Massachusetts’ restaurant industry has faced a difficult stretch over the past few months, with high-profile food halls, legacy institutions, and neighborhood favorites all closing their doors. Rising operating costs, staffing pressures, and shifting dining habits continue to reshape the state’s dining landscape.
Time Out Market Boston — closing January 23, 2026
One of the most significant recent closures is Time Out Market Boston, the Fenway-area food hall that opened in 2019. The market, home to roughly 15 local vendors, announced it will permanently close on January 23, 2026.
Operators cited reduced foot traffic tied to hybrid work schedules and increased expenses as major factors. The shutdown will impact multiple small businesses and marks the loss of a major dining destination near Fenway Park.
Hawthorne by the Sea — closed late 2025
After serving the North Shore for 80 years, Hawthorne by the Sea in Swampscott closed in late 2025. The waterfront seafood restaurant, owned by the Athanas family, had long been a destination for special occasions and summer dining. Its closure, along with the adjacent Anthony’s Pier 4 Café, was widely viewed as the end of an era for the region’s dining scene.
UNO Pizzeria & Grill — closed January 11, 2026
Classic casual-dining chain UNO Pizzeria & Grill shuttered three Massachusetts locations on January 11, 2026. Restaurants in Dedham, Revere, and Braintree — each open for more than three decades — were closed following a company review of underperforming sites.
Industry analysts point to increased competition from larger-tier chains as a likely contributor to the closure of UNO, though the company’s official statement didn’t include a reason for closure.
Bertucci’s — multiple closures throughout 2025
The footprint of Bertucci’s continued to shrink in Massachusetts throughout 2025 as the Italian chain navigated bankruptcy restructuring. Locations in Braintree, Mansfield, North Andover, Norwood, and Plymouth were among those closed. Once a dominant presence in suburban dining, Bertucci’s has struggled to adapt to changing consumer preferences and increased competition.
Neighborhood favorites close quietly
Beyond major brands, smaller neighborhood restaurants have also disappeared in recent months. Boston-area closures include Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain and Birds of Paradise in Brighton, part of a steady stream of local losses that often draw less attention but still impact their communities.
An industry under pressure
Together, these closures highlight the ongoing strain on Massachusetts restaurants as the new year begins. With this many closures just since the end of 2025, it paints a less-than-optimal forecast for 2026.
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