Downtown restaurant closures accelerate as remote work reduces foot traffic, cutting lunch spending in urban centers by nearly 30%.
Boloco, a fast-casual chain known for burritos and bowls, will close its final location on September 25, 2026, ending its 29-year run. The shutdown follows the conversion of its Boston building at 50 Congress St. to residential use, reflecting broader struggles for downtown eateries.
Remote work trends have slashed urban foot traffic, with 28% of workdays remaining remote as of September 2024. Stanford research indicates lunch spending is shifting from financial districts to suburban areas, pressuring businesses reliant on office crowds. Boloco’s closure highlights the financial strain on chains unable to adapt to hybrid schedules.
The company’s management called the closure the end of “a hell of a ride” in a Facebook post, noting 10,746 days of operation. The last 60 days will feature promotions to draw remaining customers before the shutdown.