Boston Market Closings Have North Haven Impact

NORTH HAVEN — The recent rash of closings nationwide announced by the Boston Market restaurant chain has just a single impact in Connecticut, and it's in North Haven.

A staffer answering the phone at the North Haven location late Tuesday morning said he was there cleaning up after the eatery was shuttered on Sunday — the day 39 outlets served their last meals. Six more closed on June 30, according to Boston Market officials.

A Boston Market spokesman confirmed Tuesday that North Haven was the lone Connectocut location closed in the frenzy.

In a letter dated July 8, Boston Market Chief Executive Officer Frances Allen said the 45 closings represent about 10 percent of the 454 total restaurants and cited underperformance for the impetus.

Allen said the company, "must take steps to ensure our operational structure will support long-term sustainability."

Allen added, "Part of that effort involves continuously analyzing our geographic footprint and real estate portfolio to assess the ongoing viability of locations. The dynamics of geographic areas can change dramatically over time, sometimes impacting the performance of a location.”
Boston Market reported total U.S. sales of $557.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 2018 for 454 restaurants. That was down 1.3 percent from $565.3 million in system sales the year prior for 461 restaurants.

A manager at the Manchester location said employees were not notified of any further plans. North Haven staffers were offered jobs within the company, Allen said.

"Even the in the face of the challenges our entire industry is facing, we feel very good about where we are headed," Allen's letter stated. "The company enjoys the full support of its owners and lenders as we continue to advance a forward-looking strategy. Our success is not going to be defined by the number of stores. It's going to be driven and measured by our ability to execute on our agenda , ensuring the Boston Market brand continues to be relevant with existing and new customers and ... exceptional dining experiences."

Connecticut locations include:

• Manchester
• Glastonbury
• Newington
• Bloomfield
• West Hartford
• Bristol
• Meriden
• East Haven
• Milford
• Straford
• Fairfield
• Stamford
• Greenwich
• Danbury

Boston Market is known for its fresh family style chicken and fixings. Its menu has been changing, though. In June, the company introduced new sandwich offerings like the Southwest Chicken BLT, Chicken Avocado Club, Chicken or Turkey on Ciabatta, and Chicken Salad.

Boston Market also has added a Southwest Cobb Salad and a Caesar Salad to its menu.