Local Favorite An 'American Classic' + New Plan For Dunkin U. Site: 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 Sullivan's Castle Island is one of six recipients of the 2025 America's Classics Award, a category of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Dan Sullivan, Sr. created the spot as a hot dog stand in 1951. It's been operated by the family ever since, passing through four generations. The seasonal location on Castle Island is set to open this weekend.

Also, the former Dunkin' University site in Braintree has been vacant, but plans to open a restaurant there have been long-rumored, and are finally taking shape.

Leo Keka, the owner of area restaurants Alba and Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar, will open Leo's Events And Restaurant at the 589 Granite Street location.

Keka originally said the restaurant would be named Scutari — a location of that restaurant is open in Hanover — and serve Italian cuisine, but shifted away from that model. No opening date has been set.

Here's what was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• Sullivan's Castle Island: From MA Hot Dog Stand To 'American Classic'
• Cisco Brewers, Revolution Partner On New Pilsner For MLS Season
• Leo's Events And Restaurant Coming To Former Braintree Dunkin U. Site
• Restaurants To Know As Dine Out Boston Returns For 2025
• Worcester Fried Chicken Restaurant Set To Close
• Restaurant, Apartments Proposed In Hyannis Main Street Plan
• Shake Shack Bar Opens At Boston's Logan Airport
• Hooters Shrewsbury To Remain Open Following Corporate Bankruptcy
• Guide To Worcester Restaurant Week 2025
• New Brazilian-Style Pizzeria Approved To Open In Worcester
• Irish Pub Launches In Medford Square
• Late Night Donut Pop-Up Back Door Launches Boozy Brunch: MA Cheap Eats
• Beverly's First-Ever 'Restaurant Week' Begins Sunday