Boston Chops Closes Both Locations

Both locations of Boston Chops steakhouse closed January 1, 2026, including the South End restaurant that had served the neighborhood for more than a decade, originally reported by Boston Restaurant Talk.

The closure comes as Urban Hospitality Group CEO Brian Piccini secured new ownership for the properties. An Instagram post from Boston Chops announced the restaurants "are now closed to make way for new ownership and a revitalized concept to better serve the community."

Piccini had announced in October that he was selling Boston Chops while keeping the restaurants open during the search for a buyer. Urban Hospitality Group also owns dbar and Deuxave.

Mesob Brings Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine to South End

A new Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant opened in December on Washington Street in the South End, originally reported by Boston Magazine.

Mesob, located at 1746 Washington Street, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring traditional dishes including kitfo, tibs, poached berbere eggs, and fitfit. The restaurant takes its name from the woven basket used to serve shared meals in Ethiopian and Eritrean traditions.

The menu includes ample vegetarian and vegan options alongside meat dishes.