A Favorite Allston Roast Beef Shop Has Suddenly Closed

A popular sandwich shop in Allston has closed, with the owner citing circumstances outside his control. Roast Beast (1080 Commonwealth Ave., Packard’s Corner) shut down operations this week, with owner DJ Lawton writing on a sign posted in the shop’s window that the City of Boston fire inspector and mayor shut the restaurant down with “no advance notice.”

Roast Beast, which opened in 2011, was known for its heaping roast beef sandwiches. The menu also included turkey and chicken; a choice of onion, deli, or wheat roll; and a whopping 13 sauces — including the spicy crowd-favorite “thermonuclear” sauce — and more than a dozen cheeses for customers to choose from.

In 2015, the restaurant announced its intention to expand via franchising, although that didn’t come to pass.

Eater has reached out to Lawton regarding the closure, and a call to the fire department went unanswered. Stay tuned for any updates on the permanent status of Roast Beast.

• Roast Beast [Official Site]
• Roast Beast in Allston’s Packard’s Corner Has Closed [BRT]