Fast-casual chain Boloco closes its final location after nearly three decades in business
Boloco, the fast-casual restaurant known for burritos and bowls, is closing its last remaining location on September 25, 2026. The closure marks the end of a 29-year journey that began as Under Wraps before rebranding to Boloco in the early 2000s. Despite CEO John Pepper's efforts over recent years—including returning ownership and implementing an employee-first strategy—the chain has steadily declined due to shifting consumer habits, particularly reduced downtown foot traffic from remote work trends. The restaurant industry is feeling pressure as more workers adopt hybrid schedules, leading to fewer lunchtime visits in urban centers like Boston. Boloco had already closed 14 locations by 2020 and continued shrinking its footprint through the mid-2020s. The final location at 50 Congress St., Boston will be converted into a residential building. Pepper, who reacquired control of the chain in 2015 with plans for profitability, acknowledged that Boloco's closure was expected after years of declining sales and operational challenges.
Topics: fast-casual chain closure remote work impact urban development