It's last call for two beloved institutions at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham as locals brace to bid adieu to Raffael's and The Greenside Grille at the end of 2024. A recent announcement has made it official: the esteemed Raffael's Restaurant and the neighboring Greenside Grille will depart from their long-standing location after their lease runs out next year, ending chapters that have contributed significantly to the community's social fabric.
According to a press release obtained by Boston Restaurants, the owners expressed "mixed emotions" as they announced their retirement from the Hingham locale. "After 15 years of serving the Hingham community – and 35 years serving the South Shore at large...the owners have decided to embark on new adventures and opportunities....The owners express their sincere gratitude to the South Shore Country Club permit holders, the loyal customers, dedicated staff, and the Hingham community for their unwavering support throughout the years," the release stated.
Elio & Frank Ricci, the minds behind the establishments, echoed their heartfelt thanks for the local embrace they've received, "Raffael's has been a labor of love for us, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved together with our team and the community. While we bid farewell to this chapter, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences until the very end," they said, indicating their intention to continue high standards of service up to their departure.
The venue's history stretches back to 1989, when Raffael's first opened its doors at the old State Street Bank complex in North Quincy, MA. It expanded with another function venue in Walpole in 2000 and became the exclusive food and beverage provider to the former Clarion Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel & Spa in Hull. Known for orchestrating unforgettable events from baby showers to bar mitzvahs to extravagant weddings, Raffael's has carved out a niche as a purveyor of fine events with a personal touch. The website for Raffael's boasts, "We are known for our creative, elevated culinary perspective, expert servers and planners, attention to detail, quality and professionalism, and so much more—we aim to exceed the expectations of all who walk through our doors," as per their About page.
With a year left before the final goodbye, customers can still expect to enjoy the familiar hospitality and culinary excellence these venues are known for. Beyond that, the next step for the South Shore Country Club and the upcoming void left by Raffael's and The Greenside Grille's absence will no doubt be a hot topic among Hingham residents and the wider South Shore community. For now, though, it seems the end of an era is on the horizon, coupled with anticipation for the "new adventures and opportunities" promised by the Ricci brothers’ next ventures.
