After months of uncertainty surrounding its last remaining location, Boloco may have found a new home in downtown Boston.
The fast-casual chain announced in late July that it would close its restaurant at 50 Congress Street as the building undergoes redevelopment, transitioning from commercial office space into residential apartments. Although the original closure timeline called for a September departure, developers at Mahoney Development Group granted Boloco a three-week extension to give the team more time to plan its next move. That extension has since stretched further, allowing the restaurant to remain open while the team works to secure its next location.
Now, the Boston-born brand is hoping to return to a familiar address. Boloco is working to secure a lease at 133 Federal Street, a former location in the city’s Financial District, just a short distance from its current home. The move is not yet confirmed, however, as the team is still waiting on a final lease agreement. Owner, CEO, and co-founder John Pepper told What Now Boston he is hopeful about the new location but that the lease will ultimately determine whether the move can proceed.
As for the current restaurant, its closing date remains somewhat uncertain. Pepper said the team has been told it can likely stay at 50 Congress Street until the week before Thanksgiving, though ongoing ownership transitions could affect that timeline. “We just find out on a week-to-week basis,” he explained. If the lease comes together, Boloco hopes to open at its new space sometime in December. Pepper said he expects to have another update over the weekend or early next week.
Boloco has a long history in Boston, dating back to its early days as Under Wraps in 1996. The business quickly rebranded to The Wrap (later The Wrap & Smoothie Bar) after acquiring competing restaurant Wrap Culture in 1998, then merged with juice chain Jera’s Juice in 2000. In 2005, under Mike Harder (formerly of Chipotle), the company officially adopted the name Boloco, short for Boston Local Co.
The chain continued to grow over the years, with Winona Capital Management acquiring a controlling stake in 2008. At its peak in 2014, Boloco operated 22 locations throughout the Northeast and beyond. Pepper bought the company back in 2015 following mounting debt and financial losses, returning the business to independent ownership. He continues to lead the brand today.
On the menu, diners can choose from a variety of customizable burritos, rice and salad bowls, quesadillas, and breakfast items, with globally inspired combinations and high-quality ingredients such as cage-free scrambled eggs, organic tofu, and grass-fed beef. Classic sides like chips and guacamole are also available, along with a variety of beverages, including coffee and tea.
In addition to its popular fare, Boloco has built a reputation for its commitment to sustainability and employee welfare. The company has a history of paying well above minimum wage and pursuing environmentally conscious practices, earning both Certified B Corporation and Certified Green Restaurant status. Its sustainability efforts extend to its packaging and daily operations through the use of 100% plant-based compostable cups and bamboo-fiber bowls.
What Now Boston will continue to follow Boloco’s plans and update this article as more information about its next location and the current restaurant’s closing date becomes available. For now, diners can still enjoy their favorite burritos, bowls, and more at 50 Congress Street while the eatery remains open.
