Time Out Market reportedly will stay open

Food News

The Boston Globe reports that the food hall was saved

Time Out Market was saved at the final hour by a Fenway developer who helped bring the massive food hall to the neighborhood in the first place, according to a breaking news report from The Boston Globe.

The Globe broke the story Thursday afternoon, writing that local real estate developer Samuels and Associates would take over the food hall and keep it as Time Out Market. Multiple vendors confirmed with Boston.com that they were given the good news this week and are staying with the food hall.

The news comes a week after the London-based media brand announced it would close the popular food hall on Jan. 23, shocking much of Boston that the city’s first major and modern food hall was shuttering so abruptly after opening to much fanfare in 2019. The reason for the closure, a Time Out spokesperson said, was due to lower foot traffic following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Founder and chairman Steve Samuels told the Globe that Time Out is a “critical piece of the neighborhood” and is “worth saving.” Samuels also confirmed that the 15 food vendors that currently call Time Out home — like Ms. Clucks Deluxe Chicken & Dumplings, Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood, Taqueria el Barrio, and Union Square Donuts — would stay put. 

In statements to the Globe, both Mayor Michelle Wu and Fenway Civic Organization president Tim Horn praised the decision to keep Time Out alive in the neighborhood. 

“Every great city needs great food halls, and Time Out Market in Fenway has been a needed gathering space and economic hub showcasing our local culinary talent to residents, coworkers, and visitors from around the world,” Wu said. “I’m grateful for the swift leadership from Steve Samuels and our Fenway community to ensure this will continue to be a bright spot in Boston’s food scene and the Fenway neighborhood.”

Samuels is also the developer behind multiple properties in the Fenway, including 401 Park where Time Out Market is located, the Fenway Triangle apartments, and the Verb Hotel. Their office is also located in the neighborhood. 

“We have such an emotional connection to the Fenway and its growth,” Samuels told the Globe. “That’s just so important to our legacy.”

Katelyn Umholtz

Food and Restaurant Reporter

Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter.