In the Jamaica Plain Facebook group, somebody posted today a sign in the window of the on-again/off-again Simpli Bar & Bites on Washington Street advertising the impending arrival of a new place called BU Bistro, with the BU standing for, no, not what you'd think, but "Be Understood." Read more.
A Dorchester man who says the Dunkin' mobile app sometimes adds unexpected overcharges for everything from cream cheese on his bagels to whipped cream on his frozen hot chocolate has filed what he hopes will be a class-action suit against the company. Read more.
The Boston City Council today unanimously approved a proposed plea to the state legislature to grant Boston 250 new liquor licenses - but only for certain neighborhoods. Read more.
A federal judge today ordered Stavros Papantoniadis of Westwood held without bail pending the outcome of his "forced labor" case after concluding he would be a threat to victims and witnesses who might testify against him when he answers the charge that he brutalized workers for 15 years by beating and threatening them, throwing knives at them and, in one case, falsely sic'ing police on them. Read more.
Roslindale Stash's is closed today.
Federal agents today arrested the owner of Stash's Pizza in Dorchester and Roslindale - and formerly of several suburban pizza places - on a federal charge of forced labor, for preying on what he allegedly called "fucking immigrants," whom he'd hire and allegedly beat, scream at, and force to work up to 80 hours without overtime and sometimes without any pay at all, on threat of having them deported. Read more.
WBUR reports that Ming Tsai has apologized for asking fellow chef Irene Li if she had "roofied" him - and then joked that he put a date-rape drug in her drink - in a discussion about whether the Boston restaurant industry will face a "Me Too" moment.
Last year, Boston Police and the Boston Licensing Board warned about spiked drinks after a series of incidents at local bars.
The owners of the Washington pub called the Dubliner today sued the owners of the Government Center pub called the Dubliner for trademark infringement, saying another pub with the same name would confuse consumers, even if they are 430 miles apart, because the Washington pub also has its own brand of Irish whiskey that is for sale in Boston. Read more
Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Bubbling Brook, on Rte. 109 in Westwood, won't be serving burgers, fried clams, onion rings and similar fare this spring and summer, just ice cream.
The Boston Licensing Board today gave Puritan Pizza, 735 Morrissey Blvd. in Dorchester, approval to extend its closing time from the current 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Read more.
The Boston Licensing Board today approved plans by Darryl's Corner Bar owner Nia Grace to open what her attorney called "a supper club and speakeasy with a full menu" in the Seaport Square complex. Read more.
The owners of several North End restaurants have amended their lawsuit over the fees Boston charged North End restaurants to set up tables on sidewalks and in parking spaces last year to add a new charge: That Mayor Wu imposed the fees only in the North End because of her hatred of white, Italian men. Read more.
Jejes Coffee House, 259 Washington St. in Wellesley, is scheduled to open Wednesday, with certification to serve kosher coffee and pastries.
It's owned by Jejes Coffee Roasters of Sharon. It's opening comes a few days before the planned opening of a new kosher tavern in Somerville.
Boston Restaurant Talk reports Pomona Cafe and Wine Bar is looking to open its third Massachusetts outlet at 18 Meridian St. in Maverick Square. They'll start out with coffee, smoothies, salads, sandwiches and grain bowls, then add alcohol if they can get a liquor license.
The Simmons Voice reports that LGBTQ Nightlife Events, which has been running queer nights at local clubs over the last few years, is getting ready to settle down with a permanent home on Boylston Street in the Back Bay - in a town that has mostly seen gay and queer venues disappear over the past decade. Read more.
Cambridge Day reports the city Planning Board told a chain called Crumbl to whip up a new batch of designs for a proposed Central Square cookie bakery, one that does not include completely covering some windows with a "pink wave" motif to block would be cookie espionage by cut-throat competitors.
Boston Restaurant Talk reports the Cambridge Street restaurant, bar and music tavern closes for good on March 31.
Jamaica Plain News reports a Haitian restaurant will soon replace 100% Delicias on Centre Street.
City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo (Roslindale, Mattapan, Hyde Park) and Gabriela Coletta (Charlestown, East Boston, North End) today proposed a "food recovery" program aimed at getting more food to people who can't afford it by reducing the amount of food restaurants, hotels, colleges, sports arenas and event organizers now simply throw away at the end of the night. Read more.
Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) contribution.
