Boston Market

Boston Market Corporation began its journey in 1985 when founders Steven Kolow and Arthur Cores opened the first restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts. Originally named Boston Chicken, the chain quickly gained traction with its signature rotisserie chicken and homestyle American meals. By 1995, the company rebranded to Boston Market to better reflect its expanded menu offerings, which included turkey, meatloaf, and ham. This change helped cement its position as a household name in the fast-casual dining segment throughout the late 1990s.

Despite its initial success, Boston Market's aggressive expansion led to financial difficulties, culminating in a bankruptcy filing in 1998. The following year, McDonald's Corporation acquired the chain, which helped stabilize its operations. In 2007, McDonald's sold the brand to Sun Capital Partners, who managed it until 2020, when Engage Brands LLC, led by Jay Pandya, took ownership.

Under Engage Brands, Boston Market faced significant challenges, including supplier disputes and wage payment issues, which contributed to a substantial reduction in its store count. As of March 2025, Boston Market operates approximately 20 locations, a stark contrast to its peak of over 1,100 units in the late 1990s. The company, now headquartered in Woodland Park, New Jersey, continues to serve a menu centered on rotisserie chicken, turkey, ribs, and classic sides, maintaining its focus on suburban and urban markets across the United States.

For commercial real estate professionals, Boston Market's story offers a compelling look at the dynamics of the fast-casual sector. Its history of rapid growth, multiple ownership transitions, and evolving store formats highlight both the challenges and opportunities within this competitive industry. Despite its recent contraction, Boston Market remains a recognizable name, known for its legacy in popularizing rotisserie chicken and contributing to the fast-casual dining experience.