The once-popular rotisserie chicken restaurant chain Boston Market closed the last of its Bay Area stores and is now reportedly down to only 27 locations.
The downfall of once popular chain
Boston Market Corporation, headquartered in Golden, Colorado, was founded in the mid-80s and enjoyed great popularity in the first decade of its opening. However, in 1998, the company filed for its first bankruptcy. It was sold to McDonald’s and then to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.
New owner and more troubles
In 2020, Boston Market was sold to Engage Brands, a company in the Rohan Group. This sale was supposed to mark a new beginning, but it was filled with lawsuits against Boston Market. Restaurant Business reports that Boston Market locations are continuously closing.
Only 27 locations left
The same source claims there are only 27 locations left across the States, leaving the fast-casual chain with lawsuits and unpaid bills. At the height of its popularity, the company had around 300 locations across the nation. In January, it was reported that there were 79 locations open, but the number has declined since.
Closing of Bay Area stores
SFGATE visited some of the Bay Area locations following the 2023 closing of the only location in San Francisco after an eviction notice. In 2021, an employee walked out at a Boston Market in Rancho Cucamonga on Thanksgiving due to alleged equipment and stuffing issues.
Things are not looking good
Many predict that the chain will close its doors permanently by the end of 2024. The company’s bankruptcy attempts failed, and there is a six-month ban on further attempts. One ex-employee alleged that restaurants are closing every day.
Secretive closings in Fresno
Two locations in Fresno were mysteriously closed last July. But this isn’t the only company closing, especially in California. However, most are downsizing, while others are closing their doors statewide.
Rite-Aid’s bankruptcy
Rite Aid has announced it will close 53 more store locations after filing for bankruptcy protection in 2023. The company closed roughly 200 locations, with 22 set to be closed in California.
Macy’s is reducing the number of stores
The clothing chain has around 90 locations in California. According to TIME, it is planning to close five, including San Leandro and Simi Valley locations. The outlet also claims that Macy’s will lay off over 2300 workers.
Walmart and Walgreens
Walmart and Walgreens are closing underperforming stores. Walgreens is set to close 150 locations by late summer, and KRON reports that the first to go will be a San Francisco location. Walmart is also downsizing, though only San Diego and El Cajon locations were reportedly shut down this year.
Over 4600 stores were closed in 2023
Nationwide, 2023 was one of the most challenging years for retail workers, with more than 4,600 store closures. This is due to a combination of factors, including not recovering from the pandemic, inflation, and Americans’ continuing shift toward online shopping.
Bed Bath & Beyond is gone
Bed Bath & Beyond is still available online despite closing its physical stores. David’s Bridal closed around 100 stores in 2023, while more than 80 Christmas Tree Shops were closed after the company filed for bankruptcy.
But things are looking up
The number of closed stores is still smaller than those that opened last year. This trend is set to continue in 2024, with Dollar General planning to open 800 stores following Dollar Tree’s demise. Target plans to open more than 300 new stores, while Five Below plans to open at least 250.
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.