Food News

All Barbara Lynch restaurants will reportedly close, including No. 9 Park

The news that all of the renowned chef's restaurants would close comes hours after news broke that The Rudder, Lynch's newest restaurant, had closed for good.

All of Barbara Lynch's remaining restaurants will close, according to a report from Eater Boston. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

By Katelyn Umholtz

October 9, 2024

All of Barbara Lynch’s restaurants will reportedly close, marking an end to a decades-long empire built by one of Boston’s most renowned chefs.

Eater Boston first reported the closings of No. 9 Park and B&G Oysters hours after news broke that The Rudder in Gloucester had closed for good. The food media outlet said Lynch’s chief operating officer Lorraine Tomlinson-Hall had confirmed the closures.

“I am very proud of what I have achieved over three decades, creating these much-loved entities where so many of you chose to celebrate your special occasions,” Lynch said in a statement. “The harsh realities of the global pandemic and the many difficulties faced calls for significant investment, which neither myself nor my fellow shareholders are positioned to do.”

Lynch’s first restaurant, No. 9 Park, opened on Beacon Hill in 1998 and put her on the map. It will reportedly close at the end of the year. It wasn’t immediately clear when the South End’s B&G Oysters will close.

A South Boston native, Lynch received several James Beard award nominations and wins, was recognized as one of the best chefs in the U.S. by multiple publications, and innovated dining with her Boston concepts.

But recently, Lynch’s career faced significant upheaval. Last year, she was accused of fostering a toxic workplace, and she’s currently being sued by former employees for allegedly withholding tips. Lynch has denied both accusations.

Lynch announced a “reorganization” of her restaurants earlier this year, shuttering Menton, Sportello, and Drink, and selling the Butcher Shop and Stir.

The Rudder in Gloucester was open for a year before the announcement came Wednesday that the seafood eatery had closed. It was Lynch’s first restaurant to open in more than a decade after numerous delays.

“After three years in the beautiful space on Rocky Neck, I have made the very personal decision to close The Rudder with immediate effect,” Lynch said on social media. “I would like to thank the community for all of their support. Gloucester has always been and will remain very dear to my heart.”

Staff writer Beth Treffeisen contributed to this report.