February MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
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In this issue, we highlight key developments in the Greater Boston restaurant industry, community celebrations, and important events in the month ahead — helping you capture post–Lunar New Year momentum and strategic traffic opportunities. The Year of the Fire horse began on February 17, 2026. In Boston, celebrations will continue through early March, with the Chinatown Lion Dance Parade on Sunday, March 1 serving as a major foot-traffic milestone for local businesses. |
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1) Dear Friends, Thank you for your patience and understanding during the recent venue and weather-related adjustments. We are pleased to confirm the final details of the 2026 MARA New Year Celebration: Date: March 12, 2026 Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM Location: East West Bank 219 Quincy Ave Quincy, MA 02169 This gathering will focus on celebrating the New Year while strengthening industry collaboration and community connections. The program will include: - New Year remarks from the MARA leadership team
- Restaurant management insights and industry discussions
- Community resource introductions and partnership opportunities
- Overview of MARA’s 2026 strategic priorities
- Open networking session
We sincerely appreciate your support throughout the schedule adjustments and look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate the New Year together and deepen collaboration within our industry. If you have not yet confirmed your attendance, please RSVP by replying to this email. Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA) Email: info@ma-ara.org Phone: (617) 331-3012 |
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2) AAAB Quincy Pitch Contest 2026 The Asian American Association of Boston (AAAB) will host the Quincy Pitch Contest in June 2026, providing local entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their businesses, connect with mentors and investors, and compete for cash prizes. Tracks & Prizes: Existing Business Track (Operating ≥ 1 year): 🥇 $5,000 🥈 $2,500 🥉 $1,250 New Venture Track (Pre-revenue): 🏆 $2,500 Audience Favorite Award: $500 📍 Location: The Woodward School, Quincy 📅 Event Date: June 2, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM ⏰ Application Deadline: May 25, 2026 For details and registration, please visit: |
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NEWS YOU DON"T WANT TO MISS |
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1)Time Out Market Boston Closure Reversed — New Operator Steps In Earlier this year, Time Out Market Boston announced plans to close on January 23, citing post-pandemic traffic volatility, hybrid work patterns, and rising operating costs. However, shortly before the planned closure, real estate developer Samuels & Associates intervened and assumed operations, allowing the market to remain open under the Time Out Market brand. For restaurant operators, this development highlights a broader shift: large-format food halls are not disappearing, but their business models are being recalibrated — increasingly dependent on stable foot traffic sources (office workers, conventions, events, sports), tighter cost structures, and stronger tenant curation and management. |
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2) Liquor License Expansion Continues in Boston The Boston Licensing Board recently emphasized ongoing implementation of state legislation signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on September 11, 2024. The law authorizes 225 new liquor licenses for the City of Boston, which will be distributed in phases and include various geographic and regulatory categories. Boston is also advancing a pathway for beer and wine license holders to upgrade to full liquor licenses. Media reports indicate that structured upgrade mechanisms — including non-transferable provisions and return-to-city requirements — are designed to ease secondary market price pressures while expanding operational flexibility for restaurants. Source: |
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Events for Restaurant Pros |
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1）Compliance, Communication, and Response: Immigration Essentials for Restaurants 📅 March 3, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM EST
💻 Online Webinar
🎤 Hosted by the National Restaurant Association This webinar covers key immigration compliance issues for restaurants, including I-9 requirements, Notices of Inspection (NOIs), and response strategies. Presented by Fisher Phillips attorneys, it offers practical guidance for operators. Visit the National Restaurant Association website to register. 2）4th Asian Street Food & Music Festival 📅 Date: May 24, 2026 (Rain Date: May 31)
📍 Location: Church Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge The 4th Annual Asian Street Food & Music Festival will take place this May in Harvard Square. The event celebrates Asian cuisine, culture, music, and community, and continues to grow each year. Organizers are currently seeking: Food and retail vendors Volunteers Cultural performers Karaoke contest participants 3）Seafood Expo North America / Seafood Processing North America 📅 March 15 – March 17, 2026 📍 Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston Exhibit Hours: Sunday & Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Seafood Expo North America is one of the largest industry trade shows in its category, featuring seafood suppliers, processing technologies, packaging solutions, and supply chain innovations. The expo attracts global producers, distributors, and foodservice professionals, offering a valuable opportunity to monitor sourcing trends and evolving product categories. Source: |
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4) South Boston St. Patrick’s Day / Evacuation Day Parade 📅 March 15, 2026 (Sunday) | Beginning at 11:30 AM The annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in mid-March. Organizers have announced that the 2026 parade route will run in the opposite direction from prior years. As one of the city’s largest public events, the parade is expected to generate significant foot traffic and temporary transportation impacts across surrounding neighborhoods. |
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5) New England Restaurant and Bar Show April 26-27, 2026 Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center Boston, MA |
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Dear restaurant owners and business providers, MARA is devoted to be the backbone of the Asian restaurant community and maintain a vibrant platform for Asian restaurants and business/service providers alike. We support our members with information on fund-sourcing, policy interpretation, networking opportunities and public advocacy, to name a few. In today's fast changing environment, MARA will be your ally, and you will never have to face challenges alone. |
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Founded in 2018, Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA) is a non-profit corporation registered at Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It formed a partnership with Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) in 2020. MARA provides Asian restaurant businesses the resources and guidance needed to advance in the industry. MARA is a platform connecting Asian restaurant members with professional service providers as well as relevant governmental entities to enhance the communication collaboration and mutual benefits. Visit ma-ara.org to join or learn more. |
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Saugus, MA 01906, United States |
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