MA Teen Died After Chip Challenge, Celtics Honor MA Restaurant: MA Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — Welcome to Patch's weekly round up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings and more in the state's dining scene.

This week we learned that the national restaurant chain Applebee's would be closing some restaurants across the country, and its Massachusetts locations could be on the list.

Plus, an autopsy confirmed that Worcester teenager Harris Wolobah died due to consuming a substance “with a high capsaicin concentration,” according to the Associated Press.

Wolobah's family had said the 14-year-old died after eating a single Paqui chip as part of the viral "one-chip challenge." Paqui ended its promotion of the challenge days after Woloboah's death.

However, there was happier news in the dining world this week, as the Boston Celtics honored Brookline's BE Pasta Bar at a recent playoff game for their contributions to the community.

Here's what was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• Harris Wolobah Died Due To Spicy Chip Eaten During 'Challenge'
• Former Viva Bene Restaurant In Worcester To Become Sports Bar
• Marlborough 2024 Summer Concert Series: Who's Playing, What's Brewing
• Boston Celtics Honor Brookline's BE Pasta Bar At Playoff Game
• Bagel Bus To Celebrate Newman's Bakery Legacy
• Peabody's Granite Coast Brewing To Celebrate 5th Anniversary
• MA Restaurant Closings: National Chain To Shutter Locations