Six Eastern MA Restaurants Shut Down in March

A grilled cheese franchise's first Massachusetts location is among the eateries to close.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:48am

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a broken ceramic plate, a tarnished fork, and a crumpled napkin arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the difficulties facing the restaurant industry.The closure of several local restaurants in eastern Massachusetts reflects the ongoing financial and operational challenges facing the dining industry.Newton Today

Several restaurants in eastern Massachusetts, including the first Massachusetts location of the Utah-based grilled cheese franchise Melty, have announced their closures in March 2026 due to various challenges such as financial issues, operational difficulties, and changing priorities for the owners.

Why it matters

The closures of these local restaurants, some of which had been in business for decades, reflect the ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The loss of these establishments impacts the local communities they served and raises questions about the long-term viability of small, independent eateries in the region.

The details

The Melty grilled cheese franchise location in Dedham, Massachusetts, which opened in 2024, has closed after a year and a half in business. The owners, Richard and Vanessa Berry, cited the 'challenging environment' and 'hurdles' that made it 'impossible to continue.' Other restaurants that closed in March include Seamark Seafood & Cocktails at the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett, the long-running Irish pub O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar in Worcester, the Latin restaurant Que Mas in Beverly, and the Comella's pizza chain location in Melrose.

  • Melty opened its first Massachusetts location in Dedham in September 2024.
  • Seamark Seafood & Cocktails closed last month, just weeks after its employees voted to unionize.
  • O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar in Worcester closed after 37 years in business.
  • Que Mas in Beverly closed after two years in operation.
  • Comella's pizza chain closed its Melrose location after 13 years.

The players

Melty

A Utah-based grilled cheese franchise that had its first Massachusetts location in Dedham.

Richard and Vanessa Berry

The owners of the Melty franchise location in Dedham.

Seamark Seafood & Cocktails

A restaurant located at the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett that closed last month.

O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar

A storied Irish pub in Worcester that closed after 37 years in business.

Que Mas

A Latin restaurant in Beverly that closed after two years in operation.

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What they’re saying

“Like many restaurants navigating a challenging environment, we faced hurdles that ultimately made it impossible to continue. This was not an easy decision, and we truly gave it everything we had.”

— Richard and Vanessa Berry, Owners, Melty franchise location

“It is with great regret that we must share that after our recent pipe burst and with rising business costs, O'Connor's will not be reopening its doors. Through many difficult times we've given it our very best to carry on this beloved landmark, but the latest challenges have led us to the end of our journey.”

— Brendan and Claire O'Connor, Former owners, O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar

“Thank you all for the endless support and love. It was a pleasure to see so many people really enjoy our food and notice all the passion that us and our staff put in. While this is goodbye for now, it isn't goodbye forever.”

— Alex Pineda, Owner, Que Mas

The takeaway

The closures of these diverse restaurants, ranging from a grilled cheese franchise to a long-standing Irish pub, highlight the ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry in eastern Massachusetts. As small, independent eateries continue to grapple with financial pressures, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences, the loss of these community hubs raises concerns about the future of the region's vibrant dining landscape.