Two Beloved Businesses Announce They Are Shutting Down by the End of March

Two community landmarks in Cambridge and Somerville are closing their doors permanently this month. Atwood’s Tavern, a restaurant and live music venue near Inman Square, announced that it will serve its last drinks on March 31. 7ate9, a Somerville bakery known for its creamy mini cheesecakes, is also shutting down by the end of March.

Atwood’s Tavern broke the news on social media on Wednesday in a message that expressed thanks to customers for supporting the business but didn’t disclose details on the reason for the closure. “Atwood’s wouldn’t be Atwood’s without all of you,” the message reads. “So, if you get the chance, come by in the next month to say farewell.”

7ate9 owner Sarah Chester similarly announced the bakery’s shutdown on social media. She pointed towards how difficult the past few years have been for small business owners, who have had to juggle hurdles including the skyrocketing costs of goods and widespread staff shortages. “As a small business owner that has been running the bakery on my own, it’s been brutal to navigate,” Chester wrote. “I have spoken with many other small business owners in the same situation, and we are all going through a very real challenge.”

The announcements were met with an outpouring of customer well-wishes and support.

Owners Patrick and Ryan Magee first opened Atwood’s Tavern in 2006, according to Cambridge Day. The welcoming neighborhood spot was known for its live music lineup, and it often hosted a busy roster of local and regional bands.

It’s not clear yet what’s next for the space at Atwood’s Tavern, but the team was hopeful in the goodbye message that whoever comes next will continue in the building’s tradition of being a beloved neighborhood gathering spot. “Atwood’s will be joining The OverDraught, Eddie’s, The Willow Café, Smitty’s, and the rest, as establishments that called this building on Cambridge Street home,” the message reads. “While we don’t know yet who will be picking up the mantle, we are confident that they will provide the neighborhood with the community space it deserves.”

At 7ate9, the bakery will continue to live on in some form after the storefront closes, according to Chester. “Perhaps you’ll see me at pop-ups, on the wholesale scene, opening a food-centric bookstore, starting a podcast, or consulting on small business development, or on how to make the world’s best cheesecake,” her message reads. “I am looking for new challenges, so if you are interested in collaborating on a project, reach out to me at the shop or on LinkedIn.”

Atwood’s Tavern’s last day is March 31. 7ate9 will stay open on weekends, from Friday through Sunday, either until the bakery has run out of inventory or until the end of the month. The bakery won’t be accepting pre-orders; it’ll be first-come, first-serve until they run out.