Mass Layoffs Hit Major Company + Boston Snags Michelin Star + New Food Halls Coming: MA Business Week

MASSACHUSETTS — From a Boston restaurant getting the city's first Michelin Star rating to new food halls hitting the Bay State, it's been a busy week in Massachusetts business news.

Boston restaurant gets city's first Michelin Star, while 26 restaurants are honored

The Michelin Guide awarded a Michelin star to 311 Omakase, a Japanese restaurant in Boston's South End. It became the first ever business in the city to receive a Michelin Star rating.

In fact, 26 restaurants in Massachusetts were honored by the Michelin Guide, according to NBC10 Boston. Bar Volpe and Fox & The Knife, both in Boston; Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, Pagu and Jahunger in Cambridge and Mahaniyom in Brookline were recognised in the "Bib Gourmand" category, which is awarded for its value for the money spent.

New food halls are coming to Massachusetts

Wonder in Needham, Burlington

Wonder Restaurant Group is bringing its delivery-focused food halls to Massachusetts, with a location at 170 Needham St. in Newton scheduled to launch next year, according to a report from Rock 929.

The menu includes dishes from Bobby Flay and Michael Symon, as well as partnerships with Di Fara Pizza, Bankside by JJ Johnson, Alanza, and Limesalt.

Wonder also plans to open at The Village at Burlington Mall in 2026, with dine-in options.

Eastern Edge in Kendall Square

A new food hall named Eastern Edge will open at 290 Main St. in Kendall Square in early 2026. The 11,000-square-foot space will be home to a total of nine vendors, with four yet to be announced.

Mass layoffs are coming to a Wilmington business

Charles River Laboratories International Inc. will terminate 68 jobs at its Wilmington location, according to The Boston Business Journal.

The life sciences company has about 2,200 local workers. The reduction comes as the company will partially cease operations at its 251 Ballardvale St. facility beginning in January.

Three Massachusetts companies were ranked among the most ethical in the U.S.

Three of the country's most ethical companies are located in Massachusetts, with one ranked in the top five, according to an analysis from MarketBeat.

Ocean Spray, located in Lakeville, ranked No. 4. Taza Chocolate in Somerville ranked No. 56. Cape Air in Hyannis ranked No. 110.

More Massachusetts Business News This Week:

• Thanksgiving Grocery, Black Friday Retail Hours: What’s Open, Closed In MA
• Apple Store To Open New Location In Central MA
• Sudbury Business Owner Pleaded Guilty To Paying Employee $1.6M Under The Table, USAO
• New Coffee Spot Starts Up In Medford
• Medford Housing Renovation Project Nearing Completion
• JetBlue Adds 2 New Nonstop Flights From Boston To European Destinations
• Worcester College Student Sentenced For Hacking, Extorting 2 Companies For Ransom
• Somerville Chocolate Business Ranked As One Of Nation's Most Ethical
• New Brookline Bookstore Looks To Inspire Kids To Read: Report
• The Most Expensive Property For Sale In Wilmington Is This One
• Crypto Scams Cost Essex County Residents $11M In 2025 As Kiosk Ban Efforts Expand
• Iconic North Shore Restaurant Closes For Good After 80 Years
• Urology Center Opens New Central MA Location
• Large Housing Project Moving Forward In Burlington

Catch Up On Past Business Roundups:

• Discount Department Store Opening + Baby Formula Recall + New Beauty Retailer: MA Business Week
• National Bank Closing Branches + Listeria Outbreak + Iconic Outdoors Brand Opens: MA Business Week
• Beloved Grocer Grows + New Fitness Spot + MA Best State For Jobs: MA Business Week
• Health Company Layoffs + Unclaimed $50k Lottery Ticket + Beloved Bakery Expansion: MA Business Week