New York-Based Coffee Chain Plans Three-Store Expansion to Boston Area [UPDATED]

Within the last year, Harvard Square’s culinary landscape has shifted: Local stalwarts like Crema Cafe, Sweet, Tealuxe, and Night Market have closed, making way for some newcomers, several of which are imports from out of town. New York-based Milk Bar and D.C.-based &pizza, for example, now occupy a coveted corner in the Square, and a New York-based chain of Australia-inspired cafes will be opening a location in the former Crema space, as previously reported at the time of Crema’s closure in late 2018. Now it turns out that the forthcoming Harvard Square location won’t be the only one to appear in the Boston area.

Bluestone Lane will open two locations in Boston proper ahead of the Harvard Square opening. Two stores at South Station (700 Atlantic Ave.) and in the Financial District (125 High St.) will operate with a kiosk model, serving Bluestone Lane’s full coffee menu and a selection of toasts, including avocado toast. Both are slated to open in June, according to a rep for Bluestone Lane. Harvard Square’s cafe will open soon after, with an expanded food menu.

Bluestone Lane first opened in New York City in August 2013 and operates 40 cafes and coffee shops in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. Some of the locations provide full table service and serve alcoholic beverages, while others are counter-service coffee shops with more limited menus.

The news of Bluestone Lane’s additional locations planned for Boston comes alongside the company’s announcement of plans to open 100 cafes over the next few years. Bluestone Lane recently received investments to the tune of $19.5 million, including from Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

Updated, 4/15/19, 9 a.m.: This story has been updated to reflect additional details provided from Bluestone Lane regarding two downtown Boston locations and details on the food and coffee menus.

• Cambridge’s Crema Cafe to Close Later This Month [EBOS]
• Bluestone Lane to Open in Downtown Boston [BRT]