Business & Tech

Here Are The MA Restaurants That Opened, Closed In 2025

From the opening of iconic chains to the closing of cherished favorites, here are the leading restaurant stories of the year.

Massachusetts’ dining scene saw big changes in 2025, with buzzy new arrivals to bittersweet goodbyes at establishments that served generations.

The state welcomed everything from national chains to local barbecue, gelato, and Indian street-food spots. And the Bay State continued to earn national praise, landing on “best of” lists and even securing new Michelin honors.

Here are some of the restaurants that opened and closed in Massachusetts, along with the recognition the state's eateries earned.

Find out what's happening in Across Massachusettsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Openings

Famous Pizzeria Has 2 MA Locations In The Works: Here's Where

A Connecticut-based restaurant is continuing to expand with two new locations planned for Massachusetts.

Find out what's happening in Across Massachusettsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Chick-fil-A To Open MA Airport Location

The fast-food chain known for its chicken will opened an airport location.

This Beloved Boston Pizza Spot Is Now Open In MA City

A hot pizza spot in Boston's South End has made its way to central Massachusetts.

Popular New England Restaurant Chain Opens In MA

The restaurant is now open in the space formerly occupied by a TGI Fridays.

Beloved Chicken Chain Sets Opening Day In MA

The fast-growing chicken chain was given unanimous approval for a food sellers permit.

New Restaurant Serves Central Texas BBQ At This MA Mall

The new barbecue restaurant is a sister operation to an established hot chicken restaurant with four Massachusetts locations.

Indian Street Food Spot Coming To MA

A national chain best known for its Indian street food opened in MA.

Unique Food Hall Delivery Chain Plans To Add MA Location

A rapidly growing chain that promises to bring world-class cuisine to your doorstep is charting an opening in an MA town.

Popular Fast-Casual Chain Opens MA Eatery

Two locations of a rapidly expanding chain have opened recently in Massachusetts.

Beloved Cape Cod Bakery To Reopen After Sale

After the successful sale of a beloved Cape Cod bakery, new ownership announced the opening day for the summer season.

Seafood Restaurant Owner Opens Second Location In MA

The owner of a popular seafood, burgers and spirits establishment planned to open a second location in MA.

Famed Brazilian Steakhouse To Open 3rd MA Location

Management said a lease was signed for a 6,184-square-foot restaurant.

The Establishment Establishes Itself In MA Town

The restaurant opened its second location earlier this year.

Gelato Shop Opens At MA Mall

The gelateria offers flavors like sea salt caramel, Italian chocolate and pistachio.

Dumpling Chain Coming Soon To MA Town: Report

This will be the chain's third location in Massachusetts.

New Poke Restaurant Opens In MA

The new location officially opened in a shopping plaza. Here's what to know.

Closings

Iconic North Shore Restaurant Closes For Good After 80 Years

A family sold the property for $7 million in 2022 and operated three more seasons.

Beloved MA Drive-In To Close After 60 Years In Business

An iconic restaurant in Massachusetts is set to close its doors next spring.

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Closes At MA Mall

The location opened at the mall in 2024 with a second location planned for an MA town.

The Naked Oyster To Close On Cape Cod This Summer

The restaurant had been open for two decades.

Once-Mighty Pizza Chain To Close 4 More MA Locations

A family restaurant chain that had dozens of locations continues to dwindle, with four more Massachusetts stores on the way out.

MA Chinese Restaurant To Close After 3 Decades

The restaurant announced the closure on social media.

MA Steakhouse To Close After 5 Decades

The owners made the announcement with "a heavy heart and bittersweet emotion."

Best-Of Rankings, Lists

26 MA Restaurants Honored By Michelin Guide, Including City's 1st Star

A sushi restaurant was awarded a city's first Michelin Star.

These 2 MA Restaurants 'Define Dining,' New Top 100 Ranking Says

Two MA restaurants are among the "places that make us want to return again and again, and define the best of our dining culture today."

MA Has 2 Of The 50 Best Restaurants In America, New Ranking Says

From new Irish standards to dishes from a Boston fine-dining veteran, Massachusetts landed two restaurants on the ranking.

Beloved New England Chain Has The Best Slice In MA, Food Network Says

Food Network selected its favorite pizzerias in each of the 50 states. See which MA joint made the cut.

This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In MA, Popular Food Website Says

Massachusetts may be known for its seafood, but don't sleep on the burgers in The Bay State either.

Here's How Many MA Restaurants Made A List For Best Outdoor Dining

A number of state restaurants made a recent OpenTable roundup of best locations to dine outside.

Iconic Spot Named Best Restaurant In MA, Foodie Site Says

An eatery that's "gained legendary status among locals and visitors alike" was named the best restaurant in Massachusetts.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.