Tech Company Files For Bankruptcy + Grocery Prices Up + Famous Pizza Coming To MA: MA Business Week

MASSACHUSETTS — From a pizzeria announcing its plans for expansion to a vacuum maker filing for bankruptcy, it's been a busy week in Massachusetts business news.

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Iconic pizzeria has two Massachusetts locations in the works

Sally's Apizza, an iconic New Haven establishment, is expanding with two more restaurants coming to Massachusetts. New locations are planned for Concord and Weymouth in 2026, according to the company.

Sally's also opened restaurants in Dorchester and Woburn this year and has another in the works at Boston Seaport. The company has set a "target" of opening 15 restaurants in Massachusetts.

Roomba vacuum maker files for bankruptcy and sells itself to a Chinese company

Bedford- based Roomba maker iRobot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday. The robotic vacuum cleaner would sell itself to Shenzhen PICEA Robotics Co, a Chinese contract manufacturer, the company said.

The company said customers should not expect disruptions to its app, customer service or other functions.

U.S. inflation slows unexpectedly, here’s what it means for grocery prices in Massachusetts

U.S. inflation slowed unexpectedly last month, but consumers are still paying about 1.9 percent more for groceries than they were a year ago, according to the Labor Department’s November consumer price index report.

Grocery price increases were strongly influenced by higher prices for beef and other meats, poultry, fish and eggs. Together, prices on these protein staples have increased 4.7 percent over the past year.

New England brunch chain to close Danvers location

The Friendly Toast is closing its Danvers location at the end of the month. The popular breakfast, brunch and casual eatery says the search for a new home on the North Shore remains ongoing.

The Friendly Toast said that "mechanical issues within the building" are forcing the closure of the location at 50 Independence Way in Danvers as of Dec. 31.

More Massachusetts Business News This Week:

• MA’s Best Hospitals For 2025: See Full List
• Patriot Place, Phoenix Theatres To Open New Movie Theatre
• Long-vacant Somerville Store Torn Down After 17 Years: Report
• Lakeside Apartments Demolition Underway In Worcester
• Former MA TSA Worker Charged With Receiving $47K In Pandemic Unemployment
• Concerns About Billing Errors, Costs Prompt Investigation Of MA Energy Bills
• $2 Million Powerball Winner Sold At North Andover Store
• Beverly Rehab Center Launches 'Operation Santa Paws' Pet Food, Supply Drive
• Worcester-based Organizations Receive Grants For Perinatal Health
• Framingham Public Library Honors Supporters With New Donor Board
• Cape Cod Community College Names New Leader Of Employer Engagement, Workforce Partnerships
• Beverly Office Park Kitchen Closes After 10 Years, Moves Commissary To Danvers

Catch Up On Past Business Roundups:

• New Indoor Golf Bar Opens + Beloved Dress Store Closes + Insurance Company Layoffs: MA Business Week
• Popular Chicken Restaurant Opening + Cheese Recall + Small Business Saturday: MA Business Week
• Mass Layoffs Hit Major Company + Boston Snags Michelin Star + New Food Halls Coming: MA Business Week
• Discount Department Store Opening + Baby Formula Recall + New Beauty Retailer: MA Business Week