The End Of An Era: What Happened To YellowBird Chicken In West Roxbury And Owner Brian Martell's Next Move

The Boston dining scene is constantly in flux, but few closures hit the West Roxbury community as hard as the recent shuttering of YellowBird Chicken. As of the spring of 2025, the popular local spot, known for its incredible homestyle chicken and comforting sides, officially served its last meal, leaving a significant void in the neighborhood's culinary landscape.

This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the closure, the man behind the brand, and the reason why a thriving local business at 239 Grove Street was forced to close its doors, a story that is all too common in Boston's rapidly developing neighborhoods. The news of the closure, confirmed by owner Brian Martell on social media, quickly spread, sparking a local outcry for the loss of one of the area’s best takeout restaurants.

Brian Martell and The YellowBird Legacy: A Retrospective

YellowBird Chicken was more than just a chicken shop; it was a passion project helmed by local entrepreneur Brian Martell. Martell had successfully transformed an old pizza place into a celebrated destination for comfort food, offering a variety of poultry dishes cooked in several different ways.

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The concept centered around high-quality, homestyle cooking, making it a reliable favorite for families and individuals craving a hearty, flavorful meal. The restaurant quickly became a fixture in West Roxbury, known for its commitment to fresh ingredients and a simple, yet perfectly executed, menu.

Brian Martell's YellowBird Chicken Biography & Profile

• Name: Brian S. Martell
• Role: Owner and Manager of Record for YellowBird Chicken (Martell d/b/a Yellowbird Chicken)
• Location (Closed): 239 Grove Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
• Concept: Takeout restaurant specializing in homestyle chicken, BBQ, and burgers.
• Signature Style: Focused on serving up poultry cooked several different ways, including rotisserie and hand-breaded tenders.
• Closure Reason: Landlord's plan to raze the building for condo development.

The Unavoidable Reason: Condo Development at 239 Grove Street

The definitive reason for YellowBird Chicken's closure is a familiar and painful one for many small, independent businesses in the greater Boston area: real estate development. The building housing the beloved chicken spot at 239 Grove Street was slated for demolition.

Owner Brian Martell confirmed the news via a Facebook post, stating that the landlord was moving forward with plans to raze the building to make way for a new condo development. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between local, independent commerce and the city's push for new residential housing, often resulting in the loss of cultural and culinary landmarks like YellowBird.

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As of late 2025, the area around 231-245 Grove Street is part of a coordinated development review by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), confirming the area's transition. This project, and others like it, continue to reshape the physical and commercial landscape of West Roxbury, replacing established businesses with residential units.

A Taste of Nostalgia: The Iconic YellowBird Menu

For those who were regulars, the memory of the YellowBird Chicken menu remains strong. The restaurant was a haven for comfort food enthusiasts, delivering consistently high-quality dishes that were simple, satisfying, and made with a clear attention to detail. The menu was robust, covering all the essential comfort categories.

One of the true highlights was the Rotisserie Chicken Dinners. This was a centerpiece of the menu, offering succulent, perfectly seasoned poultry that was a go-to for family meals. The hand-breaded recipe for their Fresh Chicken Tenders also earned high praise, proving that simple execution can beat complex cuisine.

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Fan-Favorite Menu Items and Homestyle Sides

• Jumbo Wings: A highly popular item, often ordered in family dinner sizes. Fan favorites included the classic Buffalo Wings and the zesty Lemon Pepper Wings.
• Chicken Sandwiches: A staple offering, providing a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
• Burgers & BBQ: Offering alternatives to the main chicken focus, ensuring there was something for everyone.
• Homemade Dinner Sides: The sides were as important as the main course, with the Potato Salad and other homemade options rounding out the true "homestyle" experience.

The closure of YellowBird Chicken is a reminder of the fragility of local businesses in a booming real estate market. While the physical location at 239 Grove Street is now gone, the legacy of Brian Martell’s delicious, homestyle comfort food lives on in the memories of the West Roxbury community. As of the current date, there has been no public announcement regarding a new location or a revival of the YellowBird brand, but former patrons remain hopeful that the taste of their favorite Boston chicken spot will one day return.