Press Release

May2, 2016- (Woburn, MA) Masa Taqueria & Tequila Bar, sister restaurant of Masa Boston, is being sold after operating in Woburn for more than 7 years. Michael Kristen Aviles, widow of Masa Chef/owner Philip Aviles, has executed a Purchase and Sale agreement and hopes to finalize the sale of the business at the end of May. Michael is selling her business to an established, well-respected restaurant group and wishes them much success. The last date of service in Woburn will be on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8 th. (All Masa Woburn gift certificates will be honored at the Boston location.)

 

The decision to sell Masa Woburn was made because of Michael's desire to concentrate her efforts on the flagship restaurant, Masa Boston. Located at 439 Tremont street, Masa Boston opening in 1998, is one of Boston's first tapas and tequila bars, and one of the South End restaurant trailblazers, contributing to the rejuvenation of the neighborhood.

Personal statement from Michael Kristen Aviles:

"Thank you to all of our current and former Woburn employees, customers, neighbors, and community for your loyalty and support. We're pleased that some of our Woburn employees will join our team at our flagship, Masa Boston, and hope that our suburban customers will visit us in Boston's South End.

I've spent the last 7+ months since Philip's passing analyzing both restaurants with my team, and decided that consolidating our operation, selling the Woburn restaurant, and focusing on Boston, was the best way to honor Philip's vision and serve our clientele.

I fondly remember the first time Philip cooked for me at Masa, and have wonderful memories celebrating our engagement, the birth of our child, and several milestones at a very special restaurant.  I am proud to announce my renewed dedication and commitment to Masa Boston, as our team works diligently on improving and evolving every day.

Our Executive Chef, Carlos Avarenga, 6-year Masa veteran, trained with Philip, and has committed  to carrying the torch and honoring Philip's proud tradition of Masa's seasonal dishes featuring fresh, local, ingredients.

I'm grateful to my loyal family, friends, Masa employees, and customers who have supported me, my family and both restaurants during a very difficult time. We're celebrating our 19th anniversary as a staple in Boston's vibrant South End dining scene, and look forward to seeing you at Masa Boston."

With Gratitude, Michael

Masa visionary, Chef Philip Aviles opened Masa in Boston's South End early in the winter of 1998. Philip was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and worked in highly-acclaimed restaurants in NYC, Nantucket and Florida. His vision for Masa was to pair Southwestern cooking styles and flavors with fresh, local, New England ingredients. Masa Boston is one of the longest operating restaurants in Boston's diverse, culinary-rich South End.

 

 Please direct media inquiries to  [email protected].

Thank you.