Ground Round is back in Massachusetts - will it be a local favorite?

In early 2024, a new Ground Round restaurant is set to launch in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, marking the return of the family-friendly brand that has been absent from the area for nearly twenty years. Joe Shea, a co-owner alongside his wife Nachi Shea, expressed excitement about reintroducing the restaurant, responding to community requests to revive the brand. Previous franchise efforts had not yielded responses, but the couple's longstanding connection to the Ground Round encouraged them to take on the project. The restaurant is being built in a location that previously housed a local eatery that closed in November 2023. As construction progressed, Joe Shea indicated that they are nearing completion, with the bar and painting nearly finished. The Sheas intend to focus on providing quality food and a welcoming atmosphere that recalls the feel of the original Ground Round. They plan to update the restaurant's appearance while honoring its past. Among the old features they are considering is a version of the Ground Round's historic "pay what you weigh" concept, which was popular in its earlier years. While they are discussing potential options for this idea, Joe Shea emphasized that any new features will be presented in a modern context, appropriate for today's diners. The couple's goal for the Ground Round is to revive it as a reliable dining destination where families can gather without overthinking their dining choices. Joe Shea reflected on the nostalgia surrounding the restaurant, sharing that numerous community members have expressed their fond memories of it. With over 200 locations at its peak, the Ground Round brand has had a storied history with various ownerships throughout its existence. The reintroduction of the Ground Round in Shrewsbury is not only a personal mission for the Sheas but also aims to reinstate a beloved community staple, meeting a demand expressed by local residents for a familiar dining experience.