Finding new life for a Kendall Square institution that closed in 1986

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Learn more about the history of the F&T
and the vision for its possible future

After the parcel was sold to Boston Properties / MIT in 1986, Marvin Fox and Maynard Tishman sold the remaining assets of the business to David Clem. David salvaged as much of the old Fox & Tishman diner as possible, with the plan to re-establish the F&T at One Kendall Square. The plan fell apart when David was bought out of The Athenaeum Group. For the past 30+ years many remaining relics (signage, “deuce” tables, and more!) from the iconic diner have been kept in storage, waiting for a second life. Lyme is now working with partners to find a new home for a new Fox & Tishman.

Status: Seeking new location and F&B partner
Original Address: 304-310 Main Street, Cambridge, MA

 
Fox & Tishman
Fox & Tishman • 1919-1986
Fox & Tishman • 1919-1986

The Diner was run by two generations of the Fox and Tishman families, and known as the F&T Diner and Restaurant.

In the path of progress
In the path of progress

The F&T Diner was located at the site of the Kendall Square MBTA station headhouse, and was demolished in 1986 to make way for the Kendall Square redevelopment

Many relics remain
Many relics remain

After the lot was sold there was an opportunity to save as much of the diner as possible. What could be saved was removed and put in storage, including many of the original hand-painted specials signs that rotated through the front window and behind the counter.,

The dining car
The dining car

The original dining car was in dire shape but was moved in hopes of saving it. Unfortunately the structural integrity was beyond repair, but the iconic red & white facade was saved.

A poetic memorial on Main St.
A poetic memorial on Main St.

A plaque commemorating the F&T diner was placed at the site in 2002.

Seeking a next life
Seeking a next life

Lyme is working to find a new home for a new venue that we hope will carry on the names and legacy of Fox & Tishman, but no one can ever hope to fully recreate the magic of the original F&T.