West Medford Restaurant Permanently Closes After More Than 10 Years

This eatery may have closed, but a successor was found in a snap.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 2, 2026 11:32 AM EDT

MEDFORD, MA — A longtime restaurant has permanently closed its doors after more than a decade in West Medford.

Snappy Pattys announced the closure Tuesday, describing the decision as a difficult one. The restaurant at 454 High St. served customers for the final time on Saturday, Sept. 26.

"To our wonderful neighbors and friends, after 14 incredible years of serving this community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors," the restaurant's ownership said in a statement. "With all our love and gratitude, Snappy Pattys."

Snappy Pattys first opened in August 2014, taking over a space previously occupied by Pompei and Company Stained Glass. The restaurant was originally opened by restaurateur Adam Gazzola and chef Nicholas "Nick" Dowling, who had previously worked at several Boston restaurants including Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar, Franklin Cafe and Franklin Southie.

The business's name was inspired by its mini patty melt sliders, which were served on brioche bread. Snappy Pattys initially offered several versions of the sliders, including classic, jalapeño, California, and Texan varieties. Its larger contemporary American menu also included dishes such as razor clam chowder, white fish tacos, ricotta gnocchi, smoked lamb ribs and fried chicken.

The restaurant originally opened with 36 seats before expanding over the following years. Plans for a roughly 50-seat outdoor patio were unveiled in 2015, and Snappy Pattys later expanded into an adjacent space previously occupied by a women's gym. The expansion roughly doubled the restaurant's indoor footprint and brought its capacity to 82 seats while adding a bar and separate dining room.

Snappy Pattys operated as a scratch kitchen with a seasonal contemporary American menu that incorporated a variety of international influences. Its menu changed over the years and included burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, and other dishes, along with lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

The restaurant was featured on Phantom Gourmet and Chronicle following its opening. Dowling eventually departed the restaurant and later became executive chef at The Lantern inside the Great American Beer Hall in Medford.

The High Street space will not remain vacant for long, as Rory O'Connor's Irish Pub is slated to take over the location. An opening date and additional details about the incoming restaurant have not yet been announced.