What's Happening with The Cheesecake Factory in Chestnut Hill?

It is easily the question readers ask us the most: What's happening with The Cheesecake Factory at the former Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill?

Last summer, Simon Properties sold the ailing Atrium Mall to Needham-based Bulfinch Cos. In July, Bulfinch announced it would convert the mall into the Atrium Center at Chestnut Hill, a medical and office building. 

Once the sale went through, the already half-empty mall started losing stores one by one, with the last few moving out in January 2013. 

But as the mall emptied, one Atrium tenant remained: The Cheesecake Factory.

When asked about its future plans at the Atrium or elsewhere in Chestnut Hill, The Cheesecake Factory Senior Director of Public Relations Alethea Rowe sent the following statement to Newton Patch:

“We plan to continue to operate in the Chestnut Hill area for many years to come. Although we are looking at other potential sites, our current restaurant location will remain in operation for the time being."

Bulfinch Cos. has not returned calls for comment on the status of the restaurant.

So, it sounds as though The Cheesecake Factory is not leaving any time soon, at least, not leaving the Chestnut Hill area.

What have you heard? Do you think it will relocate to another Chestnut Hill development (like Chestnut Hill Square)? Should it relocate elsewhere? Tell us in the comments section below. 

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