3 MA Bars Are Best In U.S. + Popular Chain Moving HQ To MA: Food Week

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.

Prefer to watch? Check out this week's Patch Food and Business Roundup in the video below, then keep scrolling for the written version.

Have a food story idea? Send it to jessie.castellano@patch.com.

Three Mass. bars among best in the U.S., new ranking says

The Wig Shop in Boston, Shipwrecked in Falmouth, and Femme Bar in Worcester were named among of USA TODAY's 38 Bars of the Year for 2026. The annual list includes bars across the U.S. selected by USA TODAY Network food writers.

Casual restaurant chain moving headquarters to Mass.

Panera Bread will open a new headquarters in Weston in July 2027 while maintaining a St. Louis support center, according to a company memo to support center employees obtained by Patch.

New market opens in historic Mass. bank building

Two Pence Market, from the team behind Steel & Rye, will open its doors Wednesday at 2 Eliot St. in Milton. The shop will bring fresh food, specialty coffee, curated groceries, wine, indoor and outdoor seating and community gathering space to the former bank.

Mass. chef wins national seafood cook-off

Chef Quang Tran, executive chef for Happy You’re Here Hospitality Group, was crowned the 2026 King of American Seafood on Saturday after competing in the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Beloved Mass. eatery closing last location

Boloco, the Boston-born burrito chain, will close its final location at 50 Congress St. on Sept. 25. The business announced Tuesday that the building has been sold and is being converted to residential use.

Well-known Boston bar closing after three decades

Hennessy's Bar at 25 Union St. announced the closure this week in a statement after serving its final customers on Tuesday.

More Massachusetts Food News:

• Noodle Restaurant Appears To Be Coming To Vacant Downtown Melrose Space
• Popular Brewery's Taproom Taking Shape In Woburn
• Worcester Bar Named Among Best In U.S. By USA TODAY
• Popular Marlborough Restaurant Celebrates 1 Year Of Success
• Malden Farmer's Market Returns To City Hall Plaza
• New Eatery Concept Coming To Busy Lexington Spot
Popular Fast-Food Chain Plans Woburn Store

Catch Up On Past Food Roundups:

• Famous Coffee Shop Opens + Beloved Massachusetts Bar Closing
• MA Hot Dog Among Best In America + Famous Japanese Restaurant Coming
• Popular Cafe, Lifestyle Brand Debuts + Beloved Wine Bar Transitioning
• Restaurant Reopens After Fire + National Chains Expand
• Popular Chicken Chain Expands + Bakery Cafe Debuts