Cambridge natural wine bar and restaurant Dear Annie will close on July 31. The restaurant owner shared the news on social media and explained that shifting restaurant industry conditions led to the decision.
Dear Annie Shutting Its Doors After Final Month in Business
After five wonderful years of operation, the award-winning natural wine bar and restaurant is preparing to say goodbye. Lauren Friel, owner of Dear Annie, founded the establishment inspired by pub culture. Friel reimagined the concept with a menu centered on local produce and New England seafood.
The restaurant’s wine program focuses on natural wines from producers around the world. Located at 1741 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA, the restaurant will continue to host special events before closing.
The restaurant owner shared, “We will dedicate our space, time, and energy to bespoke events (including private events) devoted to the beauty and craft of exceptional wine and hospitality.”
The restaurant will remain closed in August before reopening in September as an events-focused venue.
In the post, the owner acknowledged the restaurant’s journey and thanked the community for the support and recognition. She wrote, “We’ve been beyond fortunate to receive awards from the New York Times, Bon Appetit, Wine Enthusiast, Boston Magazine, and more.”
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Owner Reflects on Decision to Close Restaurant
According to the closure announcement post, the restaurant owner cited motherhood, changing industry dynamics, and the overall evolving Boston restaurant scene.
“In the past year, I’ve watched many of my favorite food businesses around the world close — mostly scrupulous endeavors founded by people who could be described as real ones,” stated the owner. “This current trend is not why I devoted the past 25 years of my life to this industry.”
Lauren is an acclaimed sommelier and author. Apart from Dear Annie, she has also managed wine programs for Michelin-starred Dirt Candy NYC and Institute of Contemporary Art Boston. In 2020, she founded Wild Child, which currently functions as a wine shop and private event space.
For the final month of operation, Dear Annie invites the community to visit and celebrate its journey with one final glass of wine.
