Back Bay, Boston, MA

Openings, closings & business in Back Bay, Boston

New restaurants, storefront changes, and local business news in Back Bay, Boston, MA. Updated daily from the Back Bay, Boston morning brief.

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Early plans emerge for Tori Japan restaurant near Ashmont

Early plans filed Tuesday call for a Japanese restaurant, Tori Japan, at 1970 Dorchester Avenue next to the Ashmont MBTA station.

Aug 26 · Universal Hub →

La Padrona at Raffles Boston named second-best hotel restaurant in U.S.

La Padrona, the Back Bay Italian restaurant run by Jody Adams and Amarilys Colon, was named the nation's second-best hotel restaurant in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, reported Aug. 21.

Aug 24 · Time Out Boston →

Achilito's Taqueria announces upcoming Back Bay restaurant opening

Fast-casual Mexican chain Achilito's Taqueria announced Aug. 21 plans to open a new location on Boylston Street in Back Bay this October.

Aug 23 · What Now Boston →

Encore Boston Harbor workers vote to authorize strike

More than 1,300 hospitality, warehouse, and support workers at Encore Boston Harbor voted Friday, Aug. 21, to authorize a strike as contract negotiations continue.

Aug 22 · PR Newswire →

Downtown Crossing's immersive WNDR Museum set to close Aug. 30

The interactive WNDR Museum near the Theater District will permanently close on August 30, after two years of operation.

Aug 21 · Patch →

Nuba Cafe celebrates grand opening on Columbus Avenue

A grand opening ceremony runs today, Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for Nuba, a Black-owned, halal cafe at 742 Columbus Ave. bringing flavors of the African diaspora near Northeastern's campus.

Aug 19 · Northeastern Global News →

Madrugada retail pop-up wraps up today on Winter Street

The Madrugada pop-up at 39 Winter Street in downtown Boston, featuring exclusive designs from emerging brands, runs through today, August 17.

Aug 17 · Downtown Boston Alliance →

Fenway staples Sweet Cheeks Q and Fool's Errand to close in November

Chef Tiffani Faison will close her neighboring Fenway restaurants Sweet Cheeks Q and Fool's Errand on Nov. 24, opting not to renew their leases amid rising food and operating costs.

Aug 15 · Boston Restaurant Talk →

Natural winery Marzae opens new tasting room at Boston Public Market

The 95-seat Marzae Cellar + Provisions tasting room and restaurant opened Aug. 11 in the Boston Public Market's largest retail space, serving Massachusetts-made natural wine and locally sourced food.

Aug 15 · Boston Patch →

Whoop seeks large office footprint at Kenmore Square

Wearable tech firm Whoop is reportedly negotiating a 107,000-square-foot lease at 660 Beacon Street to nearly double its Boston headquarters as it prepares to go public.

Aug 13 · Bisnow →

Dumpling Center opens in former Dumpling Palace space

Dumpling Center opened Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 179 Massachusetts Avenue in Back Bay, taking over the space previously home to Dumpling Palace.

Aug 12 · Boston Restaurant Talk →

Sonsie Debuts $25 Power Lunch Special on Newbury Street

Back Bay bistro Sonsie is now offering a $25 'Power Lunch' special with a Caesar salad, hand-cut fries, and a spritz.

Aug 11 · Boston Chefs →

SBA small-business workshop at Copley library

Today, Monday, Aug. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Central Library in Copley Square hosts a workshop on SBA programs, mentoring, capital access, loans, and federal contracting readiness.

Aug 10 · Boston Public Library →

Massachusetts Sales Tax-Free Weekend Underway

Massachusetts waives its 6.25% sales tax on most purchases under $2,500 through Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Aug 9 · Mass.gov →

Newbury Street Dispensary Seeks Later Operating Hours

The Boston Cannabis Board will hold an Aug. 12 hearing on Ember Gardens' request to extend hours at its 297 Newbury Street shop to 11 p.m.

Aug 8 · City of Boston →

Theater District Nightclub Royale Handed Two-Day License Suspension

The Boston Licensing Board suspended Royale's license for two days on Aug. 6, citing a New Year's Day incident in which bouncers excessively beat an aggressive patron.

Aug 7 · Universal Hub →

Faneuil Hall Owner Sues Seven Tenants Over $2M in Unpaid Rent

Faneuil Hall Marketplace landlord J. Safra Real Estate filed lawsuits against seven tenants, including Sugar Factory and FoMu, alleging more than $2 million in unpaid rent.

Aug 7 · Bisnow →

South End's Barcelona Wine Bar to stop bartender 'throat-pouring'

Barcelona Wine Bar in the South End agreed Aug. 5 to stop bartenders from standing on the bar and pouring wine down patrons' throats, following a hearing before the Boston Licensing Board.

Aug 6 · Universal Hub →

Licensing Board reviews Ritz-Carlton, All'Antico Vinaio changes today

The Licensing Board holds a virtual hearing today at 10 a.m. on petitions including manager changes for the Ritz-Carlton at 1-2 Avery St. and All'Antico Vinaio at 330 Washington St.

Aug 5 · City of Boston →

Newbury St. cannabis shop seeks longer hours, ownership change

The Boston Cannabis Board hears Ember Gardens' request today at 1 p.m. to change ownership of its 297 Newbury St. shop, extend hours to 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and remove several operating conditions.

Aug 5 · City of Boston →

OAK Long Bar launches weekly market-to-table experience

Starting today at 11:30 a.m., OAK Long Bar + Kitchen begins its 'Market to Table' series, guiding guests through the neighboring Copley Square Farmers Market before a mixology workshop and lunch.

Aug 4 · The Boston Calendar →

Historic Union Oyster House Celebrates 200th Anniversary

The Union Oyster House along the Freedom Trail marked its 200th anniversary on August 2 as America's oldest continuously operating restaurant.

Aug 3 · Boston 25 News →

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