Food news
The news that all of the famous chef’s restaurants are closing comes hours after it was announced that The Rudder, Lynch’s new restaurant, would permanently close.
All remaining Barbara Lynch restaurants will close, according to a report from Eater Boston. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe team
All of Barbara Lynch’s restaurants are reportedly on the verge of closing, marking the end of a decades-long empire built by one of Boston’s most renowned chefs.
Eater Boston first reported the closures of No. 9 Park and B&G Oysters hours after news broke that The Rudder in Gloucester would close permanently. The food outlet said Lynch’s operations director Lorraine Tomlinson-Hall confirmed the closures.
“I am very proud of what I have accomplished over three decades, creating these much-loved entities where so many of you have chosen to celebrate your special occasions,” Lynch said in a statement. “The harsh realities of the global pandemic and the many difficulties encountered require significant investments, which neither I nor my fellow shareholders are able to do. »
Lynch’s first restaurant, No. 9 Park, opened in Beacon Hill in 1998 and put her on the map. It is expected to close its doors at the end of the year. It was not immediately clear when B&G Oysters in the South End would close.
A South Boston native, Lynch has received multiple James Beard Award nominations and wins, been recognized as one of America’s Best Chefs by several publications, and has broken new restaurant ground with her Boston concepts.
But recently, Lynch’s career has been turned upside down. Last year, she was accused of fostering a toxic workplace and is currently being sued by former employees for allegedly refusing tips. Lynch has denied both accusations.
Lynch announced a “reorganization” of his restaurants earlier this year, closing Menton, Sportello and Drink, and selling Butchery and Stir.
Gloucester’s Rudder was open for a year before Wednesday’s announcement that the seafood restaurant was closing. It was Lynch’s first restaurant to open in more than a decade after numerous delays.
“After three years in the beautiful Rocky Neck space, I have made the very personal decision to close The Rudder effective immediately,” Lynch said on social media. “I want to thank the community for all their support. Gloucester has always been and will remain very dear to my heart.
Staff writer Beth Treffeisen contributed to this report.
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