A restaurant space that sat empty in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood for more than six years is finally getting new life. Celine, a Montreal-influenced concept from Coda Restaurant Group, is scheduled to open at 324 A Street at the end of September, and its opening general manager learned the hospitality playbook directly from one of the industry's most famous names: Danny Meyer.
A Long-Vacant Space Gets a Second Act
The address has a storied recent past. It previously housed Blue Dragon, the Boston restaurant operated by chef Ming Tsai, which he permanently closed in March 2020 as the pandemic hit, saying he was protecting employees, according to WGBH. The storefront then sat unoccupied through several redevelopment attempts, including a 2020 proposal to turn it into a cannabis dispensary called Keltic Green, as reported by Boston Restaurant Talk. The old Blue Dragon liquor license was later transferred to Maple & Ash.
Now Coda Restaurant Group, the local operator behind Baleia, Gufo, The Salty Pig, and SRV, is putting the space to use, according to the Boston Globe. Coda includes Deirdre Auld and Ted Hawkins and was founded by Jim Cochener.
From Maialino Breakfast Server to Fort Point General Manager
Shawn Wolfgang, 41, is Celine's opening general manager, and his hospitality résumé runs through some of the industry's most recognizable names. Before restaurants, Wolfgang worked as a talent booker for Berklee College of Music and studied communications at Northeastern University.
His path through Boston hospitality included opening the Yard House in Fenway and serving as general manager at Black Lamb and Fido. He later worked at Danny Meyer's Maialino in Manhattan, the Globe notes.
Poutine, Steak Tartare, and Nods to Celine Dion
Celine's menu leans into Montreal, Québécois-style cooking, according to the Globe, with dishes including chicken liver mousse and steak tartare. Executive Chef Joe Cooke is leading the kitchen, crafting a French-Canadian menu that also features moules marinière and steak frites, according to Caught In Southie, which reports the restaurant plans to open for dinner first before expanding into lunch and brunch service. Filings submitted to the Fort Point Neighborhood Association in 2026 described the concept as blending the relaxed feel of an American tavern with Montreal-French technique, including a rotating raw bar and elevated comfort dishes.
The restaurant is named for Celine Dion, per the Globe. Wolfgang is Celine's opening general manager.
Testing the Concept at Sister Restaurant SRV
Ahead of opening, Cooke and Coda Restaurant Group gave neighbors an early taste through a public Cicchetti Takeover event at sister restaurant SRV in the South End, serving complimentary small bites to introduce diners to Celine's culinary concept, according to Boston Restaurant News and Events. Celine aims to be an American tavern and neighborhood-centric restaurant, per the Globe, drawing residents of Fort Point, the Seaport, and South Boston who want Montreal-style hospitality and friendliness along with a fun night out.
Celine's Hiring
Celine's hiring postings list back-of-house cook positions paying $19 to $24 per hour and host positions at $18 to $20 per hour, with health, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days for employees maintaining at least 30 hours per week, according to BostonChefs.com.
Wolfgang isn't the only thread tying Boston's dining scene to Danny Meyer these days. Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group is separately expanding into Greater Boston with Daily Provisions cafes planned for Harvard Square and Back Bay, alongside Daily Provisions and Italian concept Ci Siamo at Commonwealth Pier in the nearby Seaport District, with Ci Siamo planned for the Fidelity Building near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
A Landmarked Neighborhood and a Personal Palate
Celine's home sits in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood.
Off the clock, Wolfgang says he will eat almost anything, though perhaps not tripe, and has found a way to enjoy it in tomato sauce, per the Globe.
