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Restaurant news
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2026-09-25 - Waltham Times -
The License Commission approved two restaurant license applications at its September meeting: one for a new franchise and one to reopen a temporarily closed restaurant at a new location.
The commission approved an application for a new common victualer license and a new manager for an upcoming bb.q Chicken franchise location at 137 Moody St. The restaurant chain h has locations all across the United States. The Moody St. site will be the franchise owner’s 10th location in Massachusetts. The restaurant serves Korean-style fried chicken using traditional Korean sauces and seasonings. No opening date was announced.
The commission also approved an application to transfer a common victualer license for Dominican Grilled Chicken, which will reopen at 657 Main St. under manager Marvin R. Belliard. The restaurant has been closed since a two-alarm fire rendered its former location unusable last November. Dominican Grilled Chicken plans to open on Oct. 12.
When asked what made the restaurant’s grilled chicken “Dominican,” Belliard said, “Flavor! The chef, he puts the magic on it. To bring everyone together.”
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September 21 - on facebook, new restaurant, Maple + High Fire, Barbeque, Bourbon, 482 Moody St
July 28, 2026 - The Waltham Times said that Moes Southwest Grill has closed its Waltham restaurant, leaving the city with one fewer fast-casual dining option. The restaurant, located at 831 Main St., has ceased operations after serving customers for more than a decade.
Moes first opened in Waltham in 2012 as part of the national Tex-Mex chains expansion into Massachusetts. Known for its made-to-order burritos, tacos and burrito bowls, the fast casual restaurant in Waltham was one of more than 500 Moes locations operating across the U.S.
A sign on the front door last week said the restaurant was closed, but some speculated on social media that it might be for a short-term renovation or rebranding.
In an email to The Waltham Times on Tuesday, owner Steve Hixson said he reluctantly made the decision to permanently close his Waltham location.
After 15 years and trying everything I could to remain open, I was just unable to make it work. Our sales were down 15% in 2025 from the previous year, and this year started off slowly with the bad weather we had in January and February. Despite being located in the busy city of Waltham with two colleges in town and many loyal customers, we just werent doing the sales we needed to remain open, he said.
While Moes has closed, Waltham residents still have several Mexican dining options to choose from in town. Local favorites include Taqueria El Amigo, known for its authentic street tacos and burritos; Taqueria Mexico, a longtime Charles Street staple; Amuleto Mexican Table on Moody Street; Margaritas Mexican Restaurant; and newer additions such as Monarca Taqueria.
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June 17 2026 - I saw on facebook a post from J & C Kitchen that they are now open. Taste House, formerly at this location at 275 Moody Street closed because the owners retired.
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May 29 2026 - The Waltham Times reported: Taste House closed because the owners retired. The restaurant at 275 Moody Street is going to reopen as J & C Kitchen, and will feature both Japanese and Chinese food.
- April 2 2026 - The Waltham Times reported: The Federal, the upscale seafood and steak restaurant at 74 Tower Road, has closed. According to an announcement on its website, Unfortunately we have made the difficult decision to close the restaurant permanently. The current economy and ever increasing costs make it impossible to continue.
The restaurant opened seven years ago and managed to get through the pandemic. We will continue operating our sister property, Stazione di Federal and will honor all outstanding gift cards there, the website stated.
- March 27 2026 - The Waltham Times reported: The License Commission approved a request for a new common victualler license and a new manager license for a Korean barbecue restaurant set to open in Waltham in May. The restaurant, called Yakiniku Waltham, will be located at 863-867 Main St. Tables in the restaurant will have a burner in the middle for patrons to cook all-you-can-eat meat, vegetables and other food items. This is a common offering in most Korean barbecue restaurants. The establishment will also have sushi and ramen menus. This is the former address of a real estate agency.
- February 16 2026 - Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. announced on facebook:
We're excited to share that we are bringing our full food program to our Waltham taproom with our new kitchen. Starting February 17th, youll be able to enjoy many of the same dishes we make at our Fenway and Arsenal Yards taprooms.
In the morning, we'll offer a full breakfast menu featuring pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, ham and cheese croissants, avocado toast, overnight oats, labneh parfaits, chorizo tacos, chilaquiles, and more. For lunch and dinner, our menu will feature favorites such lamb lollipops, tuna aguachile, wings, smash burgers, birria and fish tacos, tuna poke bowl, beets and burrata salad, honey bacon brussel sprouts, flourless chocolate cake, and more.
We now take table reservations in Waltham if youd like to plan your visit ahead of time.
- February 3 2026 - Monarca Taqueria announced their grand opening for Saturday, February 7.
In recent months, Monarca Taqueria owners Ramiro and Raquel Marin have been securing approvals and building out the Waltham location.
The couple, who lived in Waltham for 25 years, currently operate a well-reviewed Monarca location in Milford.
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