Eastern Edge Food Hall to Bring Vibrant Dining to Kendall Square in 2026

Cambridge’s Kendall Square is getting a major new addition to its already booming food scene. Eastern Edge, a modern food hall featuring a curated mix of local chefs and culinary favorites, is set to open at 290 Main Street in early 2026. The project, developed by Gather Group, will combine community spaces, lively bar areas, and nine distinct food vendors—five of which were announced this week.

The upcoming 11,000-square-foot food hall, located on the eastern edge of MIT’s campus, aims to become a gathering spot for both locals and visitors. With seating for 275 guests, Eastern Edge will include two full-service bars, a Venetian-inspired café that doubles as an evening wine bar, and areas for special events, education, and community programming. The design, created by the architectural firm Eimer Design, blends elements of the building’s industrial history with contemporary and biophilic touches that reflect Kendall Square’s innovative atmosphere.

Gather Group, known for crafting high-quality hospitality experiences, is leading the concept. Founder and CEO Hans van der Reijden said the goal is to celebrate the region’s dynamic food culture through collaboration with independent chefs and restaurateurs. “Our vision has been to craft a destination that supports local chefs while offering guests an exceptional and welcoming experience,” van der Reijden said in the announcement.

Eastern Edge will showcase nine food and drink vendors when it opens, with the first five now confirmed: Clover, Juicy Jay’s, Perillas, Everybody Gotta Eat, and Viet Citron.

Clover, originally launched as a food truck at MIT in 2008, returns to its roots with a new outpost just steps from its original site. Known for its plant-forward menu and hyper-local sourcing, the Cambridge-born brand will serve customer favorites like Chickpea Fritter Sandwiches and Rosemary Fries.

Juicy Jay’s, led by Boston-born chef Jonas Beausejour, will offer inventive takes on American burgers infused with global flavors. Every burger features a 70/30 beef blend, house-made sauces, and buns baked fresh on-site. Eastern Edge will serve as the restaurant’s first permanent location.

Perillas, founded by James Choi, brings Korean barbecue and bibimbap bowls to the lineup. The brand, named after the perilla leaf, has gained a loyal following for its approachable and modern take on Korean comfort food.

Everybody Gotta Eat, created by Cambridge native Emmanuel “Manny” Mervil, celebrates Black culinary traditions through Southern and Caribbean flavors. Mervil’s beloved Soul Bowl—layered with mac & cheese, yams, and cornbread—will anchor their first brick-and-mortar location at Eastern Edge.

Viet Citron, run by Tran and Howard Lee, elevates Vietnamese street food classics such as Bánh Mì sandwiches and Phở noodle soups. The couple focuses on sustainability and scratch-made cooking to capture the spirit of authentic Vietnamese dining.

Eastern Edge’s design and programming reflect Cambridge’s energy as both an innovation hub and a cultural crossroads. The flexible event areas will host local collaborations, pop-up kitchens, and neighborhood celebrations, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond dining.

Located adjacent to the Kendall/MIT T station, Eastern Edge will bring new life to a historic site once home to the Suffolk Engraving & Electrotyping Co. The venue promises to be a key addition to the growing number of dining destinations that make Kendall Square one of Greater Boston’s most exciting neighborhoods to eat and explore.

More details and vendor announcements are expected in the coming months. For updates, visit easternedgefoodhall.com or follow @easternedgefoodhall on social media.