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Din Tai Fung plans first Massachusetts location at Prudential Center

Din Tai Fung plans first Massachusetts location at Prudential Center

Money Moves Boston, MA local

The Taipei-founded soup-dumpling chain filed to take over the former Del Frisco's space in Back Bay; licensing approval is pending.

Today: Report ties Din Tai Fung to Prudential Center space

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse closed its Back Bay dining room in July 2026 after eight years. On Nov. 13, Universal Hub reported that Din Tai Fung, the Taipei-founded soup-dumpling chain, plans to take over the space at 888 Boylston Street.

The filing is pending before Boston's Licensing Board, and no opening date has been announced. If approved, the Prudential Center address would be Din Tai Fung's first Massachusetts location and its second on the East Coast after New York.

Why it matters

A global dumpling chain taking a prime Back Bay steakhouse space shows Boston's premium restaurant real estate shifting toward brand-name international concepts.

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Key Indicators

170+
Global locations
Din Tai Fung operates more than 170 restaurants across 14 countries, per July 2026 reports.
23
U.S. locations
The chain had 23 U.S. restaurants across six states as of July 2026.
1
First Massachusetts location planned
The Prudential Center filing would be the chain's first restaurant in Massachusetts.
8
Years Del Frisco's operated in Back Bay
Del Frisco's opened in 2018 and closed in July 2026.

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Organizations Involved

Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung
Restaurant chain
Planning first Massachusetts location at Prudential Center; licensing pending.

Taipei-founded chain known for xiaolongbao soup dumplings.
DF
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
Steakhouse chain
Closed Back Bay location in July 2026; Seaport location remains open.

Steakhouse chain that vacated 888 Boylston Street after eight years.
Boston Licensing Board
Boston Licensing Board
Municipal licensing authority
Reviewing Din Tai Fung's license application for 888 Boylston Street.

Boston board that must approve liquor-license transfers for restaurants.
Prudential Center
Prudential Center
Shopping and dining complex
Landlord of 888 Boylston Street; prospective home of Din Tai Fung.

Back Bay complex at 800 Boylston Street with restaurant tenants including Eataly and Earls.

Timeline

2018 November 2026

5 events Latest: Today
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Report ties Din Tai Fung to Prudential Center space

    Today Report

    Universal Hub, citing Boston Restaurant Talk, reports the planned move into the former steakhouse.

  2. Del Frisco's closes Back Bay steakhouse

    Closure

    The chain ends its eight-year run at the Prudential Center; Seaport remains open.

  3. Din Tai Fung files for 888 Boylston Street

    Filing

    The chain applies to open at the former Del Frisco's space; Licensing Board approval pending.

  4. Din Tai Fung opens first East Coast location

    Expansion

    The 25,000-square-foot Manhattan restaurant opens with 450 seats.

  5. Del Frisco's opens at Prudential Center

    Opening

    The steakhouse begins an eight-year run at 888 Boylston Street.

Scenarios

1

Din Tai Fung opens at Prudential Center by end of 2027

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Boston Restaurant Talk and What Now Boston reported the filing; no opening date announced.

The Licensing Board approves the license transfer, Din Tai Fung builds out the former steakhouse space, and the chain lists the Boston address as open. The July 2026 filing and the chain's East Coast expansion make this the base case.

2

Licensing Board delays or denies the transfer

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Corbett Restaurant Group noted the board's calendar can take months.

The application stalls or is rejected, leaving the former Del Frisco's space vacant. A denial or withdrawal would force Din Tai Fung to find another Boston address or drop the market.

3

Another tenant takes the Prudential Center space

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: No public report names an alternative tenant.

If Din Tai Fung's deal falls through, the landlord could sign a different restaurant for the high-profile Back Bay address. The space's quick turnover and premium location make it a candidate for another brand.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2000

Din Tai Fung's first U.S. location (2000)

Din Tai Fung opened its first North American restaurant in Arcadia, California, in 2000. The move brought the Taipei chain's soup dumplings to the U.S. market.

Then

The location established a U.S. foothold for the brand.

Now

Din Tai Fung expanded to more than 20 U.S. restaurants over the next two decades.

Why this matters now

The Boston filing follows the same pattern: entering a new U.S. market with a single high-profile location.

July 2024

Din Tai Fung's New York flagship (2024)

Din Tai Fung opened a 25,000-square-foot, 450-seat restaurant at 1633 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan on July 18, 2024. It was the chain's first East Coast location.

Then

The flagship gave the brand a high-visibility East Coast anchor.

Now

The chain announced a Downtown Brooklyn location for 2027, signaling continued East Coast expansion.

Why this matters now

Boston would become the chain's second East Coast address, following the New York flagship.

2018-July 2026

Del Frisco's Back Bay run (2018-2026)

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse opened at the Prudential Center in 2018 and closed in July 2026 after eight years. The chain kept its Seaport location open.

Then

The closure left a premium Back Bay restaurant space vacant.

Now

The address drew a global brand tenant within the same year.

Why this matters now

The turnover shows how quickly premium Boston restaurant real estate can change hands.

Sources

(5)
Universal Hub What Now Boston Corbett Restaurant Group Wikipedia Din Tai Fung