Boston’s Time Out Market Set to Close Amid Rising Restaurant Vacancies

Boston’s Time Out Market, a prominent food hall located in the Fenway area, is scheduled to close its doors on January 23, 2024. The decision follows confirmation from a vendor who received notice regarding the closure. The news comes amid a growing list of restaurant and retail closures across Massachusetts, raising concerns about the sustainability of the local dining scene.

The 27,000-square-foot venue, situated at 401 Park Drive, has housed 15 eateries, two bars, and a patio since its launch less than seven years ago. Notable vendors included Ms. Clucks Deluxe, Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood, and Blue Ribbon Barbecue, among others. The Time Out Market concept originated in Lisbon, Portugal, and has since expanded to cities such as New York and Chicago. A similar venue in Miami also closed in 2023, indicating a potential trend in the market.

Rising Vacancies in Fenway

The Boston Business Journal highlights a significant increase in commercial vacancies in the Fenway area. In addition to the impending closure of Time Out Market, the outdoor equipment retailer REI, located nearby, is also expected to cease operations later this year. These changes reflect broader challenges facing the retail and dining sectors in the region.

Recent months have seen a series of high-profile restaurant closures in Massachusetts. Over the past weekend, Uno Pizzeria announced the closing of locations in Braintree, Dedham, and Revere. Additionally, the well-known pizza chain Bertucci’s has shuttered multiple restaurants in the state after filing for bankruptcy. The Dugout Cafe, a dive bar near Boston University, has also closed its doors after selling its liquor license.

Davio’s, a Boston-based steakhouse, recently closed its Braintree location as part of a restructuring effort. The restaurant landscape in Boston has also lost the iconic Twin Donuts, which had been in operation for 70 years before its closure last spring. These closures contribute to growing concerns about the future of dining establishments in the area.

As the Time Out Market prepares for its final day of business, the future remains uncertain for many dining and retail venues across Massachusetts. The closures reflect a challenging economic environment that continues to impact businesses in various sectors, prompting questions about what lies ahead for the local food scene.