A small Belgian waffle chain is expanding with two new Massachusetts locations.
Zinneken’s Belgian Waffles is preparing to open a new outpost at 98A Boylston Street in downtown Boston, just steps from Emerson College and Boston Common. The company is also planning a second location at 28 Amity Street near the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Zinneken’s recently teased the expansion on Instagram, promising to bring its signature “warm, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside Belgian waffles” to both neighborhoods. Founder and Belgian native Nhon Ma confirmed the plans with What Now Boston but said he is not yet ready to share additional details about either project.
Launched in 2011, Zinneken’s first introduced authentic Belgian waffles to Cambridge’s Harvard Square. According to the café’s website, Ma grew up immersed in Belgian culinary traditions—his parents owned a renowned restaurant in Belgium—and later brought those flavors and techniques with him to Massachusetts.
The chain is best known for its signature Liège waffle, a rich Belgian specialty made from a yeasted dough similar to brioche rather than batter. Imported Belgian pearl sugar is folded into the dough and caramelizes as it cooks, creating a waffle that’s crisp and golden on the outside while remaining soft and chewy within.
At Zinneken’s, guests can choose between the signature Liège waffle or the lighter, crispier Brussels waffle before customizing their order with toppings ranging from fresh fruit and chocolate to whipped cream and ice cream.
Those who prefer to leave the decision-making to the experts can opt for one of the shop’s “Favorite 10” creations, including combinations like the Strawberry Glamour, Fruit Delight, Oreo Freakin’ Party, and other indulgent specialties. The menu also features coffee, tea, matcha drinks, and smoothies.
Today, Zinneken’s operates three brick-and-mortar locations in Cambridge, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, alongside a popular Waffle Truck that regularly appears at festivals, private events, and markets throughout New England.
Ma said that all Greater Boston locations are company-owned. The Amherst café—along with the company’s outposts outside of Massachusetts—will be operated by a franchisee, though he declined to identify the franchise owner at this time.
The Amherst café is expected to open in the fall of 2026, while the Boston Common outpost is slated to debut in the winter of 2027. According to the company, the new locations will be “perfect for park hangs, coffee dates, or just because you deserve a waffle.”
