A visual representation of the recent wave of restaurant closures in Boston.
Boston’s restaurant landscape has faced significant upheaval in recent weeks, with several well-known establishments shutting their doors. Notable closures include Eddie V’s Steakhouse in Back Bay and Jamaica Mi Hungry in Jamaica Plain. Shogun in West Newton and Sam’s Falafel & Shawarma in Somerville are among other casualties of the economic pressures impacting the dining industry. These closures reflect ongoing challenges, including rising costs and changing consumer behaviors in a post-pandemic environment.
Boston – May 2023 has seen a wave of restaurant closures in the Boston area, affecting a diverse array of dining establishments from steakhouses to food trucks. In a notable move, Eddie V’s steakhouse has shuttered its Prudential Center location in Back Bay after Mother’s Day, branding the decision as a “difficult business choice.” In an effort to support impacted staff, all employees from the Back Bay venue have been extended job offers at the chain’s other Massachusetts location in Burlington.
In addition to Eddie V’s, Jamaica Mi Hungry, a Caribbean restaurant, has announced the closure of its Jackson Square location in Jamaica Plain. This decision was shared via an Instagram post in which the restaurant expressed a desire to explore all possible options before ultimately deciding to cease operations. The team is now concentrating on its newly launched Downtown Crossing restaurant and a fleet of food trucks, signifying a shift in focus for the business.
Staying in the local dining scene, Shogun, a Japanese restaurant in West Newton, has closed its doors after approximately 40 years of service. The establishment has been well-regarded for its affordable sushi, udon, and katsu dishes, making its closure significant for loyal customers who have frequented the establishment for generations.
Further contributing to the trend, Sam’s Falafel & Shawarma, a counter-service eatery in Somerville, has also ceased operations after service on May 25. The owner cited the stress associated with managing the restaurant as a primary reason for the closure, highlighting potential challenges faced by small business operators in the industry.
Another notable closure is the Park Plaza location of Strega, an Italian restaurant that has been in business for seven years. Strega is one of three locations sold to PPX Hospitality, while the original site in the North End remains operational. This change marks a shift in the brand’s strategy as it navigates the post-pandemic dining landscape.
On a different note, Super Bien, a natural wine bar and specialty market specializing in South American cuisine located in Brighton, has shut down. The owner plans to continue operations at her empanada shop, Buenas, and market, Homie Goods, located in Bow Market in Somerville, indicating a pivot toward more stable offerings in a rapidly changing market.
The closures extend to La Voile, a French brasserie located in Brookline’s Washington Square, which has ceased operations after ten years. However, its Newbury Street counterpart continues to serve patrons, showing that while some outlets close, others remain resilient amid challenges.
Finally, D’s Keys, a dueling piano bar situated in the Seaport area, has closed after nearly seven years of operation. The owners attributed the decline in business to rising dining costs and decreased corporate bookings, marking a shift in consumer behavior and corporate spending patterns in the post-COVID era.
This wave of restaurant closures is indicative of the ongoing challenges faced by the dining industry, including rising costs, changes in consumer behavior, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the dining landscape continues to evolve, many establishments are making difficult decisions to adapt and survive in the current economic climate.
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