For openers: Six restaurants that opened during April in eastern MA
For openers: Six restaurants that opened during April in eastern MA
Joanna K. Tzouvelis, Wicked LocalTue, May 5, 2026 at 8:46 AM UTC
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The Halal Guys, which opened last month in Newton, got its start in 1990 as a hot dog cart in New York City.
Three Egyptians — Mohamed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka and Abdelbaset Elsayed — founded the enterprise, which soon pivoted to halal food to appeal to Muslim taxi drivers, according to its website. Today, it's known for its platters of chicken and gyro over rice, and falafel sandwiches.
The website states: "Word spread about the unique American Halal Food we offer, and our fan base quickly expanded beyond Muslim cabbies to a much larger, diverse demographic of Americans eager to experience new and exotic tastes, textures and flavors."
The original Halal Guys carts operated around the clock, serving guests in signature long lines that extended down the block. Today it's a franchise, with restaurants in Boston (four), Cambridge, Dedham, Shrewsbury and, most recently, 55 Needham St. in Newton.
Read on to learn about five other restaurants that opened in April. Did we miss any? Let us know by emailing jtzouvelis@wickedlocal.com.
A South East Kitchen, Framingham
This Thai-inspired restaurant opened April 16 in the Trolley Square Plaza, 855 Worcester Road (Route 9), Suite 1C.
Its menu includes appetizers such as crab rangoon and rolls, noodles and fried rice dishes and, fragrant curries such as Panang, Massaman, red, yellow and green.
On May 1, owners posted on Facebook that they've expanded both the menu and their hours, "thanks to the incredible support from our community."
Mexicana Grill & Cantina, West Newton
Mexicana Grill & Cantina, 1391 Washington St. (Route 16), opened last month.
According to an Instagram post from Its In Newton, the business is owned by Antonio de Trizio and Nicolas Ruiz, who are from South America and previously owned Latina Kitchen & Bar in Needham.
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The menu offers a large selection of margaritas, taquitos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, tortas, flautas, churros, and flan.
Owner Andrew Guard is shown in the brew room at Winch & Pully Brewing Company on Morton Street in Framingham.Winch & Pulley Brewing Company, Framingham
This new brewery, which debuted on April 2, has a familiar address to Framingham beer lovers — 81 Morton St. is the formers headquarters for Jack's Abby Craft Lagers and Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company.
The brewery has started with four core beers on tap — Shark Blood Light, Husky Boy (Czech dark lager), Scout’s Honor (American IPA) and Pace Setter (West coast IPA). They're available in draft, 32-ounce growlers and cans to go.
Those who contract brew can also host events using Winch & Pulley's taproom, where its beer can be sold on draft.
Winch & Pulley is open from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Càphê Collective, Cambridge
Càphê Collective opened April 4 in Central Square at 541 Massachusetts Ave. (Route 2A).
Located inside the Street Theory Collective,, a nonprofit that empowers underrepresented creatives by fortifying and amplifying their respective art forms, Càphê Collective offers coffee, tea, pastries and baked goods.
The new Sundae Society ice cream shop on Ocean Street in Marshfield on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.Sundae Society, Marshfield
This provider of burgers, sundaes and hot dogs has opened at 1810 Ocean St. (Route 139). The property previously housed Manny's Pizzeria, which closed last year.
Menu items include the sunrise dog, which is a bacon-wrapped dog, crispy hash brown crumbles, fried egg, spicy ketchup, and a drizzle of maple syrup for $9.99; the spicy bandit smash burger with pepper jack cheese, pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, lime crema and tortilla strips for $8.99; and loaded tater tots with shredded cheese, bacon, scallions and ranch drizzle for $7.99, according to the Patriot Ledger.
This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: At least six new restaurants opened during April in eastern MA
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
