The interior of Bertucci's, a beloved Italian restaurant in Boston, now facing closure.
Bertucci’s, the beloved Italian restaurant chain, has once again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking its third bankruptcy since 2018. The recent filing, made on April 24, 2025, reveals substantial debts of $10 million to $50 million and a staggering 62% sales decline since 2019. With only 16 locations remaining nationwide and several beloved Massachusetts branches closed, the company aims to innovate with a new fast-casual concept, Bertucci’s Pronto. Despite these challenges, the loyal customer base remains hopeful for a revival of this iconic dining staple.
Boston, MA – The restaurant scene in New England is feeling a little less Italian as Bertucci’s, the well-known Italian restaurant chain, has once again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This marks the third time the popular dining establishment has had to take this step since 2018, and the latest filing, made on April 24, 2025, in sunny Florida, has left many local fans with heavy hearts.
Founded in 1981 in the charming neighborhood of Davis Square, Somerville, Bertucci’s has been a beloved destination for Italian cuisine lovers for over four decades. At its peak in 2018, the chain boasted around 80 locations. However, in recent years, the Italian eatery has encountered numerous challenges, causing it to close shop in several locales and dramatically reduce its presence.
As if the situation couldn’t get worse, Bertucci’s is now grappling with a whopping $10 million to $50 million in debt while having equal assets in the same range. The company’s struggles have dramatically impacted their sales, which have dropped a staggering 62% from 2019 to 2024. Among the hardest hit by this downturn are several beloved Massachusetts locations that are now closed, including establishments in Braintree, Mansfield, North Andover, and Norwood, leaving just ten remaining locations in the state.
On the national scene, Bertucci’s has slimmed down to just 16 active locations throughout the country. While it’s unfortunate to see these closures, it’s part of a broader trend affecting legacy casual-dining brands, like TGI Fridays, Hooters, and Red Lobster—all of which have faced financial struggles in recent times.
In a bid to turn the tide, Bertucci’s is looking to reinvent its business model. This month, the first Bertucci’s Pronto location, a new fast-casual concept, opened in Boston. This indicates a shift in the company’s strategy, aiming to attract diners looking for quicker service without compromising on quality. The initiative hints at more Bertucci’s Pronto locations on the horizon, aiming to better meet customer demands.
Even amidst these challenges, the remaining Bertucci’s locations in Massachusetts—including those in Boston, Chelmsford, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, Hingham, Medford, Newton, Reading, Waltham, and Westboro—remain dedicated to providing quality dining experiences for their loyal patrons. In light of recent changes, customers have expressed nostalgia about the closure of popular spots like the Braintree location, which had been serving families for over 20 years.
It’s clear that Bertucci’s has carved out a special place in the hearts of many locals, who reminisce about celebrating special occasions and casual dinners there. The decline of such an iconic establishment highlights the evolving dining habits of consumers today, with many opting for speedier, more casual options as their lifestyle changes.
Despite the challenging road ahead, Bertucci’s has made a pledge to maintain the quality and authenticity that its loyal customers expect, even with a reduced number of locations. Fans of the restaurant can still enjoy hearty pasta dishes and beloved pizzas as the company works toward reestablishing itself in a fiercely competitive landscape.
As the dust settles on this latest development, many are keeping their fingers crossed for Bertucci’s revival. With plans for new concepts and heartfelt dedication to their customers, it remains to be seen what this Italian staple will serve up next. One thing is for sure: Boston will miss its flavors while hoping for a brighter future for Bertucci’s.
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