How Many Boston Market Locations Are Left in Massachusetts?
The rotisserie chicken restaurant chain that first started in Newton, MA no longer has a mass presence in New England. In fact, there are a grand total of zero Boston Markets in the city of Boston. There are however two prominent Boston Market locations in Massachusetts right on the outskirts of the city.
Travel five miles north and you will find one in Medford. Or head 10 miles south and there’s a Boston Market right on the corner of Granite St. According to new recent data report by ScrapeHero, there are still 312 Boston Market locations in the country. They are spread throughout 24 different states. Massachusetts down to the Mid-Atlantic region has the most density. New York and New Jersey still have 71 total locations collectively. However, Florida is the state that loves the rotisserie chain the most – having 44 locations. The city with the most spots is Philadelphia with 10.
Restaurant History
“Boston Chicken” started in a suburb of… Boston. Founders Arthur Cores and Steven Kolow initially launched the concept in Newton, MA back in 1985. By the early ’90s the franchise began to expand quickly with new restaurants popping up all over the northeast. They got ahead of themselves and eventually had to file for bankruptcy. McDonald’s Corporation jumped in and came to the rescue, purchasing Boston Market in 2000 (they would later sell to Sun Capital Partners in 2007, who would then sell to Engage Brands/The Rohan Group in 2020).
The chicken went to the market in 1995 when the menu expanded to include turkey, ham, meatloaf and an array of sandwiches. This changed the branding and signage, but the company’s core values and color schemes remained unchanged. Baby back ribs, pot pies, and dessert options would join the menu selectively over the years as well.
So Where Do I Go?
“Our mission is to create awesome rotisserie meals. We started our restaurant revolution with just three ingredients: fire, a spit, and chicken,” BostonMarket.com states. While you won’t find this spirit spinning in Boston, there are still 14 locations throughout the state of Massachusetts. That accounts for 4% of the restaurants total locations remaining on their home turf, per ScrapeHero’s data. So, if you are looking for arguably the best quick cornbread, mac and cheese side combo, all is not lost. You just have to venture out a bit. To find the Boston Market locations in Massachusetts nearest you, visit MyBostonMarket.com.
Here Are The New Concession Items at Fenway Park
Avocado fries here! Baseball season at Fenway Park is finally upon us. You may notice some of your section-mates enjoying new items from the concession stands. During a recent tour with Mayor Wu on Tuesday, we were introduced to many of the new concession items at Fenway Park for this year.
There’s something for everyone. Although the ballpark is one of the smaller MLB venues capacity wise, they do not fall short on food and drink options. You may have to seek out a specific flavor, but their concession guide clearly walks you through where within the stadium you can find what you are looking for.
FOOD
The Red Sox concession partner remains Aramark. Over the past week, they previewed new items such as a spicy watermelon margarita and avocado fries. However, if you are interested in a more customized menu, you are now in luck. Gluten-free options are available (like a gluten-free pizza), as are a more expansive selection of regional classics like the lobster roll.
For sandwich options – Aramark has unveiled three different cheesesteak-style subs. A traditional steak and cheese, chicken and cheese, and a chopped sub – essentially an exploded cheeseburger in a long sub roll.
Crab cake sandwiches join the menu at various lobster roll spots. Not to be overshadowed are the traditional favorites. This includes the Fenway frank. Perhaps the most colorful mound of food that will be new this season is the nacho helmet. Uniquely branded in the alternate yellow cap, this is a bucket of nachos topped with cheese, chili, salsa, sour cream, jalapeno peppers and guacamole. It’s designed to feed a family. However, I’m not sure it’s something I would want to share. Even the display item looked finer-licking good.
Finally, it’s only fair to ask, “What is your favorite new Fenway food item?” It’s an easy answer. A maple glazed bacon and cheddar cheese burger topped with caramelized onions is a force to be reckoned with. It is a fastball of flavor sandwiched between buns and pairs perfectly with a draft beer. Speaking of adult beverages…
DRINKS
In addition to the spicy watermelon margarita, there are a few new fun mixed options. For example, the “Secret Garden” (gin/rose based) and the “Lavender Lemon Drop” (vodka/ triple sec based).
Regardless of where you are sitting or what game you are attending, Fenway Park has you covered for concessions. You’re sure to take in a ballgame at a historic baseball landmark, while also indulging in some great new concession items.
Check out the Fenway Park stadium upgrades here.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
