When One Chicken Door Closes, A New Burger Door Opens In MA Town: 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 what could've been Massachusetts' newest Chick-fil-A may very well become the state's newest Shake Shack.

The former Motel 6 space in Braintree has gone through a tumultuous afterlife following the closure of the motel.

Chick-fil-A had an agreement to move into the space, but, in September, Mayor Erin Joyce confirmed that the company will not exercise its right to occupy the Union Street property.

Torrington Properties, which owns the site, received notice from the restaurant chain that it wouldn't be moving into the space, creating an uncertain future for the property.

“While this news is surprising to all of us, we recognize the immediate positives – that substantial improvements have already been made to the site and the eyesore that was Motel 6 is cleaned up,” said Joyce. “We look forward to continuing to work with Torrington as they secure a new tenant and proceed with construction, as we are all anxious to have a new investment in the heart of our Town.”

Now, however, it appears that the space has a new future.

Shake Shack has signed a letter of intent to open a new restaurant at 125 Union St. The town's Planning Board unanimously approved Torrington's request to redesign plans for the site this week.

Shake Shack joins CAVA in the list of restaurants who've committed to join the reenvisioned plan for the site.

Here's what else was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In MA? Eater Boston Names A Few
• El Barco Opens Boston Pop-Up After Success On Martha's Vineyard
• Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl Returns For Summer 2025: MA Cheap Eats
• Stone Street Bistro Opens At Danvers Senior Center
• Brookline Bakery Looking To Expand To Somerville: Report
• Upscale Lounge Making Its Way To Brookline Neighborhood: Report
• Organic Café to Open New Location in Burlington This Summer