On June 30, 2025, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a new law that allows restaurants and bars to convert their existing Wine and Malt Beverage License to a Non-Transferrable All Alcoholic Beverages License. The conversion option will be available in cities and towns throughout the state that choose to implement the new law. The Legislature’s…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
What Restaurants Need to Know about the New “Unfair and Deceptive Fees” Law Starting September 2, 2025, new rules from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office will change how restaurants display prices. The regulations (940 CMR 38.00) target so-called ‘junk fees’ by requiring clear, upfront disclosure of charges on menus and customer checks. For restaurants, that…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Congratulations to RIW client FiDO Pizza on their opening this week! Traveler Street Hospitality (the team behind Boston favorites Bar Mezzana, Black Lamb, No Relation, and Shore Leave) brings its expertise to a new casual neighborhood spot at the Allston Labworks campus, serving cocktails and NY-style pizza. RIW handled commercial leasing for this project. Our…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
RIW clients Bernadette and Ledger were recently named among the 2025 Best Restaurants of the North Shore by Northshore Magazine! Bernadette earned the title of Best New Restaurant, while Ledger took home honors for Best Burger, Best Cocktails, and General Excellence. The annual Best of the North Shore (BONS) Awards highlight the magazine’s editors’ and…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Congratulations to RIW client Row 34 on the opening of their newest location in Kenmore Square! Founders Shore Gregory and Jeremy Sewall return to familiar ground, opening their fifth Row 34 in the very space where they first launched Island Creek Oyster Bar back in 2010. This beloved New England seafood destination offers a fresh…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Congratulations to RIW client Darling on its grand opening in Cambridge’s Central Square! The renovated bar and lounge opened in the space formerly occupied by Mary Chung’s and will honor the beloved landmark with Chinese-inspired cocktails and a fresh, modern spin on classic dim sum. RIW handled financing, liquor licensing, and leasing for this project….
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Congratulations to the following RIW clients for being recognized on Boston Magazine’s 2025 Best of Boston list: Best Interior Design: Raffles Boston Best Seafood: Row 34 Best Neighborhood Restaurant, Seaport: Woods Hill Pier 4 Best Neighborhood Restaurant, Jamaica Plain: Brassica Kitchen Best Interior Design: Raffles Boston Best New Nightlife Venue: Dani’s Queer Bar Best Jewelry…
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The transfer of an alcoholic beverages license from one party to another is a routine part of retail, restaurant, and hotel transactions. While parties often rely on governmental approvals as the benchmark for closing on a license transaction, such licensing approvals do not necessarily mean the license is free from financial liabilities, which could impact…
POSTED IN: Alcoholic Beverage Licensing, Hospitality Practice Group, News
Hot off the press: the latest issue of The Industry is here! Our Restaurant & Hospitality team has curated another can’t-miss edition, filled with practical guidance, industry updates, and inspiration for anyone working in (or just interested in!) the food and beverage industry. This quarter’s issue covers everything from legal know-how to consumer trends and…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News, The Industry
On May 19th RIW celebrated its 31st annual Restaurant Trends with a cocktail party at SPIN Boston! As the firm’s signature springtime event, Restaurant Trends has taken many forms over the past 30+ years; its presentation has evolved, the format has shifted, and the look and feel have changed with the times. But one thing…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
