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Although Eater Boston’s typical coverage keeps to a fairly small radius around Boston, news occasionally trickles in from dining scenes farther out. Here’s the rundown on some fall 2017 restaurant openings around the MetroWest and Central Massachusetts regions.
New this season: the expansion of an acclaimed Worcester Neapolitan pizza-focused restaurant to Framingham, a flurry of activity at the Apex Center in Marlborough, an over-the-top Worcester ramen joint from the team behind an over-the-top Worcester bacon joint, and more.
(Looking for fall 2017 openings elsewhere in Massachusetts? Find the full index here. Want to jump directly to openings in Boston proper? Find those here. North Shore openings are listed separately here; Cambridge and Somerville openings are over here; and other Greater Boston areas are here.)
This guide was originally published on October 25, 2017; it was updated periodically throughout fall 2017, and the date of the most recent update appears above. Something missing? Email boston@eater.com.
Jump to:
Berlin | Framingham | Marlborough | Sturbridge | Whitinsville | Worcester
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Mooyah Burgers, Shakes & Fries
48 Highland Commons East, Berlin
Texas-based chain and hater of Oxford commas Mooyah Burgers, Shakes & Fries opened another Massachusetts location this fall. The Berlin spot follows openings in Boston proper (Jamaica Plain), Northborough, and Billerica, and another is due to open by Boston Common on December 21, 2017. It serves burgers, shakes, and fries.
Opened: December 11, 2017
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J&M Diner
50 Worcester Rd., Framingham
After a fire destroyed J&M Diner in March, it reopened this fall in a new location. Long lines welcomed it back.
Opened: November 27, 2017
Volturno
1 Edgell Rd., Framingham
This acclaimed Neapolitan-style pizzeria expanded from Worcester to Framingham this fall; the new location was first announced way back in fall 2015. In addition to pizza, the full-service restaurants serve a variety of pasta dishes and other entrees.
Opened: Late September 2017
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110 Grill
Apex Center, 180 Boston Post Rd. W., Marlborough
Part of the under-development Apex Center on Route 20, this is 110 Grill’s 10th location, following closely behind the late summer opening in Haverhill; Fall River is up next, slated for winter 2017 (along with Stratham, New Hampshire). Next year, Athol, Worcester, and Wrentham will follow. The Massachusetts and New Hampshire restaurants serve modern American food and offer a gluten-free menu as well as extensive accommodations for other dietary restrictions.
Opened: October 17, 2017
Evviva Cucina
Apex Center, 180 Boston Post Rd. W., Marlborough
With locations in Beverly and Westford, this Italian restaurant joined 110 Grill and more at the Apex Center this fall. The restaurants serve a variety of pizzas, “piada tacos,” classic Italian-American pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more.
Opened: November 20, 2017
Friendly’s
Apex Center, 180 Boston Post Rd. W., Marlborough
The declining chain is attempting to rebound with this new prototype location at the Apex Center, featuring drive-through windows, which several existing locations will also get — and a number of new locations, with drive-throughs, are expected to open over the next several years.
Opened: November 6, 2017
Hot Table
Apex Center, 180 Boston Post Rd. W., Marlborough
This small but growing Springfield-based chain has locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut and specializes in pressed panini. President John DeVoie wants to keep expanding, pressing further into Boston’s western suburbs — but not Boston proper, at least for now.
Opened: November 15, 2017
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Altruist Brewing Company
559 Main St., Sturbridge
The dream of longtime home brewer Bob Bixby, Altruist features a taproom and a beer garden. Soft pretzels are available, but customers can also bring in their own food. Altruist hosts games, live entertainment, and other events. The opening lineup of beers includes a black IPA, a brown ale, and more.
Opened: December 15, 2017
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Purgatory Beer Company
670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville
This 50-person taproom (located inside of the Linwood Mill Complex) features a patio with waterfall views and offers flights and full pours, as well as growlers to go. Founded by longtime home brewers, Purgatory uses a three-barrel system to brew IPAs, porters, and more. Founders Brian Distefano and Kevin Mulvehill plan on limited distribution to area restaurants.
Opened: November 4, 2017
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Broth by the Hangover
106 Green St., Worcester
The team behind the bacon-centric Hangover Pub added a ramen shop next door this fall, serving over-the-top noodles bowls, such as chicken parmesan, French onion, and New England clambake-inspired ramens. There are also a few starters, cocktails, and desserts.
Opened: October 16, 2017
Steam Energy Cafe
112 Harding St., Worcester
From the Niche Hospitality Group (Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, Nonna’s Pizza + Pasta, and more), this cafe serves a variety of coffee and tea beverages, smoothies, and acai bowls, as well as a breakfast sandwich dubbed the “steamwich.”
Opened: December 20, 2017
The Vegan Nest Cafe
6 Waldo St., Worcester
A vegan cafe and market focusing on breakfast and lunch, with weekly tapas-style dinners. Sunday brunch will begin soon.
Opened: November 5, 2017
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