From ‘Cheers’ To The Fours, Famous Boston Bars And Restaurants Are Closing

The Coronavirus pandemic has been hitting the food and beverage industry hard in several cities across the United States, but in Boston, famous landmark places that have been staples for both locals and tourists have shut their doors, with both the ‘Cheers’ replica bar in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Fours Sportsbar outside TD Garden Arena both not closing down for good.

TimeOut Boston reports that The Fours, which was known for its loyalty to Boston teams and was ideally located near the arena where both the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics play games, has officially closed its doors after 44 years of business.

“We extend our sincerest thanks to all of you, our loyal customers, who have supported us for so many years. You have made The Fours such a treasured place and we are forever grateful for the wonderful memories we have made together,” the bar’s owners said in a statement to the publication. “To the Boston community, it has been our honor to call the City of Champions our home. We have the best fans. Period. Thank you for making The Fours part of your traditions over the years.”

The closure announcement comes on the heels of the “Cheers” replica bar at Boston’s Faneuil Hall also closing down, with its final night of business happening on Aug. 30.

While a reason for The Fours closure was not officially given, “Cheers” founder Tom Kershaw stated that the bar’s closure was because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“‘Cheers’ Replica Bar has had a wonderful 20 years in the iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of America’s most cherished landmarks,” he said. “I have faced, and pulled through, many kinds of downturns and upticks in the economy within the last 20 years ‘Cheers’ Replica Bar at Faneuil Hall Marketplace has been in business. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with no assistance from our landlord (Ashkenazy Acquisition Group), has made this current challenge insurmountable.”

The two are also only the latest locations to announce closures since the Pandemic hit, with other notable Boston spots closing down in recent months including Dick’s Last Resort in Quincy Market and McGreevey’s a bar that has been affiliated with the band The Dropkick Murphys.

The Pandemic hasn’t only affected the industry in Boston, but other major cities in the United States as well. A long list of cafes, bars and restaurants in New York have cited the pandemic as a reason for their closing down, and a similar phenomenon has happened to at least 15 notable restaurants in Los Angeles. Chicago has also not been spared from the brutal reality either, with several spots popular with locals being shuttered for good as well.

Chain restaurants and cafes have also not been exempt, as Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have been among the chains to announce they would be closing hundreds of locations, while buffet restaurant Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation announced this year that they were closing all locations.