The Original Name of Boston Market Restaurant

Boston Market is a popular American chain of fast-casual restaurants that specializes in rotisserie chicken, turkey, and meatloaf. Founded in 1985 in Newton, Massachusetts, the restaurant has grown to over 300 locations across the United States. However, many people may not know that Boston Market was not always called by that name. In fact, the original name of the restaurant was quite different and reflected a different concept and branding strategy.

The story of Boston Market begins with a man named Arthur Cores, who had a passion for cooking and a dream of starting his own restaurant. In the early 1980s, Cores and his business partner, Steven Kolow, opened a small rotisserie chicken stand in Newton, Massachusetts, called Boston Chicken. The concept was simple but innovative: offer fresh, high-quality rotisserie chicken and side dishes in a fast-casual setting. The restaurant quickly gained a loyal following and expanded to several locations in the Boston area.

In 1995, Boston Chicken underwent a major rebranding effort to become Boston Market. The decision to change the name was driven by several factors, including the desire to expand beyond chicken and offer a wider variety of menu items, as well as the need to distance the brand from its financial troubles. At the time, Boston Chicken was struggling with debt and declining sales, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1998.

The rebranding to Boston Market was more than just a name change. It also involved a new logo, new menu items, and a new marketing campaign. The company introduced new dishes like meatloaf, turkey, and ham, and expanded its side dish offerings to include items like macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, and sweet potato casserole. The new logo featured a red barn with a weathervane, which was meant to evoke a sense of traditional, home-style cooking.

The rebranding to Boston Market proved to be a smart move, as the restaurant chain experienced a period of rapid growth and success in the late 1990s. By 1997, the company had over 1,100 locations and was generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. However, the success was short-lived, as the company's expansion efforts proved to be too ambitious and unsustainable. Boston Market was forced to close hundreds of locations and restructure its operations in the early 2000s.

Despite its ups and downs, Boston Market remains a beloved brand and a staple of the American fast-casual dining scene. The restaurant continues to offer its signature rotisserie chicken and side dishes, as well as new menu items like sandwiches, salads, and bowls. The company has also embraced technology and convenience, offering online ordering, delivery, and catering services. While the original name of Boston Chicken may be a distant memory, the legacy of the restaurant lives on.

In conclusion, the original name of Boston Market restaurant was Boston Chicken. The rebranding to Boston Market in 1995 was a strategic move that allowed the company to expand its menu offerings and distance itself from financial troubles. While the restaurant has faced its share of challenges over the years, it remains a popular and iconic brand that continues to evolve and innovate. Whether you call it Boston Chicken or Boston Market, one thing is for sure: the food is delicious and the memories are lasting.