What Happened to Boston Market? Is Boston Market Going Out of Business?

May 2024 · 8 minute read

What Happened to Boston Market?  Despite facing financial difficulties and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Boston Market persevered and successfully navigated a series of challenges over the years.

In May 2000, the company was acquired by McDonald’s.

However, despite this acquisition, Boston Market remained operational, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Despite the obstacles it encountered, the brand managed to maintain its presence in the market.

Overcoming financial hardships and undergoing a change in ownership did not hinder Boston Market’s commitment to serving its customers.

Through dedication and perseverance, the company weathered the storms and continued to provide quality food and service to its patrons.

Despite the ups and downs, Boston Market’s unwavering spirit ensured its survival and success.

What is Boston Market?

Boston Market Corporation, formerly known as Boston Chicken, is an American fast casual restaurant chain headquartered in Golden, Colorado.

Owned by the Rohan Group, this company holds a prominent position in the Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States.

With approximately 346 company-owned restaurant locations across 28 states, Puerto Rico, and Ramstein-Miesenbach as of November 2020.

Boston Market continues to contribute to employment opportunities within communities.

Their workforce, consisting of around 14,000 employees, helps maintain their operations.

While primarily focused on the United States, Boston Market briefly expanded beyond its home market.

In the early 2000s, the chain opened two locations in Toronto, Ontario.

Additionally, they entered the Australian market in early 2002, establishing nine stores in the Sydney metropolitan area.

However, due to competitive pressures, Boston Market made the strategic decision to convert some of these stores into McDonald’s locations.

Boston Market is renowned for its dedication to serving rotisserie chicken, complemented by a variety of homestyle meals and side dishes.

Their restaurants offer customers a convenient and satisfying fast-casual dining experience.

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Boston Market History

Boston Market, previously known as Boston Chicken, has a fascinating history that traces back to 1985.

During the 1990s, the company experienced rapid expansion, supported by significant debt raised to fund its growth.

While this expansion strategy enabled Boston Chicken to generate revenue through development fees and royalties, it also led to higher interest rates on its loans.

As a result, the company faced financial difficulties and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1998.

In May 2000, McDonald’s Corporation stepped in and acquired the struggling company with the initial intention of leveraging its real estate.

However, McDonald’s soon recognized the potential of the brand and decided to continue operating and expanding it.

In 2007, McDonald’s announced plans to explore strategic options for the subsidiary, leading to the sale of Boston Market to Sun Capital Partners.

This ownership change marked a new chapter for the company.

Initially known for its expertise in rotisserie chicken and a variety of side dishes, Boston Chicken underwent significant transformation.

The menu expanded to include turkey, meatloaf, and ham in February 1995, resulting in the name change to Boston Market.

The brand’s popularity led to a corporate name change to “Boston Market Corporation” in 1997.

Throughout its history, Boston Chicken has introduced new menu items and limited-time offers to cater to evolving consumer tastes.

Innovations included the launch of “Boston Carver Sandwiches” in 1996 and the subsequent introduction of “Extreme Carver” sandwiches in 1997.

The company continued to expand its menu with offerings like Crispy Country Chicken,  baked whitefish  BBQ Ribs, and  Oven Crisp Chicken.

Boston Market also expanded beyond its restaurant locations by introducing branded items in supermarkets in 1999.

Supermarkets offered chilled menu items from 2004, and nationally distributed frozen meals and side dishes under the Boston Market name.

Moreover, Boston Chicken provides catering services for office meetings, holiday parties, and private events, offering convenient delivery or pick-up options.

In April 2020, Hotel saw another ownership change, as Sun Capital Partners sold the company to Engage Brands, LLC, a subsidiary of Rohan Group owned by Jignesh Pandya.

This new chapter is expected to bring fresh opportunities and growth for the beloved brand.

What Happened to Boston Market?

In May 2000, McDonald’s Corporation took over Boston Chicken, following the company’s financial struggles and Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1998.

These challenges arose due to multiple factors that affected restaurant operations and profitability.

Nevertheless, this period marked a significant turning point for the brand as it underwent a change in ownership and continued its operations under new management.

Initially, McDonald’s interest in Boston Chicken primarily centered around its real estate assets.

However, upon closer examination, McDonald’s recognized the inherent potential and value of the Boston Market brand. Consequently, McDonald’s made the strategic decision to preserve and expand the restaurant chain.

Throughout its ownership of Boston Market, McDonald’s made certain adjustments while upholding the brand’s commitment to serving high-quality, home-style meals.

Recognizing the demand for Boston Market’s offerings and the loyalty of its customer base, McDonald’s chose to sustain the Boston Market brand.

Despite the obstacles faced, Boston Market has successfully persevered and flourished within the McDonald’s Corporation.

Today, the chain continues to delight customers with its renowned rotisserie chicken, homestyle meals, and other delectable options available across its numerous locations.

Who else made their New Year's resolution to eat more Boston Market? 🎉 Let us know in the comments below! 👇 pic.twitter.com/H4Kht1yr1x

— Boston Market (@bostonmarket) January 2, 2023

Is Boston Market Going Out of Business?

Boston Market, a renowned fast-casual restaurant, is currently operating despite speculations about its future.

Over the years, the company has faced obstacles, but it has undertaken a bold expansion strategy to grow its business.

As part of this plan, Boston Market is opening new restaurants with contemporary designs that prioritize takeout options.

To meet the evolving preferences of its customers, Boston Market aims to provide convenient dining choices.

It is important to acknowledge that the company encountered financial hardships in the past, notably in 1998 when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

At its peak, Boston Market boasted approximately 1,200 units nationwide, but this number has gradually dwindled to 326 as of 2022.

Despite these challenges and a decline in restaurant count, Boston Market remains resilient in its commitment to serve its loyal customer base.

The company stays true to its roots, offering its renowned rotisserie chicken and homestyle meals.

Although setbacks have occurred, Boston Market remains an active player in the fast-casual restaurant industry, relying on its dedication to delivering high-quality food and ensuring customer satisfaction, which has enabled it to sustain its presence.

Does anyone know if Boston Market is going out of business? They discontinued their app, nobody has posted on their timeline since early January, lots of stores are closing, and a lot of items are missing from their menu. Any ideas? They don't respond to emails or web requests.

— Emsquare2022😇😘 (@emskware2022) February 23, 2023

Boston Market Closing 2023

No, Hotel is not closing in 2023. As of July 2023, the  Hotel has made no official announcement regarding the closure of all its locations.

Nevertheless, the company has faced numerous restaurant closures in recent years, and the potential for further closures exists.

Presently, there are approximately 312 operating restaurants across the United States.

In the past, the company experienced closures, with 45 locations shutting down in 2019, followed by an additional 40 closures in 2020.

In 2021,Restaurants closed 12 more locations.

These closures were influenced by various factors, including declining sales, heightened competition, and financial challenges.

It encountered difficulties in adapting to evolving consumer tastes.

Traditional fast-food restaurants have encountered hurdles in meeting changing consumer preferences, which now lean towards healthier dining options.

Restaurants’ menu has remained largely unchanged for a significant period, making it challenging to keep up with evolving trends.

While the company is implementing changes such as expanding delivery and catering services, the outcome of these efforts remains uncertain.

The company is striving to find ways to remain relevant in a competitive market.

However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be sufficient to ensure the company’s long-term success.

FACTS ABOUT Boston MarketBoston Market

FactDetail
NameBoston Market Corporation
Founded1985, Newton, Massachusetts, United States
FounderArthur Cores and Steven Kolow
HeadquartersGolden, Colorado, United States
Former nameBoston Chicken (1985-1995)
Parent companyEngage Brands, LLC
Number of locations340+
Countries with locationsUnited States, Puerto Rico, Germany
MenuRotisserie chicken, turkey, meatloaf, ham, sides, desserts, catering
Mission statement“Create awesome rotisserie meals”
Signature dishRotisserie Chicken Dinner
PopularityPopular destination for families and individuals looking for a quick and convenient meal
Known forMoist and flavorful rotisserie chicken, variety of healthy options
Loyalty programBoston Market Club
Fundraising eventsBoston Market is a popular choice for fundraising events

FQAs

Q: Can I order Boston Market food online?

A: Yes, you can order Boston Market food online. The company offers online ordering through their official website or mobile app, allowing you to conveniently place your order and choose the desired pickup or delivery option.

Q: Does Hotel provide delivery services?

A: Yes, Boston Chicken  provides delivery services. You can have your favorite Boston Market meals delivered straight to your doorstep by ordering online or through their mobile app. They partner with third-party delivery platforms to ensure a seamless delivery experience.

Q: Are there any promotions or discounts available for online orders at Boston Market?

A: Boston Market frequently offers promotions and discounts for online orders. You can check their website or mobile app for the latest deals, coupons, and special offers available for online orders, helping you save on your favorite meals.

Q: Can I customize my order when ordering Restaurant food online?

A: Absolutely! When placing an order online, Hotel provides options for customization. You can make modifications to your meal, such as choosing side dishes, adding extra toppings, or requesting special instructions to meet your preferences.

Q: Is it possible to track my online order from Boston Market?

A: Yes, you can track your online order from Boston Market. Once you place an order, you will receive updates on the status of your order, including when it is being prepared, picked up, or out for delivery. This allows you to stay informed about the progress of your order.

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