Cambridge Mainstay Central Kitchen Is Closing, Making Way for a Dispensary

After months of speculation that its space would transform into a recreational marijuana dispensary, a popular Central Square restaurant and bar is officially closing: Central Kitchen is saying goodbye after over two decades.

Central Kitchen owner Gary Strack confirmed the news with Eater but noted that the restaurant will continue to operate as a pop-up and special event space — as it has been doing for the past several months — until the recreational marijuana dispensary begins construction.

Central Kitchen’s acclaimed sibling bar Brick & Mortar, which operates in a space directly above, will remain open.

“I’ve been doing Central Kitchen for 20 years — my 20th anniversary was in April,” Strack told Eater. “I started looking around and saying to myself, ‘You know what, I think it’s time.’ I still love Central Square, and I’m looking forward to remaining there and moving forward with Brick & Mortar.”

Strack is not affiliated with the company opening the marijuana dispensary, but he thinks the addition will be a boon for the neighborhood.

“I think it’s going to be a dynamite combination — a recreational pot shop on one level and Brick & Mortar on the other,” Strack told Eater.

• Central Kitchen in Cambridge’s Central Square Is Closing; Brick & Mortar to Remain Open [BRT]
• Central Kitchen Coverage on Eater [EBOS]