RISING COSTS

Waltham’s dining scene just lost a staple after seven years. The Federal, a spot known for its seafood and steak, shut down recently citing steep costs that made staying open unsustainable. Opened in 2018, the restaurant called itself a seafood and chophouse, serving dishes like fresh oysters, crab

Boston's beloved restaurants are struggling. This summer, typically a slower period anyway, was especially tough. Diners are spending less, coming out less often, and industry experts are asking: is this just a summer blip, or a sign of deeper trouble? We hear from restaurant owners about rising c