Vegetarian food enthusiasts in Somerville may have to sadly bid farewell to a beloved spot as the Clover restaurant at Assembly Row has shuttered its doors. The closure comes on the heels of the company's bankruptcy filing, which was made public last month. As detailed on their own website, Clover explained that "the closure of this restaurant is part of the whole company's focus on reaching financial sustainability and positioning us for future growth," attributing the decision partly to the location's struggle with attracting consistent traffic.
In a venture to simplify their operations, Clover is now determined to just direct their culinary creativity back to the basics that defined their success: restaurants, catering, and meal boxes. "And handing back the keys to ROW will help us direct resources back into those core areas and strengthen Clover overall," said Clover in a statement that underscores their practical pivot back to what they do best. The Assembly Row location was unique for hosting a full-grocery store alongside the restaurant, a complexity the company is ready to shed.
In November, the situation turned dire when Clover filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Challenged by financial undertows, they revealed an inability to pay the lease on a new commissary after investment funds fell short of expectations. This filing indicated the potential troubles looming on the horizon for the vegetarian chain, which could have spillover effects on the rest of their locations, according to Boston Restaurants Blogspot.
Yet hope springs within the Clover narrative, one that started humbly in 2008 with a sole food truck at MIT. The ambitious vision generously outlined on their website doesn't shy away from grand dreams: "Someday maybe there’ll be more Clover restaurants than McDonald’s." While the reality right now appears grim for the once-bustling Somerville outlet, Clover's commitment to local farmers and sustainability runs deep, having blossomed from an idea to a fleet of 15 restaurants across the Boston Metro Area since its inception.
The Assembly Row site may be silent for the moment, but across Boston, Clover's dynamic menu—which refreshes by the minute with New England farm produce—and their environmental ethos continue to fuel their culinary quest. They continue to encourage foodies and environmentalists alike to drop by their remaining operations and be part of what could be a delectable and responsible food revolution.
