Category Archives: South End

Something I really like but never expected from this blog is people proactively reaching out to tell me about new businesses opening and old businesses closing.  I often refer to these tips as “whispers” because they are usually shared as such when I’m out and about.

I’m going out on a limb here and asking for more info

A whisper campaign seems to be in full swing with different people who don’t know each other whispering who is going into Hamersley’s space after it closes in October.  The problem is the name mentioned over and over again doesn’t make sense.

So I’ve decided to ask those of you who have been whispering (you know who you are) if you would email me with more information. What did you see? Who told you? Give me something in writing.

Yesterday, Cafe Madeleine opened at 517 Columbus Avenue in the South End. Their menu includes pastries (with several varieties of croissants), chocolate treats (think mousse, cake and other treats) as well as more nutritious luncheon options like salads, sandwiches and quiche.

Give this new South End cafe a try and let me know what you think.

Rumor has it that Fred Kiley (the owner of the building that once housed Francesca’s) has signed a lease with a new tenant for the prime space on Tremont Street.

According to the neighborhood gossip, the space will remain a coffee shop and include outdoor seating.  The new tenant is not Peets coffee but I’ve not been able to get any further details regarding who signed the lease or an expected opening.  If you happen to have any further information, contact me at bosguymail@gmail.com.

The place to be in Boston this Thursday is at Cinquecento’s Bacchanalia Party.  Stop by and check it out. More information can be found on their event page on Facebook here.

As  rumors circulate that Peet’s Coffee will not open on Tremont Street, Cafe Madeleine announces their imminent opening on Columbus Avenue. South End residents will have noticed that the space formerly occupied by Amsterdam Cafe at 517 Columbus Avenue has recently seen new signage for Cafe Madeleine as well as a handwritten “Now Hiring” sign for Front of House positions at the soon to open cafe.

A press release distributed this week indicates that the new cafe will open before the end of the month.  I peeked into the space this weekend and the space looks very inviting with a clean ivory interior that has grey and black accents. According to the release the cafe menu will include pastries as well as a small luncheon menu including salads, sandwiches, and quiche.

Cafe Madeleine will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For all of you curious to find out what will happen next now that BoMA Restaurant & Lounge has closed.  Yesterday I spoke with the owner and earlier today he shared via email that The Elephant Walk, a French / Cambodian restaurant will move into the space.

“After two years of owning and operating BoMA Restaurant & Lounge in the South End, I am pleased to announce my collaboration with Nadsa de Monteiro and Richard Pile, respectively the Executive Chef and Managing Partner of The Elephant Walk. They will be bringing their restaurant to the South End.  Yes, The Elephant Walk will open at the former BoMA location!  

This will all move quickly with an eye on opening the restaurant in the Fall, aiming for October.” –Shane Manfred

Back in April it was reported in the BBJ that the restaurant would likely be displaced due to a $16 million apartment building project.  So Audubon Circle’s loss is the South End’s gain.  Check out The Elephant Walk’s French / Cambodian restaurant menu here.

A couple of local blogs are reporting that the South End restaurant, BoMA, which first opened less than two years ago has closed.

I have reached out to staff and the owner for confirmation but have not heard back.  The restaurant’s Facebook Page appears to have been removed.  I really like the staff and the neighborhood vibe of the place. I wonder if the restaurant will reopen with a new concept and name under the same ownership or if it has been shuttered for good.  Either way I hope the staff are okay and the space can reopen soon.

Photo Source: Boston Redevelopment Authority

The Boston Herald reports that a new residential development will be coming to 46 Wareham Street in the South End.  A three-story 19th century warehouse will be converted into a six story residential building that will have 42 units, a 9,400 square foot retail space and 50+ underground parking spaces. The new residential building will be called Factory at 46 Wareham.  The article didn’t indicate if the units would be apartments or condos.

Below is an image of the building as it stands today.

This section of the South End currently has two large residential construction projects underway with the Ink Block and Troy Boston. Just two blocks from 46 Wareham The Cathedral of the Holy Cross has received board approval to build a new 120 unit building on a parking lot at 600 Harrison Avenue.

There are several other residential plans all within just a few blocks that are currently in various proposal stages. It will be interesting to see how these projects help reshape and revitalize this section of the South End which still has underutilized space in the form of partially vacated buildings and parking lots.