SPRING 2014

Causeway BBQ — Opening in the former two-story Penalty Box space across from North Station, possibly in June. Former Blue Ribbon (West Newton) pit master Ruben Garza is heading up the kitchen.

El Centro Tres — This logically named sibling of El Centro (South End) and El Centro Dos (Brookline Village) is opening at 66 Leonard St. in Belmont. It’ll have a full liquor license. Chef/owner Allan Rodriguez is a native of the Mexican state of Sonora, and cuisine from that region often shows up on his menus.

Crave – Mad for Chicken — A Korean fried chicken and sushi restaurant will take over the former Enso Sushi space on Kneeland St. It’s part of a small chain with locations in New York and New Jersey. It could open in June.

Griddler’s Burgers + Dogs — A Back Bay location is on the way for this Beacon Hill burger joint; it could open in the spring. It’s headed for the former Four Burgers space on Boylston St. and will act as a “prototype” for further expansion. Back in June, owner Euz Azevedo told Eater that three new locations were in the works.

Juniper — This sibling of Needham’s Sweet Basil will open in Wellesley in the late spring, serving Eastern Mediterranean food, particularly Greek, Israeli, and Lebanese.

Legal Oysteria — A new concept from Legal Sea Foods will move into the former Olives space in Charlestown late this spring, serving “coastal Italian food.” Rich Vellante, a dual US/Italian citizen, is in as executive chef.

MAST’ Restaurant and Drinkery — The strange name (the apostrophe part, not the “drinkery” part), “is derived from the Neapolitan slang term O’mast, meaning ‘the master of one’s craft.'” The 120-seat restaurant is being designed by HGTV’s Taniya Nayak and will be located in the 45 Province luxury condo development in Downtown Crossing. It will serve “a modern take on authentic, Neapolitan street food” for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with the menu also “drawing from Southern Italian, Spanish, and Greek Fare, but with a twist of Old World, European influenced Bostonia.”

Mike’s Pastry — The Harvard Square of the North End tourist hotspot could open as early as June. The 1,100-square-foot shop will have just six seats as the focus is on take-out.

Mixtura — This Latin fusion restaurant from the owners of Machu Picchu closed in fall 2013 when the facade of its building collapsed. It should reopen in late spring.

Niji Ya Japanese Restaurant — Another Japanese restaurant from the owner of Hoshi Ya in Brighton, Niji Ya could open in Medford in late spring. It will serve all-you-can-eat food and colorful sushi.

Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar — Painted Burro and Posto owner Joe Cassinelli is keeping the name and the landmark exterior and turning the Rosebud into a “roadhouse”-style restaurant with “pan-American” food. He’s looking into bringing back live music as well. It could open as early as June.

Snappy Patty’s — This 36-seat “upscale, contemporary American” restaurant will open in West Medford in late May or early June. Nicholas Dowling, previously chef at Citizen Public House, Franklin Cafe, and Franklin Southie, is behind it.

Tavern in the Square — Currently located in Porter Square, Central Square, Allston, and beyond, including a just-opened mini-Tavern right in South Station, the Tavern is adding a location in the Victor apartments at North Station in the spring.

upperwest — A “small, casual wine bar” headed for a space between Harvard and Central Square.

SUMMER 2014

Acqua Seafood and Grill (also referred to as Aqua) — The latest addition to the De Pasquale Ventures empire (Bricco, Mare, etc.) could open in June in the former Ida’s space in the North End. A job posting described it as a “premier outdoor restaurant.” It’ll have a big patio sitting on top of the Sumner Tunnel.

Aeronaut Brewing Company — Somerville is getting its first brewery since the 1880s. Aeronaut officially opens on June 21 by the newish Brooklyn Boulders space on Tyler St., and it will lease space to urban agricultural start-ups and a farmer’s market. Barismo, Somerville Chocolate, and Something GUD have already taken up residence.

The Ames Street Deli — This upcoming 142-seat Kendall Square restaurant is seeking a full liquor license. At least two members of the backbar team appear to be involved, based on licensing information, and it should open in August in the new Broad Institute building on Ames Street. Half of the space will be a deli by day and a bar by night, and the other half will be more of a sit-down restaurant, serving all meals.UPDATE: The latter half will be a separate venue called Study.

Bao Nation — Slated to open in late June in the back of Libby’s Liquors in Central Square. The owners (of both the bao shop and the liquor store) also own Shalimar, a nearby grocery store with a restaurant, Dosa Factory, in the back.

Bareburger — This New York-based “micro-chain of organic burger restaurants” hopes to open a Boston outpost this summer as part of an expansion that also includes Philadelphia, Chicago, Toronto, Berlin, and more.

Bastille Kitchen — This 11,000-square-foot “Parisian bistro” is aiming for a summer opening in Fort Point at 49 Melcher St. While many ingredients will be sourced locally, there will be plenty of French cheese. Involved in the project: Mistral co-owner Seth Greenberg, Cafeteria owner Cameron Grob, and Ritz-Carlton executive sous chef Adam Kube.

BISq — According to licensing hearing notes, the team behind Bergamot (chef/owner Keith Pooler and GM/owner Servio Garcia) was going to open a new restaurant at 1071 Cambridge St. in Inman Square called Angel’s Share. More recent information indicates that it will be called BISq (“Bergamot in Inman Square”) and open in late August.

Boston Burger Company — The Somerville-based burger restaurant is launching a food truck this summer that will offer seven burgers a day. Meanwhile, there could be a new brick-and-mortar location (timeline unknown) — the owner is reportedly looking in Cambridge, possibly at the Dolphin Seafood space on the edge of Harvard Square.

Boston Common Coffee Co. — This trio of local cafes is adding a new location in June. It’ll be in The Avenir, a luxury condo building near North Station.

The Brewer’s Fork — Coming from Les Zygomates and Publick House alums, this restaurant will open in Charlestown’s Hayes Square in the late summer. It’ll have a beer garden and wood-fired pizzas.

Common Ground — The Allston restaurant and bar is expanding to Arlington Center with a full liquor license and a June opening, according to recent social media posts. The space is 5,200 square feet and might eventually have a patio.

Coppersmith Hall — The farm-to-table restaurant, a massive space complete with food trucks parked inside, an outdoor patio, and a rooftop garden, could open in South Boston this summer. The trucks will “supplement the main menu and provide space for cooking competitions and other events.”

El Diez Argentinian Grill — This Argentinian food truck (empanadas and more) could hit the road in late June. It’s the first Boston expansion of a small restaurant chain based in Mexico City, and a brick-and-mortar location could be on the way as well, opening by the end of 2014.UPDATE: Opening 24, 2014.

Forge Baking Company — This new sibling of Diesel Cafe and Bloc 11 could open in late summer or early fall next to the old Seabra space on Somerville Ave. Originally planned as a commissary to beef up pastry production for the existing cafes, it will actually be a “full service bakery & cafe” with about 50 seats.

Fuji — This sibling of Kendall Square’s Fuji (plus some Asian restaurants in Quincy) will open in Assembly Row in July, serving Chinese stir-fry and sushi.

Legal on the Mystic — This Legal Sea Foods concept will be opening at Somerville’s Assembly Row in July.

Life Alive — The “urban oasis & organic cafe,” currently located in Cambridge’s Central Square (as well as Lowell and Salem), is planning to open a fourth location somewhere else in Cambridge in summer 2014, and more are apparently in the works. The company recently brought on a COO with multi-unit expertise in order to continue expanding the brand in Boston “and beyond.”

Loretta’s Last Call — The Lyons Group is opening a restaurant in mid-June offering “Southern hospitality, fried chicken, cold beer, and country music” in the former La Verdad space on Lansdowne. UPDATE:Opening June 20, 2014.

M.F. Dulock — In May 2013, the Somerville-based butcher tweeted that they were actively looking for a second shop and “hoping for something on the other side of the river.” Now, owner Michael Dulock has secured a space in Medford to produced prepared goods to sell in Somerville, and he might start selling pizza out of the new location a few days a week, starting in the late summer or early fall. Meanwhile, this is just the start of an expansion that will include “new locations in the near future.”

Mother Juice — This juice truck will spawn a brick-and-mortar location in the former Leisure Station space in Kendall Square. It should open in late July.

Munch Mobile Kitchen — A new food truck serving “elevated American Bistro cuisine and alcohol inspired mocktails,” launching in June.

Nectar & Green — This juice shop will open in the South End this summer.

El Paisa — This Orient Heights Colombian restaurant will close soon and reopen in the summer with “some exciting new changes.”

PAUL — A French bakery-café chain with nearly 600 locations worldwide, PAUL will begin its Boston expansion with a Downtown Crossing 6,000-square-foot flagship this summer. By 2016, there could be more than a dozen in the area. PAUL is a five-generation-strong business started in the late 1800s. Another outpost will open in Somerville’s Assembly Row in September.

Po Boy — This Newton shop specializing in po’ boys plans to launch a food truck in June, hopefully vending by South Station.

Shake Shack — The first Shake Shack to hit Boston proper could open early this summer at 236 Newbury St. The NYC-based burger chain recently opened local outposts in Chestnut Hill and Harvard Square, and a Faneuil Hall lease was rumored to be on the table at one point in 2013 — no word on whether that’s still a possibility.

Steinbones — Steve “Nookie” Postal has been busy opening up Commonwealth, but he hasn’t forgotten about his upcoming Jewish barbecue restaurant. Steinbones will open this summer in “the most amazing location in Cambridge,” which he has not yet revealed.

Study — See The Ames Street Deli.

Sugar Heaven — This candy store will open in Somerville’s Assembly Row in August. There’s also a Back Bay location as well as one at Dedham’s Legacy Place and one up in Montreal.

Tap Trailhouse — The Tap is reopening in mid-summer as the Tap Trailhouse, “a new drinking and dining destination with a Colonial feel.”

Tasty Burger — The local burger chain plans to open a branch inside of Back Bay Station this summer.

Zoe’s Gourmet Chinese Cuisine — This Chinese restaurant on the Somerville edge of Porter Square closed in fall 2013 when the facade of its building collapsed. It should reopen in July.

FALL 2014

Bar Boulud — Internationally renowned chef Daniel Boulud is taking over the Asana space at the Mandarin Oriental. His chef de cuisine, Aaron Chambers, has already been at Asana since December, and the restaurant will close for a complete makeover in June before reopening as Bar Boulud in the fall. Boulud also has locations of Bar Boulud in London and New York City.

Besito — A small Mexican restaurant group with locations in New York, Connecticut, and a brand new one in Burlington is opening in Chestnut Hill in September.

Bon Me — This restaurant group currently includes several trucks and a Kendall Square brick-and-mortar. A second permanent location is on the way, a 1,000-square-foot spot near the Children’s Museum in Fort Point. It could open in the fall.

Cafe Artscience — This ambitious project is slated to open in Kendall Square on October 30. It’s a collaboration among David Edwards, Harvard instructor and inventor of various crazy food-related things, Todd Maul of Clio, Tom Mastricola of Commonwealth, and Patrick Campbell of Eastern Standard.

Clover HFI — The newest Clover brick-and-mortar location will be the former Hi-Fi Pizza space in Cambridge’s Central Square. It’ll probably open in September or October.

Committee — The owner of Cafeteria and Bijou Nightclub will open Committee, a Mediterranean restaurant, on Fan Pier this fall. The focus will be on small plates and cocktails.

Earls Kitchen + Bar — This Canadian chain is coming to Somerville’s Assembly Row, which will be its first location in the Northeastern US. It should open in early September.

Ernesto’s — This 20-year-old North End pizza staple is expanding to Somerville’s Assembly Row, opening in September. The slices are a quarter of a pizza.

Miam Miam Macaronerie — This macaron shop will open somewhere in South Boston in the early fall if all goes as planned.

Pasta Flyer — A chef from New York City’s Del Posto wants to bring a speedy, gluten-free pasta shop concept around the country, starting with a truck tour in various cities (including Boston) this fall. A Kickstarter campaign is underway.

Somerville Brewery — The makers of Slumbrew could open a brewpub as early as September in Somerville’s Boynton Yards, just outside of Union Square. It’ll feature a food menu made up of “nothing that’s good for you.”

Strip by Strega — This Back Bay steakhouse will be, as the name suggests, part of Nick Varano’s Strega family, and it will open this fall. It’s headed for the nearly 7,000-square-foot space that used to be occupied by Whiskey Park, and the menu will be similar to that of Strega Prime in Woburn. A restaurant called Strega Pizzeria and Cafe might also be on the way, reportedly slated for a Hanover St. space in the North End, but there have been no updates since summer 2013.

Symphony 8 — The restaurant near Symphony Hall has been closed for over a year for renovations, and the licensing board is getting antsy about the liquor license, but owner Doug Bacon hopes to reopen this fall.

IT’S A MYSTERY

75 on Cambridge — Originally planned for fall 2013, this sibling of 75 Chestnut and 75 on Liberty Wharf hasn’t materialized yet. It will be located at 290 Cambridge St. in Beacon Hill, in a five-story office building being built on the site of the gas station that used to house Villa Mexico Cafe. The 114-seat restaurant will likely be open daily for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch, and the concept will be comparable to its similarly-named siblings. Owner Thomas A. Kershaw is also behind Hampshire House and Cheers.

All Star Pizza Bar — The Inman Square pizza shop could expand across the river. The owners are currently scouting Boston locations.

Ambrosia on Gloucester — This project came to light last year, apparently involving Brian Lesser of Storyville, Tavern Road, etc., but around the same time, another restaurant called Lola 41 appeared to be headed for the same address, 50 Gloucester St. There has been no recent word on whether either project is still happening (or if they are somehow connected). As of May 2014, a tipster says that nothing has been signed for that space.

American Baker’s, Inc. — This bakery could take over the Artifaktori space in Somerville’s Davis Square.

Amsterdam Falafelshop — This Davis Square falafel shop (an outpost of a small DC-based chain) will open a new space in Kenmore Square (in the former Boca Grande space) later in 2014. It’ll be about twice the size of the Somerville location.

Antonio’s Pizza — Western Massachusetts favorite Antonio’s Pizza is coming to a mystery Boston location. A timeline has not yet been revealed.

Argo Tea — This international cafe chain has one Boston location at Northeastern University. A second Boston outpost is on the way, but a location and timeline have not been announced.

Barcade — A New York-based bar/arcade has been eyeing the Boston area for awhile now but still hasn’t settled on a location. Meanwhile, a bar/arcade that is not a Barcade is rumored to be opening in Central Square, but a tipster says the project is dead.

Barcelona Wine Bar — The Connecticut-based tapas chain already has one location in Brookline’s Washington Square. The next Boston one will open in the former Sibling Rivalry space in the South End. Construction is underway.

Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen — Based in Long Island, this small kosher deli chain is eyeing Boston after it completes some New York expansion this summer.

Bibim — This Allston Korean restaurant is expanding to Somerville’s Davis Square, taking over the former McDonald’s space. It will have a full liquor license.

Bishop’s Mediterranean Grill — Opening in the former Staniford Cafe space in the West End. The chef/owner grew up working at the defunct Bishop’s in Lawrence.

Boston Burger and Chicken — Likely to be a burger and chicken joint, this will open in a newly renovated building in Dorchester’s Fields Corner.

Brake Fast — Previously proposed as a noodle-themed restaurant called The Noodle Project, this will now be an all-day breakfast spot replacing Leo’s Place Diner in Harvard Square. It’s under the same ownership as Night Market (going into the Tamarind Bay space) and the Churn2 ice cream container.

Burger Joint — This NYC burger chain is eyeing Cambridge, among other cities, for possible expansions.

Burrito Factory — The first burrito-focused restaurant for Roslindale’s Hyde Park Avenue area.

Cafe Madeleine — This “French patisserie” will open in the former Amsterdam Cafe space in the South End in “early 2014.” Chef/owner Frederic Robert spent eight years as executive pastry chef of a Las Vegas resort and many years before that in partnership with renowned restaurateur Alain Ducasse.

Capital One 360 Cafe — Capital One locations in Back Bay, Harvard Square, Coolidge Corner, and Downtown Crossing are opening with cafes inside. The cafes will serve Peet’s Coffee products. UPDATE:The Back Bay location opened in February 24, and the Back Bay location (129 Tremont) opened on April 9. The other dates have not yet been announced.

Charley’s Philly Steaks — This fast-food chain is coming to Downtown Crossing’s Corner Mall’s food court.

Chatime — A tiny Chinatown bubble tea spot that’s part of a 1000-location international chain could open a new location on Newbury Street.

Checkers — The national burger chain is planning a massive expansion and, as of last year, was “looking at sites in the Back Bay, Somerville, Brookline, the Fenway, and the hot spots around Greater Boston.”

Chef Chang’s House — Apparently replacing The Wine Cellar in Back Bay.

The Chicken & Rice Guys — In June 2013, the truck announced that they “are opening up a restaurant, and will open late night.” No locationhad been secured at that point, but they seemed particularly interested in Allston. No new information is available at this point. UPDATE: The restaurant will be somewhere in Medford Square and will open at some point after summer 2014.

Chinese Mirch — This small chain offers “Chinese food, Indian flavors.” The only Massachusetts outpost is currently in Framingham; an upcoming one will go in a former Sebastians space by Symphony Hall.

Conductor’s Restaurant — This Harvard Square restaurant, which will be located in the old Conductor’s Building, could take a year or more to renovate, according to a discussion during a licensing hearing way back in January 2013, a little over a year ago. No new information has come up since then.

Darwin’s Ltd. — Known for its sandwiches, the two-location coffee shop has several more on the way. A Central Square location (in the former Royal Bengal space) is poised to open in early 2014, and another one will open on Putnam Ave. in 2015, taking over a Petsi Pies location.

David Burke project — A restaurateur with a number of concepts in New York, New Jersey, and beyond, Burke posted on Twitter in February that he is “thinkin’ about a DB boston location” and requested suggestions for possible neighborhoods.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que — Various pieces of evidence point to the expansion of this Syracuse-based barbecue chain to Boston in the not-so-distant future.

Donato & Gianni — An Italian restaurant appears to be taking over the Davide space in the North End, and Donato Frattarolli of Lucia Ristorante is involved.

DooWee & Rice — Originally based in Somerville, DooWee & Rice is now in the process of transitioning to Allston, serving baos and other Asian cuisine from inside WonderBar. Meanwhile, its Somerville replacement, Teriyaki House, will continue to serve some signature DooWee dishes.

Eataly — Mario Batali’s planned Fort Point restaurant fell through, but more exciting than that, he has been eyeing Boston for over a year now to find a spot for Eataly, his massive Italian marketplace (complete with multiple restaurants) that already exists in New York and Chicago, plus a number of locations outside of the US. He’d need at least 30,000 square feet of space to make it work here, and apparently he’s been particularly interested in Back Bay and Faneuil Hall potential locations.

Eddie Merlot’s — Another Seaport steakhouse. This chain was apparently in final lease negotiations for a spot at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel at some point in 2013, and the restaurant’s website used to list Boston as “coming soon,” but Boston no longer appears on the list of “coming attractions” for 2014. It’s unclear whether it’ll show up later or if the project is dead.

A Fabio Viviani project — The Chicago chef was in Boston for an event and said that a Boston restaurant could be in the cards. “We might end up doing something in Boston. We’re batting that around.”

Foret — Susan Regis (former UpStairs on the Square chef) and Rene Becker (owner of Hi-Rise Bread Company) are opening a new restaurant in the former Chez Henri space. It will be “French in spirit.”

Forever Yogurt — This Chicago-based froyo chain is looking to open several shops in the Boston area. A location at 305 Newbury St. (former home of Berryline) and a location at the Pru seem to be the first ones in line to open “soon,” which is perhaps relative as the most recent news of the upcoming openings is from September 2013. Currently, both locations are still listed on the corporate website as “coming soon.”

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana — This New Haven-based small pizza chain has a fierce cult following. It’s actively looking for locations in the Boston area, but nothing has been signed yet. Boston proper does not allow coal ovens, and Pepe’s is known for its coal-oven pizzas, so the locations will probably be outside of the city. So far locations in Cambridge and Brookline have reportedly been considered, but nothing has panned out.

Garage Pizza Company — A Twitter profile popped up in late August 2013 with Boston and Chicago listed as locations, but no information is known at this time aside from the Twitter bio: “Featuring Wood-Fired Pizza with a Farm to Table Perspective with an Emphasis on Fresh, Local Sourced Ingredients & Serving Craft Beers!” There have been occasional pizza-related posts on Twitter and Facebook since then, but no news of an opening, address, or anything else.

The Ginger Man — Based in Houston, TX, this small chain of taverns has already tried to expand to Boston once, but neighborhood opposition (in Fort Point) shut down the plan. Now, it’s trying again, also in Fort Point, but it’s on the less residential end by the recently opened Row 34. The owners go before the licensing board in mid-February to get a liquor license from the shuttered Purple Shamrock, with a 2am closing time. Anything earlier seems to be a deal-breaker, according to statements the owners have previously made. If all goes well, they’re hoping to open by May. UPDATE: A tipster says that the project has been squashed (again) by permitting and the Landmarks Commission.

Good Game Cafe — A gaming enthusiast wants to open a virtual reality gaming cafe in a college area, preferably Kenmore Square, by the end of the year. He’s running both a Kickstarter and an Indiegogo campaign through mid-August to raise funds.

Gracie’s Ice Cream — The Sherman Cafe team is opening an ice cream shop in the former market space that has been under renovation for awhile. No timeline has been announced.

The Halal Guys — This popular chain of New York City food carts (and a few restaurants) has signed with a giant franchise consulting firm with the aim of opening 100 restaurants around the world over the next five years, with the East Coast being one of the early targets.

Homage Bistro — The restaurant was slated to take over the Ten Tables space in Cambridge at 5 Craigie Circle, but TT owner Krista Kranyak decided not to sell. The team is now looking for a new location. TT GM Ian Rose is co-owner, along with his wife, Lyndsay. Benjamin Lacy, formerly of Tastings in Foxborough, is executive chef. The restaurant will be a “neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant combining the food and cultures of Southern France, Spain, North Africa & the Near East with the finest local, sustainable & artisan products.”

Hops N Scotch — A scotch-focused restaurant based in Coolidge Corner, Hops N Scotch plans to expand to Cambridge’s Inman Square and take over the former Haveli space.

Jersey Mike’s Subs — This 1300-location sub chain is looking to add 200 more outposts by the end of the year. The only Massachusetts one is currently in Raynham, but they’re eyeing Boston for more.

Jimmy John’s — This Illinois-based sub shop chain will open at least two restaurants here — one in the Flats on D apartment complex in South Boston and one in the Charlesview retail space in Brighton.

Jimmy’s Bar & Oven — This Brookline pizza-focused restaurant is closing in March, but it will reopen somewhere in downtown Boston at a later date.

Kane’s Donuts — The classic Saugus donut shop is looking to expand regionally.

Kennedy’s in the Square — This sibling of Norwood Irish pub Kennedy’s Public House is taking over the First Printer space in Harvard Square.

Kindred — A “tea + tonic cafe” is coming to Davis Square, next to (and owned by) Johnny D’s. There will be light vegetarian meals from Cuisine en Locale, a catering company that features local ingredients and has recently taken over the Anthony’s function hall space on Highland Ave. in Somerville. In January 2014, Kindred owner Carla DeLellis told Eater that it will “be ready when it’s supposed to be” and that progress is being made on creating tea blends and making teapots at a Somerville pottery studio. Hiring will begin in late May.

Kinsai — Not much has been heard since news broke back in January 2013 about this “ambitious upscale Chinese project” from Menton alum Jason Doo, but a website popped up in the fall with a “coming soon” note.

Kitchen Sink — This new project from The Neighborhood Restaurant Group (The Biltmore Bar and Grille, Local 149) could replace The Boyne, an Irish pub in Brighton.

Kung Fu Tea — This New York-based bubble tea chain opened in 2013 in Allston, and two more locations appear to be on the way: 32 Kneeland St. in Chinatown and a space near the Red Mango by Symphony Hall. UPDATE: The Symphony location opened in January 2014, and a Malden location opened in early June. A Davis Square location has also been announced.

Lamplighter Brewing Co. — This brewery and taproom will open in Cambridge in winter 2014.

Unnamed new restaurant from Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant owner Michael Conlon — Conlon is buying the former Pan Asia Restaurant right across from Lincoln to turn it into a “friendly neighborhood tavern.”

Locke-Ober’s replacement — Details could be announced in mid-May about the new restaurant and bar that will open on the first floor of the former Locke-Ober space. The rest of the building will be luxury condos.

Lola 41 — This popular Nantucket “global bistro and sushi bar” was reportedly coming to 50 Gloucester St. in Back Bay “later this year” — that was last year. No new news on whether this is still happening. Around the same time, another restaurant called Ambrosia on Gloucester seemed to be headed for the same address, so the fate of both projects is unclear. As of May 2014, a tipster says that nothing has been signed for that space.

Luke’s Lobster — With locations in New York, DC, and Philly, it’s logical that this seafood sandwich shop would come here next. The company confirmed in June 2013 that a Boston expansion is in the works, but no details are available at this time.

LYFE Kitchen — The small fast-casual chain currently has a few California locations, but it’s planning a massive national expansion. In June 2013, a rep told Eater that it is “targeting the Hub.” Expect dishes like ancient grain buttermilk pancakes and quinoa crunchy wraps.

Madear’s Cucina — This upcoming food truck will offer Louisiana-style cuisine with a touch of Sicily.

Maru — No, not the Youtube-famous cat. This Japanese restaurant from the owner of Duozo and Basho could open in the former Osushi space at Copley.

Masala — This Indian and Nepali restaurant in Somerville’s Teele Square has plans to expand into Boston.

Mix-It — Previously called Spice & Noodle and then Yoi, Mix-It is heading for Massachusetts Ave. between Porter and Harvard, next to West Side Lounge. There will be sushi and noodles. The owner also owns Spice Thai in Harvard Square.

Mu Ramen — What started out as a Long Island City pop-up will soon be a Long Island City brick-and-mortar, and at some point in 2015, it will expand to Harvard Square. Per Se alum Joshua Smookler and his wife Heidy are behind it.

Night Market — A 58-seat restaurant called Night Market could replace the shuttered Harvard Square location of Tamarind Bay.

Olives — Todd English’s beleaguered Charlestown restaurant closed for good last year, but a press release sent out after the closure went public insists that it will reopen at “a new and shiny location” in the Greater Boston area. More recently, English told Zagat that he has “new” things in the works but didn’t get much more specific.

Orange Leaf — The froyo chain has plans to add many more Massachusetts locations. A Brighton outpost appears to be one of the ones coming up next.

The Painted Burro — The Somerville Mexican restaurant is expanding to Downtown Crossing in the winter, taking over the old Windsor Button space, which is “much bigger” than its Davis Square location — it will be two stories.

Parsnip — The recently shuttered UpStairs on the Square, a Harvard Square institution, will be replaced by a restaurant featuring a French-trained chef from the UK. Licensing documents indicate that it may be called Parsnip. Not much else is known at this time, but a tipster reports that the new owner intends to keep at least some of the distinctive decor. The restaurant is seeking approval for some sidewalk seating and live music, plus the transfer of UpStairs’ full liquor license.

Unnamed new project from Ducali owner Philip Frattaroli — Frattaroli wants to buy the three-story East Boston building that housed his grandparents’ old wood shop, located in the Jeffries Point neighborhood. He’d like to add a fourth story to it, and ultimately the building could include “a restaurant, yoga studio, residential floor, and rooftop garden.”

Pho Kup — The team behind Pho Basil (near Berklee) and Pho & Rice (near Porter Square) have purchased the recently shuttered Tamarind House (on Mass. Ave., also near Porter Square) and are turning it into Pho Kup, if they can get that name by the licensing commission. It was also supposed to be called Pho House at one point.

Pigalle’s unnamed replacement — Marc Orfaly closed his French restaurant in spring 2013 with plans to reopen it as an entirely new concept, perhaps involving “American inspired tavern fare.” But in fall 2013, Orfaly began working at The Beehive, and in the winter, the Pigalle liquor license was apparently transferred to an upcoming downtown brasserie called The Merchant, so it’s unclear if Orfaly still intends to reboot Pigalle. UPDATE: In mid-2014, Orfaly became executive chef of The Beehive.

Plan B Burger Bar — This Connecticut-based burger chain wants to expand to Boston, but it’s probably two or three years away, according to a tipster with close ties to the company.

Plaza Azteca — A casual Mexican chain with Massachusetts locations in Methuen and Worcester could be headed for Boston proper, but no location has been announced yet. The restaurant’s website simply says “coming soon” for Boston.

Pon’s Kitchen — It’ll replace Stoli in Brookline Village, but no other information is available at this time.

Pret a Manger — The UK-based grab-and-go chain already has three Boston locations, and it plans to add a dozen more in Boston and Cambridge. The first new one will be on Arch Street in Downtown Crossing; a date hasn’t been announced yet. UPDATE: The Arch Street location opened on June 20, 2014. The next location will be at 176 Federal Street in the Financial District.

PYT — This Philly restaurant is known for its crazy hamburgers. It has short-term plans to add franchises to DC, NYC, and more in Philadelphia, and Boston will be next on the list after those.

Radio — The short-lived Union Square club may have a second life if the potential new owners are able to complete the sale in early March. Otherwise, Somerville could take back the liquor license. UPDATE: At an April hearing, the new Paint Nite location on the other side of Union Square will seek approval to get the license transferred.

Redbones — This Davis Square, Somerville barbecue spot is expanding to Malden. The new Commercial St. location will include a nano-brewery. As of the fall, they had been hoping to open in early 2014, but there hasn’t been much recent news. In response to a question from a Facebook fan in February 2014, the restaurant wrote: “We are still actively trying to work out the details! Thanks for your inquiry, we’re anxious too!” UPDATE: In early April, a note on the Facebook page indicated that they’re trying to open by the end of 2014.

Santouka Ramen — This international chain serves Hokkaido-style ramen. In March, it held a three-day pop-up at Itadaki in Back Bay, which served as a prelude for the first New England location to open in Boston or Cambridge later in 2014.

Serafina — Seth Greenberg is opening the first New England outpost of this international chain in the former Radius space in the Financial District. It serves Northern Italian food. Greenberg could open other locations throughout New England as well.

Smashburger — This Denver-based hamburger chain has one nearby location (in Burlington) and is now looking to expand into Cambridge’s Central Square at 589 Massachusetts Avenue.

SoBo Bistro — A 60-seated Italian restaurant headed next door to the South Boston Tasty Burger.

Somerville Beer Works — The Beer Works chain has been looking at the Social Security building on Elm St. in Davis Square (the previous target of rumors about a chain called World of Beer), but Somerville’s Board of Alderman isn’t thrilled with the idea. It’s unclear whether there’s still a chance the restaurant will be able to get the space.

Stacked Donuts — Stephanie Cmar of No. 9 Park and Top Chefreported in October 2012 that she wanted to open a donut shop, possibly in the Innovation District or Back Bay/South End. Investors ultimately fell through, but in September 2013, Cmar told Eater that she “absolutely” still wants to open the donut shop. It’ll be somewhere in Boston, and she’s hoping to get closer to making it happen in 2014. In February, she hosted her first pop-up at The Butcher Shop with a couple more planned for subsequent weekends. UPDATE: Stacked Donuts has combined forces with Trademark Tarts to create Party of Two, which has been popping up frequently around Boston since spring 2014.

Stage — An “American vaudeville nightclub” from the folks behind The Brahmin, this venue will be located in the alley by Emerson, just off of Boylston Street.

Strega Pizzeria and Cafe — The Varano Group may expand the Strega brand even more to include a pizzeria and cafe on Hanover St., right next to Strega itself. Over summer 2013, the group applied to transfer the beverage license from their shuttered Nick Varano’s Famous Deli. While news on this location is vague, the group is definitely opening a steakhouse, Strip by Strega, in Back Bay in fall 2014.

Sweet Kingdom — This “healthy” dessert shop could open in the former Unique Chinese space in Allston, serving fruits and treats light on sugar until 2 a.m.

Tasting Counter — The 20-seat restaurant is still searching for a location, but it’ll use a ticketing system and feature tasting menus. The project comes from Peter Ungár, who runs similar private events under the name The Dining Alternative.

Thinking Cup — With one location by the Common and another in the North End, the coffee shop is opening a third spot at 85 Newbury St. in “early 2014,” and there are also “a few others in the pipeline” for the future. UPDATE: The Newbury Street location opened in April 2014.

The Tikka Masala — Indian food by the Forest Hills T stop.

Tony C’s Sports Bar — Headed for Somerville’s Assembly Row.

Townsman — Matt and Kate Jennings, Boston natives, have been delighting Providence with their restaurant Farmstead, Inc. for the past decade, but they’re closing up shop on June 1, 2014 to move back to Boston and open a restaurant called Townsman in the new Radian building overlooking the Greenway. It’ll open in late 2014.

Troquet — A popular downtown French restaurant, Troquet plans to open a second location, but an address has not yet been announced.

Union Square Donuts — After starting out in a shared kitchen with a small storefront and moving to another shared space elsewhere in the square, the Somerville donut shop is finally getting a space of its very own at 20 Bow Street, a former convenience store.

Urban Cantina — This Mexican restaurant is set to replace Ferrara’s in the North End.

Vesuvio — The owner of Vito’s Tavern and Carmelina’s wants to open a third North End restaurant in the former Segway storefront on Commercial Street but is running into neighborhood opposition to changing the zoning. He plans to revise his proposal and present it again in November.

La Victoria Taqueria — This Beverly taco shop is planning an expansion to Arlington.

Wahlburgers — The Hingham burger restaurant from the Wahlberg brothers has been hoping to expand throughout the Boston area over the next few years, but they’re making the jump to Toronto first, with a location planned for early 2014. A location will open in Fenway, rumored to be going into part of the old Burton’s space, by the end of 2014. A Lynnfield, Massachusetts location has also been announced for summer 2015.

Wasabi — This will replace Third Eye (formerly Annapurna) outside of Porter Square. It’s unclear if it’s related to the conveyor belt sushi chain by the same name.

The Wok — This Wellesley-based Chinese restaurant could expand to Forest Hills, taking over the old Tonic space.

Xi’an Famous Foods — Serving cuisine from the Xi’an region of China, like hand-pulled noodles, this small NYC chain has a cult following. It wants to expand to Boston within five years.

Yotel’s rooftop bar — A hotel called Yotel could eventually open in the Seaport, and it will feature a rooftop bar.

NOW OPEN

The Abbey — The Washington Square restaurant and bar is expanding to Cambridge, taking over the space of the shuttered Addis Red Sea near Porter Square. The two-story restaurant should open in May.UPDATE: Opened May 30, 2014.

Akai Ryu Shabu & Sushi — A 200-seat Asian restaurant first called Red Dragon & Sushi is coming to Porter Square upstairs in the building that currently houses Walgreens, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, a gym that until recently was a Planet Fitness, and a few stores. It was reportedly going to open in February, but as of late April, it was hiring, and a “coming soon” sign appeared in the window. UPDATE: Opened June 18, 2014.

Audubon — The team behind Trina’s Starlite Lounge and Parlor Sports is taking over the Audubon Circle space this spring. UPDATE: Opened April 4, 2014.

Bantam Cider — The cider company is opening a tap room in Somerville’s Union Square. UPDATE: Opened March 8, 2014.

Blazing Paddles — A “sexy, high-energy club” for ping-pong, opening up in the Game On! downstairs space on March 15. UPDATE: Opened March 15, 2014.

Bostonia Public House — This “cheeky and sophisticated” restaurant is set to open in the former Kitty O’Shea’s location in early April. It promises to be “a new casually upscale dining and social space” with bars on two floors, lots of private dining nooks, and a “refined rustic” menu. HGTV’s Taniya Nayak is designing it. UPDATE: Opened April 17, 2014.

La Brasa — In the works for about two years, this project comes from Daniel Bojorquez of Sel de la Terre (Frank McClelland of SDLT and L’Espalier is also involved.) Located in East Somerville, the restaurant will serve food with “Mexican, Peruvian, Middle Eastern, French, and many other influences,” focusing on cooking everything on a wood-burning grill. It will also include a small market with grab-and-go lunches and CSA pick-ups. UPDATE: Opened in late April.

Brass Union — Precinct, a Union Square restaurant and music venue, closed for extensive renovations and a revamped concept in February. It’ll re-open with a new name, Brass Union, and a renewed focus on food, plus games like shuffleboard, vintage tabletop PAC-MAN, and cornhole. Construction is underway and it could open on June 12. UPDATE:Opened June 12, 2014.

BurgerFi — A chain with more than 50 locations will open its first Massachusetts outpost by BU in mid-February, according to recent job postings. It’s “a fast-casual modern take on an old-fashioned hamburger stand, with an urban feel, that sells craft beer and wine while being family-friendly.” UPDATE: Opened February 24, 2014.

Caffè Nero — It’s a massive coffee shop chain in Europe and Asia, but its upcoming Boston location, reportedly opening in late April, will be the first in America. It will be in the Millennium Place development in Downtown Crossing. UPDATE: Opened May 14, 2014.

Cameo Macaron — This macaron truck is already making special deliveries and hosting events, but it doesn’t yet have a regular on-the-road schedule. UPDATE: Opened April 1, 2014.

Il Casale Cucina Campana + Bar — This il Casale sibling is set to open in Lexington in early June. It will focus on Italy’s Campania region, especially its capital, Naples. Expect Neapolitan street food, small plates, and big, family-style dishes. UPDATE: Opened May 28, 2014.

Cathedral Station — Opening in the former Red Fez space in the South End in May with much of the team from the recently shuttered Fritz.UPDATE: Opened June 12, 2014.

Dumpling House — Patty Chen’s won’t be the only dumpling game in Central Square; a 96-seat restaurant called Dumpling House is opening “soon” in the former tea house space of the Greater Boston Buddhist Cultural Center on Mass. Ave. Several partners involved with Dumpling House are also involved with the similarly-named (and very popular) Gourmet Dumpling House in Chinatown. UPDATE: Opened April 21, 2014.

ester — This Dorchester “neighborhood place” is taking over the Ledge Kitchen & Drinks space. It could open in early April and eventually host pig roasts and barbecue buffets on its large patio. UPDATE: Opened April 5, 2014.

Evan’s NY Style Deli — Based out of a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Marblehead, this food truck is hitting the streets in the spring. UPDATE:Opened April 1, 2014.

Ferry Street — This 80-seat restaurant will open on May 21 in Malden, offering a “classic neighborhood tavern” feel with “refined” food.UPDATE: Opened May 21, 2014.

The Glenville Stops — This restaurant has involved a massive renovation of a Glenville Avenue retail strip that had fallen on hard times. Owner Michael Chapman did much of the building himself and even has some broken bones to show for it. Former TRADE sous chef Juan Pedrosa will be in charge of the food, a mix of small and large plates with global influences. The ambiance is meant to be classier and quieter than other dining options in the neighborhood while still having a “tavern” feel, and there’s a “spectacular granite ledge of boulders deposited 10,000 years ago by a retreating glacier” in the basement. UPDATE: Opened April 5, 2014.

H Mart — The Asian grocery chain is opening eventually in Cambridge’s Central Square. The date keeps getting pushed back, but the latest estimate is April. The food court will apparently have an outpost of Sapporo Ramen (most likely connected to the Porter Exchange one) as well as Go Go Curry and Paris Baguette. UPDATE: Opened April 23, 2014.

J.P. Licks — The next outpost for this local ice cream chain will be at Somerville’s Assembly Row, probably opening in spring 2014 at some point. UPDATE: Opened May 1, 2014.

King St. Tavern — This two-story restaurant is taking over the Woodward at Ames space in the Ames Boston Hotel. It’ll serve “urban pub fare.” UPDATE: Opened June 1, 2014.

Legal Crossing (also referred to as LX) — This special luxury concept from Legal Sea Foods will open in “early spring” in the new Millennium Place development in Downtown Crossing. Residents of the fancy building will have access to “exclusive amenities” like “an owner’s lounge and private dining room with a special menu.” UPDATE: Opened March 13, 2014.

Lilian’s Smokin’ Rack Barbecue — Another new food truck joins the fleet this year. As the name suggests, Lilian will be serving up barbecue.UPDATE: Opened April 1, 2014.

Liquid Art House — This 8,800-square-foot restaurant/art gallery will take up the ground floor of a luxury condo building being developed at 100 Arlington St. Cuisine will draw influences from owner Ruta Laukien’s native Lithuania, and Rachel Klein (formerly of the Mandarin Oriental) is on board as executive chef. Set to open in early May. UPDATE: Opened May 6, 2014.

Lulu’s Allston — Taking over the former Cafe Brazil space, Lulu’s will serve dishes like short rib mac & cheese and wild game Frito chili pie from head chef Sarah Wade. It could open in May. UPDATE: Opened June 16, 2014.

McCabe’s on Mass — Popular Union Square bar and music venue Bull McCabe’s is expanding to Porter Square but as a “totally different concept,” taking over the space of the short-lived Dubliner Pub (and Spirit Bar before that). The new location won’t have live music and will feature “a large selection of small plates with different influences from around the world,” along with sandwiches and other entrees. It was originally aiming to open in early April. UPDATE: Opened May 14, 2014.

The Merchant — This 200-seat “American brasserie” could open in Downtown Crossing this month. Expect “craft cocktails,” a raw bar, and a “creative” wine list. People involved: Shane Smyth as co-owner (also co-owner of Sycamore), Matt Foley as executive chef (previously sous chef at Craigie on Main), and Foley’s fellow Craigie alum Tim McQuinn as sous chef. UPDATE: Opened March 3, 2014.

Merrill & Co. — This upcoming South End spot is part of the BiNA Family Hospitality restaurant group, which includes jm Curley, Bogie’s Place, Bin 26 Enoteca, and Lala Rokh. It’ll open in the former 28 Degrees space, serving “New England fare with a focus on local seafood.” KO Prime alum Jason Cheek will be executive chef, and jm Curley’s Kevin Mabry will be beverage director. UPDATE: Opened March 10, 2014.

Moroccan Hospitality Restaurant — This Malden restaurant is expanding to the former Razzy’s space on Somerville Ave. in Somerville. The owner tells Eater that the menu will be larger in the new space.UPDATE: Opened June 13, 2014.

Moyzilla — This yakitori and dumpling-focused food truck will hit the road in the spring, having snagged some “great spots” along the Greenway. UPDATE: Opened April 1, 2014.

Mystic Station — Slated to open on April 3, this Malden restaurant will focus on “house made upscale pub style food and new and inventive drinks along with craft beer.” UPDATE: Opened April 3, 2014.

Papagayo — This Mexican restaurant has been taking over its sibling Max & Dylans restaurants, but a brand new one will also open at Somerville’s Assembly Row in May. UPDATE: Opened May 30, 2014.

Pastoral — This 140-seat restaurant is slated to open on March 17 at 345 Congress St. in Fort Point, specializing in Neapolitan pizza and “country rural cuisine.” Involved in the project: George Lewis Jr. (Foundation Lounge) and Todd Winer (Met Restaurant Group).UPDATE: Opened March 28, 2014.

Petsi Pies — The second location of the Somerville-based pie shop, Putnam Ave. in Cambridge, is being taken over by a new location of Darwin’s Ltd. in 2015. Petsi owner Renee McLeod appears to be opening a new Cambridge location at 441 Cambridge St. (between Inman Square and Lechmere) to make up for the one that will be lost next year. UPDATE: Opened February 16, 2014.

Precinct Kitchen + Bar — This new addition to the Loews Hotel will open in late March, and its sunken patio will open in April. There will be a charcuterie station and plenty of seafood. UPDATE: Opened March 31, 2014.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese & Burgers — Yep, it’s another truck opening up a brick and mortar. It’s slated for 485 Cambridge St. in Allston, near Deep Ellum. Beer and wine will be served, and the beer list is all cans because there’s no room for taps. The menu won’t be entirely grilled cheese; there will also be burgers, poutine, and some vegan options.UPDATE: Opened May 24, 2014.

Sa Pa — The Downtown Crossing Vietnamese restaurant will expand to Brighton in the spring, taking over the former Bangkok Bistro space in Cleveland Circle. (Bangkok Bistro has moved elsewhere in Brighton.)UPDATE: Opened May 19, 2014.

Scissors & Pie — This upcoming pizza place declares that “pizza is undergoing a renovation in America.” It’s taking the Newbury St. space of Bostone Pizza. UPDATE: Opened in late February or early March 2014.

Sheherazad — It’s unclear when this food truck offering “traditional, ancient, and regional Middle Eastern street food” will officially be on the road, but the team held some pop-up dinner types of collaborations in February. UPDATE: Opened June 11, 2014.

Sofá Café — A small Brazilian coffee shop chain is making the leap to Newbury St. It’ll have ten seats, light food, and non-alcoholic drinks.UPDATE: Opened in April.

Stephanie’s — The newest addition to the Stephanie’s on Newbury/Stephi’s on Tremont/Stephi’s in Southie family will open in Terminal B at Logan Airport in the spring with 120 seats and a full bar.UPDATE: Opened April 30, 2014.

Stoked Wood Fired Pizza Co. — It’s a food truck with a 6,000-pound wood-fired pizza oven inside. It’ll hit the Greenway and elsewhere in this spring’s food truck circuit, starting on April 1. The owners are Scott Riebling (of 90s alt-rock band Letters to Cleo) and Toirm Miller (of the popular Jack and the Bean Bowl cart that used to roam Copley).UPDATE: Opened April 1, 2014.

SWEET — A sixth location of this local cupcake chain will open in late spring in the former Isabelle’s CurlyCakes space (also a cupcake shop) in Beacon Hill. UPDATE: Opened June 4, 2014.

sweetgreen — The DC-based salad chain opened its first Boston location in Back Bay in June 2013, and it will open another location, this one in Fort Point, inside the Residence Inn on Congress Street on April 2. UPDATE: Opened on April 2, 2014. A third location opened in Chestnut Hill on May 28, 2014.

The Taco Truck — The NJ-based taco truck and restaurant chain has made no secret of the fact that its first Boston truck is a gateway to multiple brick-and-mortar locations. The first will open in Harvard Square on May 31 in the former Felipe’s space in The Garage (Felipe’s is moving nearby to the old Bertucci’s space.) UPDATE: Opened May 31, 2014.

Totto Ramen — This New York City-based ramen shop will open up next to Tavern in the Square in Allston on May 3. It features a chicken-based broth (not pork) and also offers a vegetarian option. UPDATE:Opened on May 3, 2014.

Trophy Room — This “American pub” will replace Fritz Bar in the South End, and it could open in mid-to-late April. UPDATE: Opened April 25, 2014.

Wheelhouse — Nothing is known about it at this point except that Wheelhouse could replace the shuttered Italian Cafe’s space in the Financial District. UPDATE: Opened in early June 2014.

Wink & Nod — Formerly called Blind Tiger, this “craft cocktail speakeasy” will open on March 20 in the former Noche space in the South End. Boston Nightlife Ventures is behind the project; they also own Forum, Griddler’s Burgers and Dogs, and more. UPDATE: Opened March 20, 2014.

Wow Barbecue — The existing food truck focuses on Asian barbecued lamb skewers — and other things that can be put on a stick — and now a restaurant is apparently in the works for a location in Malden. UPDATE:Softly opened in mid-May at 184 Salem Street. Grand opening is planned for June 2.

Zo on the Go A truck launching April 1 from Zo, a gyro-focused takeout restaurant with two locations. UPDATE: Opened April 1, 2014.