Popular Massachusetts restaurant chain warns of closure after bankruptcy, 182 jobs at risk

A well-known plant-based restaurant chain is racing to secure a buyer after warning that all of its locations could close in just weeks. The filing puts more than 180 jobs at risk and raises new questions about the future of one of the Boston area’s most recognizable fast-casual brands.

182 workers could lose jobs

Clover Food Lab filed a WARN notice in Massachusetts stating that 182 employees could be laid off if a sale is not completed. The company said it expects to close on May 29, 2026, unless a buyer is secured by that date. 

The Cambridge-based chain said the filing was made to comply with state regulations in the event a deal does not close. “We are optimistic that Clover will continue to serve our locally sourced farm-to-table fast food in Clover’s next chapter,” company representatives said in a statement,

From food truck startup to local favorite

Founded in 2008 as a single food truck near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Clover grew into a regional fast-casual brand known for vegetarian sandwiches, bowls, and seasonal menus built around local ingredients. The company currently operates 11 Greater Boston locations, along with catering and meal services. 

Its rise helped make plant-forward dining more mainstream in the region, attracting customers looking for quick meals with a sustainability focus.

Financial struggles continue

Clover previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 after citing rising costs, lease obligations, and financial pressures tied to the pandemic era. The company later emerged from bankruptcy in 2024 and had expressed plans to expand again. 

Now, the search for a new owner suggests those recovery efforts may not have been enough to stabilize operations long term.

What comes next

If no buyer steps forward before late May, Clover’s restaurants could close and hundreds of workers may be displaced. If a sale is completed, locations may continue operating under new ownership.

For now, employees and loyal customers are waiting to see whether the chain’s next chapter arrives in time.

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