Boston Market

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

2008-08-11 Boston Market in Durham

Boston Market is an American fast casual restaurant chain that specializes in rotisserie chicken, turkey, meatloaf, and ribs, along with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. The company, originally known as Boston Chicken until 1995, was founded in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985. Boston Market has its headquarters in Golden, Colorado, and as of the early 2020s, operates over 300 restaurants in the United States.

History[edit | edit source]

Boston Market was established in 1985 by Steven Kolow and Arthur Cores in Newton, Massachusetts, with a focus on providing meals that tasted homemade. The concept was to offer customers a meal they could take home, which was a novel idea at the time. The success of the first restaurant led to rapid expansion throughout the United States. In 1993, the company went public, and by 1995, it had rebranded itself from Boston Chicken to Boston Market to reflect a broader menu that included turkey, meatloaf, and ribs.

However, rapid expansion led to financial difficulties, and in 1998, Boston Market filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company was purchased by McDonald's Corporation in 2000, which helped stabilize its finances and operations. McDonald's sold the chain to Sun Capital Partners in 2007. Under new ownership, Boston Market continued to expand its menu and improve the quality of its food and service.

Menu[edit | edit source]

Boston Market's menu centers around its rotisserie chicken, which is marinated and then slow-roasted until it's ready to serve. Other main dishes include turkey breast, meatloaf, and ribs. The restaurant also offers a wide range of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, sweet corn, macaroni and cheese, and vegetable stuffing. For dessert, Boston Market serves items like apple pie and chocolate brownies.

In addition to individual meals, Boston Market offers family meals, catering services, and holiday meals, making it a popular choice for group dining and special occasions.

Business Model[edit | edit source]

Boston Market operates on a fast-casual dining model, which aims to provide higher quality food than fast food, with a focus on freshness and flavors, in a more casual and relaxed dining environment. Customers order at the counter and are served at their tables, combining the convenience of fast food with a more comfortable dining experience.

Locations[edit | edit source]

As of the early 2020s, Boston Market operates over 300 locations across the United States. While the majority of its restaurants are company-owned, Boston Market has also explored franchising as a way to expand its presence both domestically and internationally.

Challenges and Adaptations[edit | edit source]

Like many restaurant chains, Boston Market has faced challenges, including changing consumer preferences and the competitive landscape of the fast-casual dining market. In response, the company has made efforts to update its menu with healthier options and more diverse offerings. It has also embraced technology, offering online ordering and delivery through its website and various food delivery platforms.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Boston Market has established itself as a major player in the fast-casual dining sector, known for its rotisserie chicken and home-style side dishes. Despite facing financial difficulties in the past, the company has managed to reinvent itself and continues to serve customers across the United States.

Boston Market Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD