Operators of both The Burren and Dragon Pizza will be opening new establishments in the near future. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

By Jeffrey Shwom

While discussions of new housing, possible business displacement, and the changing face of Davis Square continue, two Davis Square owner groups are broadening their brands into adjacent neighborhoods. The Burren’s owners soon will open their third restaurant and music venue, McCarthy’s and Toad, while Dragon Pizza owners are creating The Hollows in Teele Square.

“From the proud owners of The Burren in Somerville and The Bebop in Back Bay, we bring you McCarthy’s and Toad – your new Irish pub in Porter Square, Cambridge,” proclaims Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello on their new website. “With perfect pints, live music, and the greatest craic in town, we can’t wait to welcome you in February 2025!” The opening date has moved back a few times, with other news outlets reporting January 24, 2025, as the opening date and another suggesting a February opening. McCarthy and Costello, both musicians as well, purchased the former Christopher’s Restaurant and Bar in Porter Square in June 2024 and have been doing renovations. Views of the restaurant renovation from Mass. Avenue shows a total gut inside and movement of the position of the central staircase up to the second floor.

Separately, Dragon Pizza owner Charlie Redd is part of a group opening The Hollows that is taking over the space of former long-time Teele Square restaurant, Rudy’s Cafe. In January, the applicants (Redd, Douglas Shipman, and Bridget Zerner) received a transfer of the 7-Day Restaurant License-Private, Common Victualer License, Entertainment by Devices License, and Sunday Hours License. Charlie told us, “It is a revisiting of craft cooking and hospitality. We are just excited to create a new space in Teele Square. We got a lot of great ideas. We are hoping to open late spring/summer of this year.”

We asked if the Hollows is truly an expansion of Charlie’s years in the industry or safety because of uncertainty in Davis Square? Charlie was clear and direct. “Totally the first. My partners and I felt the Rudy’s space would fit our project goals. Growth (into Rudy’s) is a totally separate project.”

At the January 2025 Licensing meeting, notes state that “they will continue to manage” Dragon Pizza, with no discussion about plans to close Dragon Pizza and the adjacent Dragon’s Lair, a bar and games room with shuffleboard. In speaking with Charlie over the phone, he reiterated that Dragon Pizza will stay open “until the wrecking ball swings.” He said the “first kind gesture” from Andrew Flynn of Copper Mill, the developer who owns the 233-247 Elm Street block, was those actual words concerning the wrecking ball. Charlie explained that some development is “done with smoke and mirrors” but Mr. Flynn has been “honest and straightforward.” Charlie has been in constant contact with the landlord and developer since 2019. He did comment, “Where it goes, I don’t know” while expressing hope that Dragon Pizza could return after construction.

Copper Mill is actively discussing development above and including The Burren, Dragon Pizza, and Dragon’s Lair spaces, as well as McKinnon’s and Kung Fu Tea. Recent community discussions have included an up to 25-story tall building focused on residential housing as opposed to previously planned lab space. In 2023, there were a few business changes along the 233-247 Elm Street block in focus. When Pigs Fly Breads, the bread shop with daily baked breads from Maine, moved to 259 Elm Street in July 2023, shifting to a different building managed Riverside Properties, Inc (Wellesley, MA). Long-time Irish pub Sligo’s closed its doors on June 4, 2023, after 75 years of pouring beers and memories.