The family behind a longstanding Cambridge café is bringing its signature dishes to Brookline.
According to a Brookline News report, the Abu-Rubiehs are opening a second Brookline Lunch location at 1046 Beacon St, taking over the former Busy Bee Restaurant & Diner space. At the helm of the expansion is Mushhoor Abu-Rubieh, whose parents, Jamal and Manal Abu-Rubieh, have operated the original cash-only café since 1988.
Brookline Lunch was born on Cambridge’s Brookline Street in 1937. Today, the Abu-Rubiehs—often joined by their seven children—continue to serve up American and Middle Eastern-inspired comfort cuisine, including egg and cheese sandwiches, shakshuka, and their beloved baklava and kanafeh pancakes.
Mushhoor told What Now Boston that the new location will offer many of the same dishes that regulars know and love, with a few new additions still in development. “I want to keep it similar, but maybe some new ideas,” he explained.
He’s also planning to expand the concept. In addition to breakfast and lunch, the new spot will stay open later a few nights a week to serve dinner. The architect is still finalizing designs, and the goal is to open Brookline Lunch in the fall of 2025.
“Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious, freshly prepared dishes, Brookline Lunch is bringing its unique charm and classic favorites to a new location,” reads a sign outside the new location. “Whether you’re craving hearty breakfast fare, satisfying lunch plates, or just a great cup of coffee, we can’t wait to welcome you in and share our signature flavors with the community.”
Busy Bee Restaurant & Diner closed last September after serving the Brookline community for 56 years.
