Boston Market, once a dominant rotisserie chicken chain with over 1,200 locations in the 1990s, has dwindled to fewer than 20 restaurants nationwide. The restaurant chain, which began as Boston Chicken in 1985, has seen its footprint shrink dramatically from its peak, with reports indicating it operated just 300 stores heading into 2023.

Jay Pandya, the chain's owner, filed for bankruptcy in December 2023 citing $10-$50 million in liabilities. The bankruptcy filing came amid hundreds of lawsuits from vendors, franchisors, and employees over unpaid bills. The courts rejected both Pandya's initial bankruptcy attempt and a subsequent filing, leaving the company's future uncertain.

Industry analysts point to multiple factors behind Boston Market's decline. The chain's strategy of cutting costs led to reduced quality, according to restaurant analyst Aaron Allen. Meanwhile, grocery stores and competitors like Costco began offering rotisserie chickens at lower prices, undercutting Boston Market's value proposition. With the brand now largely absent from the fast-casual dining landscape, its path to recovery appears increasingly unlikely.