Colicchio Consulting—a firm focused on planning and placing unique food, beverage and entertainment experiences on behalf of real estate developers, hospitality groups and institutions—has opened the Eastern Edge, a culinary and community hub in Cambridge, Mass. Adjacent to the MIT campus, Eastern Edge has a curated mix of nine local food vendors, two bars, intimate seating arrangements and flexible event space.
The Eastern Edge concept was collaboratively conceived for Kendall Square by Colicchio Consulting and the 290 Main Street ownership group and is operated by the Gather Group. Philadelphia’s Eimer Design team was selected to lead the culinary hub's aesthetic vision while maintaining connections to Kendall Square’s urban ethos.
The Eastern Edge encompasses approximately 11,000 square feet and provides seating for up to 275 guests – the length of an entire city block. The footprint includes nine hyper-local F&B offerings, ranging from Mexican street food at Lone Star Taco and the artisanal soul food menu of Everybody’s Gotta Eat to the Venetian-inspired Bacaro Café & Bar, where guests can relax with barista-quality coffee, pastries and light fare by day before shifting to a destination for wine and small plates by evening. Additionally, Eastern Edge is the first all-electric culinary hub in the U.S., with induction cooking taking center stage in each kitchen.
“Eastern Edge is a beautifully designed culinary and community hub that perfectly complements the outstanding offerings found in Greater Boston, and we are honored to be a part of a team that is bringing new life to Kendall Square,” said Phil Colicchio, principal at Colicchio Consulting. “The all-electric kitchens honors current sustainable sensibilities while the space as a whole leans into its historic roots in Cambridge. We expect it to be a busy spot with alternating day and night vibes.”
“As noted in our recently released annual Food Halls 2026 Report, the sector has re-ignited and projects are opening in record numbers in distinctive urban and semi-urban locations. The Eastern Edge is literally on the ‘leading edge’ and we are beyond excited to bring this incredible range of experiential offerings to the MIT community,” said Trip Schneck, managing partner of Colicchio Consulting. “Eastern Edge provides unique culinary and entertainment options for locals, students, business groups and visitors alike, while also serving as a brick and mortar destination for local ‘cult’ favorites like Juicy Jay’s and Viet Citron. “
Eastern Edge’s Culinary Experiences
The Eastern Edge's nine culinary experiences are:
- Clover: Clover opened its first food truck in 2008 near Kendall Square and was an instant hit. Now, 17 years later, the iconic plant-forward fast-casual is bringing its Mediterranean-inspired fare to Eastern Edge, just feet from that original location. Under the leadership of Julia Wrin Piper, Clover features ingredients grown by Massachusetts farmers they know by name, guaranteeing maximum freshness and flavor. Its menu rotates daily and includes fan-favorite dishes like Chickpea Fritter Sandwiches, Rosemary Fries, and housemade seasonal sodas and spritzes.
- Juicy Jay’s: Created and led by Boston-born chef Jonas Beausejour, Juicy Jay’s reimagines classic American burgers with bold global flavors. With their first brick-and-mortar location at Eastern Edge, Juicy Jay’s celebrates community, culture and bringing people together over fresh, flavorful and unforgettable meals. Burgers include the Juicy J Signature Smash Burger with handmade smash burgers, signature sauce, onions, pickles and American cheese and the Juicy J Beef Bacon Burger featuring two smash burgers, signature sauce, onions, beef bacon and American cheese.
- Perillas Korean Kitchen: Perillas brings Korean cuisine to life in a way that’s approachable, convenient, and full of flavor. Established in 2018 by James Choi and named after the perilla leaf, a staple in Korean cooking, the brand combines culinary creativity with operational expertise. Perillas is known for creating meals that are both delicious and thoughtfully prepared. Menu highlights include the Bulgogi Beef Bibimbap with soy-marinated thinly sliced beef on a bed of white rice, topped with carrots, zucchini, mild cucumbers, spicy kimchi cucumbers & tangy red radish, garnished with scallions, sesame oil & nori and Spicy Pork Bowl with gochujang marinated pork served with soy vinaigrette salad & garlic cukes over white rice.
- Everybody Gotta Eat: Started by Cambridge native chef Emmanuel “Manny” Mervil, Everybody Gotta Eat has grown from neighborhood cookouts into one of Greater Boston’s largest Black-led food operations. Celebrating Southern and Caribbean comfort traditions, their menu features Crispy Fried Fish, bold Soul Wings and the signature Soul Bowl layered with mac & cheese, yams and cornbread. Partnering with Eastern Edge marks the brand’s first brick-and-mortar space and a homecoming, bridging generations and uniting communities through soulful cooking.
- Việt Citron: Founded by former architect-turned-chef Tran Lee, and her husband, former corporate executive Howard Lee, Việt Citron elevates Vietnamese street food with scratch-made dishes and bold flavors. Menu highlights include Bánh Mì sandwiches with Asian Viet baguette, pickles, jalapeno, cilantro, house aioli, garlic, soy reduction or caramelized fish sauce; Bánh Hỏi bowls with rice noodles rolls, lettuce, local fresh herbs, cucumbers, pickles, scallion oil, peanuts and chili garlic fish sauce; and a variety of Phở noodle soups, all crafted with a focus on sustainability.
- Lone Star Taco: Blending the flavors of their Texas and Southern California roots with inspirations from the markets and taquerias of Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, Oaxaca, and Mexico City, owners Aaron Sanders and Max Toste focus on vibrant Mexican street food made with fresh ingredients and simple, flavorful techniques. Their new location at Eastern Edge will feature hand-made corn tortillas, prepared in full view, further showcasing the care they put into every dish. Menu highlights include Mushroom Asada Tacos with chile marinated portobellos, onions, avocado salsa, napa cabbage, tomatillo sauce and salsa macha; Baja Fried Fish Tacos, beer battered and fried local white fish with pickled cabbage & mango-habaner aioli; Carnitas Pork Tacos with confit pork, salsa verde, queso fresco & cilantro; and Juarez Burrito, flour tortilla rolled long and tight with refried beans, oaxacan & longhorn cheeses, onion & cilantro.
- Bacaro Café & Bar: Inspired by Venetian bocari, this vibrant café and bar flows from morning espresso and fresh fruit and pastries to evening cicchetti, small plates and wine. Guests can look forward to seasonal bruschetta, crostinis, salads, salumi & formaggi boards and a curated selection of paninettis. The coffee and bar program carries the same energetic, social spirit, creating an all-day Italian experience to enjoy.
- Fuji Sushi (grab-and-go): From the JP Fuji Group, owner of several successful restaurants across Greater Boston, comes a unique grab-and-go concept showcasing beautiful selections of sushi and sashimi. The menu features Fuji favorites, including Spicy Tuna Maki, Boston Maki & Shrimp Tempura Maki and the Nigiri Combo with tuna, salmon, ebi & red crab.
- Chatty Patties (grab-and-go): From the team behind Everybody Gotta Eat, this new patty concept features hot, flaky, golden pastries filled with well-seasoned meats and vegetables inspired by Caribbean street food traditions and global spice profiles. Baked fresh throughout the day and made to travel, flavor highlights include Beef with warm island spices and rich savory gravy; Chicken with aromatic herbs and peppers; Shrimp with bright seasoning and a subtle kick of heat; and Vegetable with a hearty blend of spiced roots and greens.