Beloved Chicken Chain Eyes Opening + Popular Breakfast Spot Launches: MA Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — Welcome to Patch's weekly round-up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings, and more in the state's dining scene.

This week, we learned that two popular restaurant chains opened new locations in the Bay State.

Breakfast, brunch, lunch come to Back Bay

First Watch, an award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot, opened its first location in Boston.

The eatery opened at 777 Boylston St. on Wednesday. The new Back Bay location is the chain's second in Massachusetts, joining more than 600 restaurants in 32 states.

The eatery opened its first Massachusetts location in January 2025 at 1775 Washington St. in Hanover. It first announced a Boston location in April as part of a continued New England expansion.

A favorite hot chicken chain to open its first location in Massachusetts

A well-known Nashville hot chicken chain in Connecticut will soon open in the Bay State.

Haven Hot Chicken will open its 10th location at 477 W. Central St. in Franklin on Jan. 14. The new storefront will be the brand's first outside Connecticut.

It's best known for its signature "crispy, crunchy, juicy, spicy, delicious chicken" and vegetarian options.

Have a food story idea? Send it to jessie.castellano@patch.com.

More Massachusetts Food News:

• Ramen Spot Opens In Popular Boston Food Hall
• Beloved Pretzel Chain Eyes Expansion With Second Worcester Location

Catch Up On Past Food Roundups:

• MA City Named Top 10 Food City In The World
• Seaport Restaurants Closing + Grocer To Feed 2K Boston Kids
• MA Restaurant Gets Festive + Beloved Brewery Closing
• MA Poké Restaurant Expands With Newest Opening