National Pizza Chain Shuttering + Burger Spot Opening First MA Location: Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — Welcome to Patch's weekly round-up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings, and more in the state's dining scene.

This week, we learned that a national pizza chain will close a number of stores and a fast-food restaurant will open its first New England location right here in the Bay State.

Have a food story idea? Send it to jessie.castellano@patch.com.

Pizza Hut to close hundreds of locations nationwide

Pizza Hut is closing what it terms "underperforming locations" across the country in the first half of this year.

While the business has not shared which stores will close, there are 35 locations in Massachusetts, including ones in Braintree, Dorchester, Fall River, Marlborough, New Bedford, Watertown and Worcester.

Popular burger chain to open first New England location

The state's first Checkers location is set to open in Worcester.

Checkers, a fast-food chain best known for its hamburgers, chicken, and wings, is expected to open at 99 Gold Star Blvd. in the city. The business is set to kick off operations next week.

Panera to close facility and lay off employees

Panera Bread will lay off 92 employees at its Franklin facility after filing a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice with the state last week. This comes as the company plans to close its facility at 290 Beaver St.

The layoffs are scheduled to happen between Mar. 25 and Mar. 27, according to the WARN filing.

More Massachusetts Food News:

• Beloved MA Grilled Cheese Truck To Open First Store In Worcester
• Chinese Cafe Chain Opens Malden Location
• Blaze Breaks Out At Somerville Restaurant
• 2 Restaurant Proposals On Agenda For Upcoming Burlington Board Meeting

Catch Up On Past Food Roundups:

• Beloved Italian Spot Expands + Award-Winning Team Launches Hotel Restaurant
• New Trader Joe's Coming To MA + High-End Asian Supermarket Eyes Opening
• MA Grocer Among Best In U.S. + Beloved Italian Spots Shutter
• Beloved Chicken Chain Eyes Opening + Popular Breakfast Spot Launches