Woburn Strega Italiano Closes Permanently

WOBURN, MA — Strega Italiano in Woburn has opted to permanently close, according to an announcement on the restaurant’s website as of Friday morning.

Strega, which is located off Sylvian Road, has long occupied a prominent spot next to I-95 in the TradeCenter 128 development.

Its owners, this week, said they had made “the difficult decision” to close their doors permanently prior to the new year.

“Our sincerest appreciation and gratitude go out to you our guests for the support and loyalty you have shown over the years, especially our regulars who have become like family,” Strega said.

Strega is now owned by PPX Hospitality Brands. PPX owns two other Strega locations in the Seaport and Back Bay neighborhoods of Boston. It also owns the high-end Smith & Wollensky steakhouse chain and Legal Sea Foods.

Strega in its recent announcement directed its Woburn diners toward its Seaport and Back Bay locations, which will remain open.

The chain, Strega said, will “continue to invest” in its brand and dining experience.

“We hope you’ll stay tuned for new features and developments at these fine restaurants!” Strega said.

Strega thanked its employees, saying it is "working to place each employee in new roles throughout the PPX Hospitality Brands company."

Strega opened in Woburn in 2013 under the banner of "Strega Prime." Boston-area restauranteur Nick Varano owned the Strega brand at the time.

Strega Prime in Woburn eventually rebranded as Strega Italiano after Varano’s Varano Group sold the restaurant to the Irish firm Danu Partners as part of a package of Strega sites in 2020. Danu subsequently created PPX to manage Strega restaurants and the Smith & Wollensky chain.

Danu Partners, at the time, called the Woburn Strega Prime restaurant "one of the most successful North Shore dining locations" since its opening.

Though closing its Strega doors in Woburn, PPX is in the process of opening a new Smith & Wollensky restaurant in Burlington.

Originally envisioning a Strega restaurant, PPX has shifted its plans in Burlington to now prepare for a Smith & Wollensky concept, according to the Daily Times Chronicle.

PPX announced some details last week about what will be its third Boston-area Smith & Wollensky location. The company is still yet to confirm an opening date.