-- 88 Wharf Restaurant, Milton, MA
-- Apollo Restaurant, Lynn, MA
-- Big Papi's Grille, Framingham, MA
-- Bubor Cha Cha, Boston (Chinatown), MA
-- Ducali Pizzeria and Bar, Boston (North End), MA
-- Nourish Restaurant, Lexington, MA
-- Tajine, Cambridge, MA
June, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Aujourd'hui, Boston, MA
-- Cafe Latino, Boston, MA
-- Great Bay, Boston (Kenmore Square), MA
-- Greek Corner, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- Green Tomato 2, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
-- Montien, Cambridge (Inman Square), MA
-- Shabu Square, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- T-Rex Taqueria, Brookline, MA
OPEN:
-- Coriander, Sharon, MA
-- Falafel Corner, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- The Federal, Boston (Beacon Hill), MA
-- Jade Garden Restaurant, Boston (Chinatown), MA
-- The King, West Roxbury, MA
-- Lilly's Gourmet Pasta Express, Allston, MA
-- Linda Bean's, Hull, MA
-- Pasha, Arlington, MA
-- Skara Grill, West Roxbury, MA
-- Suffolk Grille, Canton, MA
-- The Talk Restaurant, Watertown, MA
-- Tavern in the Square, Salem, MA
May, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Pho Yan, Medford, MA
-- Tsunami Japanese Cuisine, Arlington, MA
-- Venice Cafe, Boston (Beacon Hill), MA
OPEN:
-- Crafts Street Cafe, Newtonville, MA
-- Eat at Jumbo's, Somerville (Ball Square), MA
-- Exotic Sushi and Tapas, Boston, MA
-- Forty Carrots, Chestnut Hill, MA
-- J's Tomodachi Sushi, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Pazzo, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, Boston (Waterfront), MA
-- Sip Cafe, Boston, MA
-- Teranga Restaurant, Boston (South End), MA
-- Wonder Taste, Medford, MA
April, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Coriander Bistro, Sharon, MA
-- Max Stein's, Lexington, MA
-- Uncle Pete's Hickory Ribs, Revere, MA
OPEN:
-- The Blue Ox Restaurant and Bar, Lynn, MA
-- Boston Burger Company, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
-- Dawat, Allston, MA
-- Farm Bar and Grille, Essex, MA
-- Il Casale, Belmont, MA
-- Lansdowne Pub, Boston (Fenway), MA
-- Lucille's Fine Chicken, Lynnfield, MA
-- Palio's Italian Grill, Lexington, MA
-- Pollo Campero, Chelsea, MA
-- Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar, Somerville (Union Square), MA
-- Tory Row, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- Tupelo, Cambridge (Inman Square), MA
March, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Banjos Restaurant, Weymouth, MA
-- Great Thai Chef, Somerville (Union Square), MA
-- Maria Bonita, North Cambridge, MA
-- Restaurant L, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Something Savory (restaurant only), Arlington, MA
-- Three Aces Pizza, Cambridge, MA
OPEN:
-- Antique Table, Lynn, MA
-- Cafe 47, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Great Taste Bakery and Restaurant, Boston (Chinatown), MA
-- Habesha, Malden, MA
-- Halal Indian Cuisine, Boston (Brigham Circle), MA
-- Pho House, Cambridge, MA
-- Stephi's on Tremont, Boston (South End), MA
-- Teele Square Cafe, Somerville (Teele Square), MA
-- UBurger, Allston, MA
February, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Antonia's, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
-- Blue Ocean, Brookline (Coolidge Corner), MA
-- Cibo, Boston (North End), MA
-- Excelsior, Boston, MA
-- News, Boston (Leather District), MA
-- Rangoli, Allston, MA
-- Soleil Cafe, Somerville (Teele Square), MA
OPEN:
-- Grand Chinatown, North Quincy, MA
-- Grille Eighteen, Weymouth, MA
-- Panza, Boston (North End), MA
-- Pete's Place Bar and Grill, Stoughton, MA
-- Pho and Rice, Somerville, MA
-- Ristorante Pavarotti, Reading, MA
-- Ten Tables, Cambridge, MA
January, 2009
CLOSED:
-- Brown Sugar Cafe, Boston, MA
-- The Dish, Boston (South End), MA
-- Highland Cafe, Malden, MA
-- Paddock Pub, Walpole, MA
-- Reef Cafe, Allston, MA
-- Rio Brazilian BBQ, Arlington, MA
OPEN:
-- BOND Restaurant and Lounge, Boston, MA
-- Jerusalem Pita, Brookline, MA
-- Rudi's Resto Cafe, Boston, MA
-- Taipei Tokyo, Woburn, MA
-- Thaitation Restaurant, Boston, MA
December, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Carving Station, Boston, MA
-- Emedio's, Boston (North End), MA
-- Suvarnabhumi Kiri, Allston, MA
OPEN:
-- Basha Cafe, Cambridge, MA
-- French Memories, Sharon, MA
-- Ghazal Fine Indian Cuisine, Jamaica Plain, MA
-- Grille 705, Boston (South End), MA
-- House of Siam, Boston (South End), MA
-- Lavender Asian Cuisine and Bar, Sudbury, MA
-- Masa Southwest Bar and Grill, Woburn, MA
-- Max & Dylan's, Charlestown, MA
-- Nico Ristorante, Boston (North End), MA
-- Shabu-Ya, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
November, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Abbey Lounge, Somerville, MA
-- Blue Ocean, Brookline, MA
-- B-Side Lounge, Cambridge, MA
-- Giuseppi's Kitchen, Medford, MA
-- Scampi's Seafood Restaurant, Tewksbury, MA
OPEN:
-- Bina Osteria, Boston, MA
-- Craigie on Main, Cambridge, MA
-- Emilianoz Mexican Grill, Medford, MA
-- Franklin Cafe, South Boston, MA
-- Greek Grille, Winchester, MA
-- John Brewer's Tavern, Malden, MA
-- The Littlest Bar, Boston, MA
-- The Local Restaurant, West Newton, MA
-- Shabu Square, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- Sportello, Boston, MA
-- Taste of Siam, Stoneham, MA
-- Tsunami, Arlington, MA
-- Vintage (re-opened), West Roxbury, MA
October, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Anise, Cambridge (Kendall Square), MA
OPEN:
-- Asana, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Atlantic Beer Garden, Boston (Seaport District), MA
-- The Battery, Brighton, MA
-- Bull McCabe's, Somerville (Union Square), MA
-- Drink, Boston, MA
-- Erbaluce, Boston (Bay Village), MA
-- High Street Grill, North Andover, MA
-- Mike & Patty's, Boston (Bay Village), MA
-- Nine Elm American Bistro, Danvers, MA
-- Olivadi, Norwood, MA
-- Oran Cafe, East Boston, MA
-- Tamarind Bay, Brookline, MA
-- Zing Pizza, Cambridge (Porter Square), MA
September, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Aneka Rasa, Allston, MA
-- Grand Chau Chow, Boston (Chinatown), MA
-- Eastern Pier II, Boston, MA
-- Jimbo's Steak and Fin, Braintree, MA
-- Sabor Do Brasil, Somerville, MA
OPEN:
-- BurgerWorks, Beverly, MA
-- Ecco, East Boston, MA
-- Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill, East Boston, MA
-- Korean King Barbecue Restaurant, Canton, MA
-- Max & Dylan's, Boston, MA
-- Ristorante Damiano, Boston (North End), MA
-- Roadhouse BBQ, Brookline, MA
-- Stone Hearth Pizza, Cambridge (Porter Square), MA
-- T-Rex Taqueria, Brookline, MA
August, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Cafe D, Jamaica Plain, MA
-- diMio, Cambridge (Porter Square), MA
-- Downtown Bistro and Wine Bar, Lynn, MA
-- GioMatti Ristorante, Braintree, MA
-- Paesan's, Boston (North End), MA
-- Sarsfields, Quincy, MA
-- Thai Village, Boston (South End), MA
-- Tullio's, Quincy, MA
OPEN:
-- Cela's, Quincy, MA
-- Clash of the Ash, Quincy, MA
-- Franky N' the Boys, Brookline, MA
-- The Green Tomato, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
-- Hen House Wings and Waffles, Boston, MA
-- King Do Baquette and Pastry, Dorchester, MA
-- Lady Siam, Arlington, MA
-- Marliave, Boston, MA
-- Sweet Ginger, Somerville (Union Square), MA
-- Tavolo, Dorchester, MA
July, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Ali Baba, Cambridge, MA
-- India's Finest, Wakefield, MA
-- Ortanique, Cambridge, MA
-- Rachel's Kitchen, Boston (Bay Village), MA
OPEN:
-- Annapurna Restaurant, Cambridge, MA
-- D Street Cafe, South Boston, MA
June, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Zain's, Quincy, MA
OPEN:
-- Bobby C's Ristorante, Melrose, MA
-- Falafel King, Quincy, MA
-- Four Burgers, Cambridge (Central Square), MA
-- Jo Jo TaiPei, Allston, MA
-- Maya Sol, Somerville, MA
-- Montecristo Mexican Grill, Boston (Brigham Circle), MA
-- Shabu, Quincy, MA
-- Sushiya, Watertown, MA
-- Trata, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
May, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Boston Public, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Cafe Italia, Boston (Brigham Circle), MA
-- Caffe Italia, East Boston, MA
-- Garden of Eden, Boston (South End), MA
-- La Groceria, Cambridge, MA
-- New Trend Eatery, Allston, MA
-- Peking Cuisine, Watertown, MA
OPEN:
-- Comfort, Watertown, MA
-- Jury Room, Quincy, MA
-- MexiCali Burrito Co., Cambridge (Kendall Square), MA
-- Paesan's, Boston (North End), MA
-- Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse, Somerville, MA
-- Shiraz Cuisine, Watertown, MA
-- Singabella Cafe, Cambridge, MA
-- Snappy Sushi, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
-- Viola Restaurant and Wine Bar, Braintree, MA
April, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Nori Sushi, Brookline, MA
-- Panificio, Boston (Back Bay), MA
OPEN:
-- G Bar and Kitchen, Swampscott, MA
-- Genki Ya, Brookline, MA
-- Kayuga II, Arlington, MA
-- Osaka Shabu, Dorchester (Fields Corner), MA
-- Scampo, Boston, MA
-- Townsend's, Hyde Park, MA
-- Wicked: A Boston Bistro, Sharon, MA
March, 2008
CLOSED:
-- La Brace, Boston (North End), MA
-- Takeshima, Brookline (Coolidge Corner), MA
-- Yerardi's, Newton, MA
OPEN:
-- Blue Ocean, Brookline (Coolidge Corner), MA
-- Hungry Mother, Cambridge, MA
-- Johnnie's on the Side, Boston, MA
-- Pacific Restaurant, Roxbury, MA
-- Zain's, Quincy, MA
February, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Black Rhino, Boston, MA
-- Quiet Man Pub, South Boston, MA
OPEN:
-- BanQ Restaurant, Boston (South End), MA
-- Central 37, Boston, MA
-- Grezzo, Boston (North End), MA
-- Persephone, Boston, MA
-- Pho and Thai, Belmont, MA
-- Privus, Allston, MA
-- Wrapro, Cambridge, MA
January, 2008
CLOSED:
-- Grille Zone, Boston, MA
-- Sushi 21, Watertown, MA
-- Vidalia's Truck Stop, Wellesley, MA
OPEN:
-- Benatti, Cambridge (Inman Square), MA
-- Cafe Italia, Boston (Brigham Circle), MA
-- The Cottage, Wellesley, MA
-- Oceanaire Seafood Room, Boston, MA
-- Winsor Dim Sum Cafe, Boston (Chinatown), MA
December, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Java Jo's, Milton, MA
OPEN:
-- Cafeteria, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Fat Cat, Quincy, MA
-- Ginger Root, Newton, MA
-- Gitlo's Dim Sum Bakery, Allston, MA
-- Tavern in the Square, Cambridge (Porter Square), MA
-- Wisteria House, Cambridge, MA
November, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Asiana Grille, Arlington, MA
-- Bob's Southern Bistro, Boston (South End), MA
-- Buddy's, Arlington, MA
-- Crawdad's North, Ipswich, MA
-- West Street Grille, Boston, MA
OPEN:
-- Blue 22 Bar and Grille, Quincy, MA
-- Da Vinci Restaurant, Boston, MA
-- Haru, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- La Voile, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Saray, Allston, MA
-- Shanghai and Tokyo, Arlington, MA
-- Small Plates, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
-- Stix Restaurant and Lounge, Boston (Back Bay), MA
-- Summer Winter, Burlington, MA
-- Teppanyaki Asian Cuisine, Lexington, MA
October, 2007
CLOSED:
-- O Cantinho, Cambridge, MA
OPEN:
-- Al Fresco, Somerville, MA
-- Cafe 303, East Boston, MA
-- Church, Boston (Fenway), MA
-- India's Finest, Wakefield, MA
-- L'Andana, Burlington, MA
-- Tashi Delek, Brookline, MA
September, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Anthem, Boston, MA
-- Zafferano, East Boston, MA
OPEN:
-- Angela's Cafe, East Boston, MA
-- Ball Square Cafe, Somerville, MA
-- Clink, Boston, MA
-- Kingston Station, Boston, MA
-- Kitchen on Common, Belmont, MA
-- Manna Sushi, Arlington, MA
-- Mt. Everest Kitchen, Allston, MA
-- Myers and Chang, Boston, MA
-- 163 Vietnamese Sandwiches, Boston (Chinatown), MA
-- Rio Brazilian Barbeque, Arlington, MA
-- The Savant Project, Boston (Brigham Circle), MA
-- 2nd Cup Cafe, Allston, MA
-- School House Pizza, Quincy, MA
-- Vlora, Boston (Back Bay), MA
August, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Bombay Classic, Arlington, MA
-- Green Field Churrascaria, Allston, MA
-- International Buffet, Quincy, MA
-- Trattoria Alba, Quincy, MA
-- V. Majestic, Allston, MA
OPEN:
-- Abruzzo, Boston (North End), MA
-- China Pearl, Quincy, MA
-- Flippin' Burgers, Newton Centre, MA
-- Gaslight, Boston (South End), MA
-- Mango Grill, Watertown, MA
-- Wagamama, Cambridge (Harvard Square), MA
July, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Copia, Charlestown, MA
-- Kaya, Boston (Back Bay), MA
OPEN:
-- Mooo, Boston (Beacon Hill), MA
-- Mrs. Jones, Dorchester (Lower Mills), MA
-- Scarlet Oak Tavern, Hingham, MA
-- Smoken' Joe's, Brighton, MA
-- Taipei Tokyo, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
June, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Peking Tom's, Boston, MA
OPEN:
-- Allora Ristorante, Marlborough, MA
-- Coda, Boston (South End), MA
-- Danny's Diner, Somerville, MA
-- Grille Zone, Boston, MA
-- Salvatore's, Boston (Seaport District), MA
-- Suvarnabhumi Kiri, Allston, MA
May, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Emily's, Chelsea, MA
-- Firenze, Brookline, MA
-- Las Palmas de Cuba, Hanover, MA
OPEN:
-- Addis Red Sea, Cambridge (Porter Square), MA
-- Firefly's, Quincy, MA
-- KO Prime, Boston, MA
-- New Trend Eatery, Allston, MA
-- Potluck Cafe, Boston (Chinatown), MA
-- Sushi-Teq, Boston, MA
-- T.W. Food, Cambridge, MA
April, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Zoe's, Brookline, MA
OPEN:
-- Geoffrey's Cafe, Roslindale, MA
-- La Verdad, Boston (Fenway), MA
-- Mifune, Arlington, MA
-- Rocca, Boston (South End), MA
March, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Indian Club, Cambridge (Porter Square), MA
OPEN:
-- O Ya, Boston (Leather District), MA
February, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Aspasia, Cambridge, MA
-- Hilltop Restaurant, Braintree, MA
OPEN:
-- Biagio Ristorante and Bar, Waltham, MA
-- Con Sol, Cambridge, MA
-- Sagra, Somerville (Davis Square), MA
-- YoMa, Allston, MA
January, 2007
CLOSED:
-- Marino's, North Cambridge, MA
OPEN:
-- Alta Strada, Wellesley, MA
-- Deep Ellum, Allston, MA
-- 51 Lincoln, Newton Highlands, MA
Boston Restaurant
Closing and Openings Courtesy of:
Hidden
Boston
BOSTON RESTAURANT
NEWS
Courtesy of:
Gayot.com
Boston Openings
Reliable Newbury Street standby Joe's American Bar & Grill has
a brand-new, two-story location. Formerly at the corner of Newbury
and Dartmouth streets, Joe's has now set up shop a block down
the street at the corner of Newbury and Exeter streets. The
new location comes complete with fresh menu items and design
touches. The bistro now offers an expansive patio, complete
with retractable roof, for al fresco dining no matter what the
weather. Downstairs, there's an antique 1890s-era bar and an
exposed kitchen. There's also some new treats on the menu, including
a tasty pressed Cuban sandwich and that ubiquitous comfort food,
lobster mac and cheese. We're also fans of the heaping nacho
plate and the crab cakes, a sizable portion with amazingly little
filler. Joe's American Bar & Grill, 181 Newbury St., Boston,
MA 02116, 617-536-4200.
The Regal Beagle is now open for business in Brookline. Yes,
the buzzy pub gets its name from "Three's Company," but the
crowd here is more Brookline swank than 1970s sleaze. You'll
find all the classics here, from gooey mac and cheese to a tasty
cheddar burger to a perfectly lovely slow-roasted chicken. But
we come for the cocktails, named (of course) after "Three's
Company" characters. Try the Ladies' Man, with Rittenhouse rye,
Angostura bitters, marinated cherries and a splash of vermouth.
Regal Beagle, 308 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446, 617-739-5151.
The Grafton Group---a pack of restaurateurs who operate countless
Cambridge pubs---has done it again. Russell House Tavern is
now open for business in Harvard Square, and the place is always
packed. Look for wines on tap (yep, just like beer), a sleek
oyster bar, and a wide-ranging New American menu sourced from
hyper-local ingredients. And while just about every bistro in
town offers a small plates menu, we're special fans of this
one: Check out the crispy soft-poached chip-in farm egg with
pecorino aioli and the yummy black Serrano ham with pickled
pears. Cheers! Russell House Tavern, 14 JFK St., Cambridge,
MA 02138, 617-500-3055.
After much hype (and a few delays), Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
is finally poised to open on Temple Place. The historic building
was constructed in 1868, and management wants to preserve the
19th-century vibe. You'll find old-fashioned drinks like rickeys,
slings, and coolers, plus hearty New England fare like mushroom-stuffed
quail. There's a private drinking club downstairs---which was
originally billed as men-only, though women are welcome---an
authentic shoe-shine stand, and plenty of old Boston artifacts
festooning the walls. Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale, 48 Temple
Pl., Boston, MA 02111, 617-426-0048.
Boston Restaurant News
Special Dinner in Honor of "Hell's Kitchen" Premiere
To coincide with his appearance on the premiere of "Hell's Kitchen,"
executive chef Jason Santos is offering a special three-course
prix-fixe dinner on June 1 at Gargoyles on the Square offering
dishes he prepared on the television show. The "Hell's Kitchen"
premiere episode will also feature Sophie Gayot of
GAYOT.com
presiding as a judge. The cost for the dinner is $50 per person
and reservations can be made by calling 617-776-5300. Gargoyles
on the Square, 219 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144, 617-776-5300.
Haru Sushi Updates Menu with Funky Sushi Specialties
Swank Japanese eatery Haru trots out two new sushi rolls this
month, Live Uni and the Spider Monkey. Live Uni ($7 per piece)
cocoons fresh sea urchin sashimi in a sea urchin shell. The
Spider Monkey ($16.50 per order), meanwhile, offers the winning
combo of king crab, soft-shell crab, eel, ponzu sauce and yuzu
tobiko. The rolls debut in order of spring---Haru means "spring"
in Japanese. Haru, Prudential Center, 55 Huntington Ave., Boston,
MA 02199, 617-536-0770.
Metropolitan Club Brings Famous Burgers to Fenway Park
Who needs Fenway Franks when you can dine on a juicy MET burger?
Chestnut Hill's swanky Metropolitan Club now offers selections
from their popular MET Burger Bar at Fenway, including the Met
Beef Blend and a turkey burger (the first turkey burger ever
offered at Fenway), both served on tasty Iggy's buns. Meanwhile,
fans sitting in Fenway's Budweiser Deck can order the MET's
DC burger (crowned with tomato, lettuce, red onion and American
cheese) or their Boston Burger (bacon, cheddar, and---gulp---a
fried egg). The Metropolitan Club, 1210 Boylston St., Chestnut
Hill, MA 02467, 617-731-0600.
Boston Chef Shuffle
Fresh from Dunaway Restaurant at Strawberry Banke in New Hampshire,
chef Mary Dumont arrives at Harvest to put her own stamp on
the Cambridge institution’s locally sourced, seasonal repertoire.
Harvest, 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255.
Buying a Restaurant: Six Hazards
to Avoid
1) Back Liabilities from a Restaurant Business For Sale
Many times the bills which a previous owner has not paid to
suppliers, tax agencies of the government, contractors, etc.
can be "passed on" to the new owner without the new owner realizing.
Always contact all past creditors of the current owner as to
the status of the account. Review the check registers to get
a list of suppliers and repair and maintenance companies who
have done business with the current owner. Even if you are successful
in separating yourself from the bills of the previous owner,
a supplier may hesitate to do business with you based on not
having been paid in the past. Always have an attorney research
any liens or Uniform Commercial Code Filings on the business.
Always fight for at least some owner financing to protect yourself
against any liability and have the seller sign a statement allowing
you to deduct any past debts directly from your payments to
the seller.
2) Health Department
Always have a contingency in your offer for purchase which states
that the review of the health department must be to your satisfaction.
Many times the Health Department will use the fact that a sale
has occurred to bring the restaurant up to current codes. The
health department certificate must be in the name of the owner
of the business or they can pull your license. Tens of thousands
of dollars can be lost in unexpected repairs because the Health
Department was not contacted prior to the sale.
3) Sales and Expenses
Always verify sales by checking the sales tax reports, the check
registers to verify deposits, the accounting statements to compare
the accountants or bookkeepers record of sales, and the tax
returns, again as a comparison. Always verify expenses by checking
the accounting statements, the tax returns, and even the returned
checks for utility, repair and maintenance, and supplier bills.
4) Non-Compete
Always insist on a radius from the restaurant in which the previous
owner will not open a competitive restaurant for a specific
period of time. Even if the previous owner is retiring to Australia,
he may decide he's bored in two years and come home to go in
competition with you, the new owner.
5) Reason For Sale
Always check out any impending changes in the area or market
which could cause the business sales to drop dramatically. Call
the state and local departments of transportation to look into
any road changes. Will your new restaurant be made much more
inconvenient because of access or has the stale a plan to build
a highway across your dining room? Always check with site plan
submissions which a new competitor has filed to build a competing
restaurant right down the street. Keep your ear to the ground
and talk to anyone and everyone who knows the market.
6) Equipment Repair
Always have a knowledgeable serviceman check out the equipment
for length of expected service. Have the heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning units been serviced? What about the plumbing
and electrical systems? Always check the structural integrity
of the building.
7) ALWAYS use a professional team of an attorney, an
accountant or CPA, and a professional real estate and business
broker, all having specialized experience in your area of investment.
About the author: Jack L. Kimball, CCIM is
the owner of Kimball & Co. Restaurant Services, a Raleigh, North
Carolina-based commercial real estate and business brokerage
firm. He can be reached at 1 -800-634-7221 or through his website
at www.restaurantbizops.com.
Restaurant Build-out
Allowances:
Lease Negotiation
and Restaurant Real Estate
As a commercial real estate and
business broker specializing exclusively in restaurant businesses
for sale and restaurant real estate for sale or lease, many
times I am asked by both tenants and landlords to negotiate
a lease in each respective party's interest in the process of
finding a restaurant site location. One issue which consistently
arises is build-out allowances. The landlord typically desires
to contribute as little as possible, while the tenant desires
as much as possible. In my opinion, there is a way for each
to win, should a developer budget a much higher allowance than
competitive developers.
In the following example, I am making an assumption that a 5,000-square-foot
restaurant tenant is looking at space in a new shopping center.
The prospective tenant is of marginal to moderate strength and
has one successful existing location. The tenant does not have
the borrowing power or track record to go to the bank. The total
"turn-key" for the restaurant is $400,000, of which $200,000
is permanent improvements, including plumbing, electric, HVAC,
hood system, walk-ins, etc. The other $200,000 is removable
equipment and start-up expenses, including soft costs. The standard
tenant upfitting allowance is $10 per square foot or $50,000.
The base rent is $10 per square foot. The cash available to
the tenant, including the value of leased equipment, is $250,000.
The tenant needs $150,000 in build-out allowance.
Should the landlord approve a build-out allowance for $30 per
square foot for restaurant tenants, this could work to everyone's
advantage.
By offering $30 p.s.f. the landlord first of all provides an
advantage over competitive locations, and therefore should be
able to obtain greater rent. Should the extra $20 p.s.f. in
upfitting be amortized over a 10-year term at 11 percent annual
interest, the effective cost to the tenant would be $100,000
at 11 percent or $16,530 per year in payments This effectively
adds $3.31 p.s.f. to base rent. The landlord could conceivably
obtain $14 per square foot in base rent because of the competitive
advantage, and because of the additional upfitting contribution.
By arranging permanent financing in advance, the cash flow position
to the landlord is also improved, because the amortization period
is greater than 10 years on the permanent loan. The tenant has
a real win by being able to open a second location much sooner
than the tenant's borrowing ability would dictate. A $14 p.s.f.
lease capitalized at 10 percent creates a value to the landlord
of $700,000; ($14 times 5,000 square feet or $70,000 in base
rent per year divided by .10). Had the landlord only provided
the standard $10 p.s.f. upfitting and received a rent of $10
p.s.f., the effective value created would be only $500,000 ($10
times 5,000 square feet or $50,000 in base rent per year divided
by .10). The result is that the landlord has created as much
as $200,000 in additional value of the shopping center for an
investment of $100,000 in additional upfitting money. Not a
bad return for the landlord!
The downside risk for the landlord is, of course, in the event
of the tenant going out of business. In my opinion, should the
tenant default on the lease, the landlord is not in a very high-risk
situation. First of all, the shopping center may have already
been sold at a higher price because of the resulting cap rate.
Should the landlord still own the center, the likelihood of
finding a new tenant is great, because of all the restaurant
permanent improvements that are in place, including the tenant
work. Restaurant prospects traditionally look at "conversion"
opportunities extremely positively. In fact, the reality is,
should the tenant's sales and profits be a disappointment, the
tenant will probably sell his business assets at a distressed
price and assign the lease. Even if the tenant defaults, stops
paying rent, and vacates the space, the landlord can take steps
in advance to have a UCC filing in a second lien position on
public record to prevent the removal of any equipment. The first
lien holder (for example, the leasing company) would have an
advantage in leaving the equipment in place until a new tenant
is found, who will pay off or assume the equipment lease. The
landlord can still lease the vacant space if need be at $12
p.s.f. and break even on the investment. In summary, the tenant
wins by being able to open a new location more quickly than
the banks would normally allow. The tenant also wins by keeping
a more attractive debt-to-equity ratio. The tenant can certainly
understand paying a higher lease rate because of the extra upfitting
allowance, and should be willing to offer the landlord a lien
position on the improvements and equipment. The landlord wins
by creating higher value in the selling price of the shopping
center, by being able to offer a real competitive advantage
over other locations, and by more quickly leasing space. The
rewards are great for both tenant and landlord.
About the author: Jack L. Kimball, CCIM is
the owner of Kimball & Co. Restaurant Services, a Raleigh, North
Carolina-based commercial real estate and business brokerage
firm. He can be reached at 1 -800-634-7221 or through his website
at www.restaurantbizops.com.
