Classic Italian Eatery Charts MA Opening + New Brewery Debuts: Food Week

Welcome to Patch's weekly roundup of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings, and more in the state's dining scene.

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Popular Italian eatery announces opening in Central Mass.

Avvio Ristorante is set to open at The Shops at Blackstone Valley in early fall, the business announced on its website. The Rhode Island-based Italian restaurant previously targeted a summer opening.

Get free chicken for a year at new North Shore restaurant

Big Chicken will open on Dodge Street in Beverly on Saturday. The first 36 guests in line will receive free sandwiches for a year, tied to founder Shaquille O'Neal's No. 36 jersey during his time with the Boston Celtics.

New brewery coming to Somerville next year

Curiosity Brewing Company is planning to open in a space on Day Street adjacent to American Flatbread in Somerville. The upcoming brewery will feature a taproom and coffee shop with an espresso bar, along with a beer garden and patio planned for the parking lot outside the space.

Boston-based wine pop-up getting permanent home

First Crush Boston will open a natural wine bar and event space at 259 Washington St. in the former Juliet Social Club space in Somerville, marking a new chapter for the business after two years of hosting events around the Boston area.

Mediterranean restaurant debuts in Mass.

A Greek restaurant has opened its doors in Chelmsford. Kri Kri Grill is now open at 18 Boston Road, Suite 200.

New fast-food restaurant opens in Central Mass.

McDonald's opened Monday at 735 Boston Post Road East in Marlborough. The opening marks the restaurant chain's third location in the city.

Beloved Boston sandwich shop shutters

Fresh Boston announced it would close its South Boston restaurant at 232 Old Colony Ave., citing that challenges facing the small business had become too difficult to overcome.

The business did not announce a final day of service or provide a timeline for reopening, but said its Cambridge location will remain open.

Longtime Medford diner closing its doors

Paul Revere Restaurant owners Joseph Schanda Jr. and Joseph Schanda Sr. announced the closure in a statement to customers, saying the West Medford restaurant will serve its final meals on Sunday, Aug. 30.

More Massachusetts Food News:

• New Creamery Takes Over Longtime Central MA Ice Cream Spot
• Fast-Casual Smoothie, Sandwich Spot Opens North Shore Location
• Korean-Inspired Cafe Coming Soon To Somerville
• North Shore Brewing Family Matriarch Celebrates 100th Birthday With Specialty Beer
• Beverly Restaurant Week Returns For Summer 2026
• Longtime Lexington Dunkin' To Reopen With New Addition

Catch Up On Past Food Roundups:

• Popular Mexican Eatery Debuts + New Openings At Patriot Place
• Massive Pizza Festival Coming To MA + Unique Japanese Eatery
• 3 MA Bars Are Best In U.S. + Popular Chain Moving HQ To MA
• Famous Coffee Shop Opens + Beloved Massachusetts Bar Closing
• MA Hot Dog Among Best In America + Famous Japanese Restaurant Coming