The Fireplace will be closing come the end of the year to make room for famed New Haven pizzeria, Pepe’s Pizza. Chef-owner Jim Solomon, a New Haven native himself, is transferring the lease and liquor license of his Beacon Street eatery, which has anchored the Washington Square dining scene for the past thirteen years. “There are not many restaurants that I would be comfortable turning our space over to, but it is a dream to transfer our lease to Pepe’s to let them build a new tradition here, and for them to introduce their outstanding product to Bostonians.”

Pop in to The Fireplace before December 31st for your fix though don’t despair if hearty comfort food is your thing, Solomon’s not going anywhere, just turning his attention to the catering branch of operations at The Fireplace. And you’ll likely still see him around Washington Square. He lives in the neighborhood and plans on being a frequent customer at Pepe’s when it opens.