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1) CHINATOWN — Beard Papa's, an international cream puff chain based in Japan, soft-opens today, May 4, and remains in soft-opening mode through May 7, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The grand opening is May 8. There was once a location at Quincy Market, but it no longer exists, so this will be Boston's only Beard Papa's outpost, at least for now. The shop serves cream puffs and other pastries stuffed with a wide variety of flavored fillings. Status: Soft open. 31 Harrison Ave., Unit A, Boston. (617) 953-7098.
2) SPRING HILL — 7ate9 Bakery opened over the weekend in the former The Chocolate Tarte space near the Armory in Somerville (more recently, Kickass Cupcakes briefly occupied the space after moving up the street from Davis Square.) 7ate9 owner Sarah Chester had previously been selling her mini cheesecakes (and more) at farmers' markets. At her new storefront, she also offers a range of coffee and tea drinks — not to mention cheesecake popsicles. Status: Certified open. 199C Highland Ave., Somerville. (617) 218-9361.
3) JAMAICA PLAIN — Pikalo is now open in the former The Goods JP space, specializing in empanadas and sandwiches. There are also smoothies and juices, desserts, salads, and more. The counter-service restaurant has a few tables for those who want to dine in, and early Yelp reviews praise the prices, portion sizes, and amount of vegetarian options. Status: Certified open. 378 Centre St., Boston. (617) 522-1210.