New Whole Foods + Craft Beer Merger: MA Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — 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.

This week provided big news in the Massachusetts craft beer space as the parent company for Jack's Abby announced they would acquire Night Shift Brewing, the second time this year the company has purchased another major name in the local brewing space.

When the deal closes Hendler Family Brewing Company will employ 300 people, including "the vast majority" of Night Shift's existing team. Company officials said they project an annual production of 100,000 barrels in 2025—equivalent to 24 million pints or 1.4 million cases— ranking among the top 30 craft breweries in the nation.

Here's what was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• Jack's Abby Adds Night Shift Brewing To Growing Company Lineup
• Craft Beer For A Cause Event Returns To Waltham
• New Hyannis Whole Foods Opens This Week
• Beverly Candy Shop To Celebrate 1 Year On Rantoul Street On Saturday
• Salem Free Mobile Market Serves 500 Families
• How Sweet It Is: Topsfield Fair Harvest Bake Contest Winners
• Coffee Cafe 'Brewed In Burlington' Pitched At Planning Board Meeting

Deal of the Week

It's Halloween season and Applebee's is participating with a special $1 cocktail, plus a lineup of other themed drinks.

The Dollar Zombie is a mix of rum, passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, lime and a gummi brain garnish for just $1. They've also launched a "Spooky Sips" lineup that includes $10 bucket drinks.

The "Franken-Mama" is the chain's take on the Bahama Mama cocktail with Bacardí Superior Rum mixed with Applebee’s signature blue tropical mix and a gummi brain garnish. The "Dracula’s Juice" Bucket is made with Patron Silver Tequila and Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine with triple sec, strawberry and lemon.

For those who aren't looking for their cocktails in a bucket, the chain has launched a $5 "Boo Lagoon" cocktail with Bacardí Superior Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, blue curaçao and pineapple juice.