Are Greater Boston restaurants closed during the ‘National Shutdown’ Friday?

Restaurants

See what Greater Boston restaurants had to say amid the call to shut down businesses in protest of ICE.

Few Greater Boston restaurants said they would close Friday for a “National Shutdown,” a day of protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics.

Social media posts from restaurants began pouring in Wednesday, as news of the demonstration spread, asking for people to not work, attend school, or spend money in order to put pressure on the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in U.S. cities.

This call-to-action and more planned demonstrations come as the nation reels from the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti, the second person to be killed by ICE agents while protesting in Minnesota. 

Owners and staff of multiple restaurants took to Instagram to share that they just couldn’t afford to close on a Friday — typically one of the busiest days in the week for restaurants — especially after a major snow storm early this week slowed business. 

In lieu of closing, a few restaurant teams said they would donate a portion of sales made today to local immigration organizations and nonprofits. 

Below is a list of restaurants and their statements amid the National Shutdown.

American Flatbread Brighton: Open

“This Friday, we’re keeping the focus on community. We know there is a lot on everyone’s minds right now, and we want to provide a space where you can just be.

To help everyone connect and support one another, we’re offering Free Bowling all day this Friday, Jan. 30. No catch, no spend required — just a place for neighbors to be neighbors.”

Buenas: Open

“We are proudly open for business tomorrow. Because the best way to fight [ICE] (you know the one) is with [fire] (in my world that’s HOT WARM GOOEY empanadas).

We stand in solidarity with immigrants (we exist, literally, because of them) and are so grateful for our customers’ continued support as the world descends deeper and deeper into circles of hell I didn’t think existed. We simply cannot afford shutting down tomorrow or a day of no spending — very purposely I’ve accepted my role in this as someone providing needed food, supplies, and energy to keep this fight going.

We are also still donating one frozen pack for each four sold to the Somerville Community Fridge. So far this month I’m at 18 donated packs! Please consider taking money you’d have spent at large corporations and putting it into small, local business tomorrow (and always).”

Forge Baking Co.: Open

“We support the reasons behind the general strike and the communities most impacted by the systems being challenged.

While we won’t be closing today, this choice comes from the real constraints of running a small business, especially during the slow winter season, not from a lack of alignment. If you plan to spend money today, we encourage you to use cash, donate to organizations supporting those in need, and support local businesses. As always, we will be raising money for Community Cooks, which helps feed vulnerable populations year-round.

We stand with workers, immigrants, organizers, and our community. If you’re able, join the rally at Copley Square at 3 p.m. today.”

Gracenote Coffee: Closed

“A lot is at stake right now. Speak up. Protect your neighbors. Stay safe. See you Saturday.”

Lone Star Taco Bar: Open

“Today many are observing a no-spend general strike. Our doors in Allston + Cambridge will remain open for regular service in support of our staff and to offer a place for our community to gather. If you’re spending money today, please shop small, in your neighborhood, keeping dollars local.”

Mimi’s Chuka Diner: Open

“We stand with Minneapolis. We stand with the immigrant community. Unfortunately we cannot escape the realities of being a small, self-funded restaurant in its first year of operation. We will be open regular hours Friday, Jan. 30. In solidarity, we will be donating 20 meals to the Somerville Community Fridge, plus-1 for every $50 in cash we receive through the weekend.

We encourage everyone to show up for the movement however they can. Shop small/local, pay in cash, donate to strike funds/immigrant resource/mutual aid networks, come out and support independent businesses on Saturday and Sunday, contact your reps. Thank you to everyone standing up and doing good for the community. Stay safe.”

The Mushroom Shop: Closed

“We will be closed Friday, Jan 30 to participate in the General Strike.

As a small and local business in Somerville, our participation is our way to show our support to our immigrant community who live and work and make our communities vibrant and strong. We are also out here to show our support to anyone working to make a difference or to anyone looking to find others who care.

Please reach out if you have thoughts/questions/concerns/want to say hi etc etc! We are here and looking to help if and when we can.

Working in many industries that rely on immigrant labor, it’s hard to imagine that our country has made such a callus attack on the people that make our communities tick and thrive.

My hope as a business is that we can connect within our own little community and find ways to meet and talk through the new year.

I (Tyler/owner) don’t speak on it online often, but if you know me personally [you’re] likely aware that I’m 1/2 Japanese, being a child of an immigrant as well. I have so much appreciation for this side of my life, and am proud to be so.

All those things said, we love all our neighbors and want to celebrate the things that make us unique, strong individuals.”

Nine Winters Bakery: Closed

“We’re closed on Friday, 1/30, in support of our neighbors and global community.”

Nightshade Noodle Bar: Open

“Tomorrow there’s a nationwide call for a no-spending day, a National Shutdown, in protest of ICE and the systems that fund it.

Participation matters. And you still have to eat. It’s important that we aim our dollars away from big corporations, not away from your neighborhood businesses. Amazon and national chains can absorb a many lost days of sales while small restaurants and local food businesses cannot, and the pressure is meant to go upward, not land on us small places with everything else.

A lot of us already lost sales to weather on Sunday, and another hit is genuinely scary. We’re trying to meet this moment with more value, more care, more intimacy, because things feel more brutal by the day, and we want you to forget it all while you’re with us.

So if you’re eating tomorrow: skip the big boxes and choose a local spot or local market instead. Supporting small, community businesses keeps money circulating right here where it’s most urgently needed.

Feed your neighbors while you feed yourself.”

Rite Tea & Espresso Bar: Closed

“Rite will be closed Friday, Jan. 30 in solidarity with [Somali Student Association in Minneapolis] call for a general strike.”

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.

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