Boston’s historic Union Oyster House being sold

BOSTON — Union Oyster House, a Boston landmark and America’s oldest restaurant, is being sold to a Texas family.

Despite the ownership change, the new owners say customers shouldn’t expect changes at the historic Boston restaurant.

They say they plan to keep the Union Oyster House as it is — preserving the landmark’s longtime character and traditions.

For generations, the Union Oyster House has been a fixture in Boston’s historic downtown, attracting locals, tourists and visitors looking for a taste of the city’s history.

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The family also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. The Sun are set to relocate to Houston after this season.

Read the letter from owner Joseph Milano to Union Oyster House employees:

I’ve always believed that important news should come from me directly, not through rumors or headlines. That’s why I wanted to reach out to all of you personally.
Many of you have likely heard conversations or speculation about the future of our restaurant. While there is nothing official to announce today, I want you to know that I have been thoughtfully considering the future of this institution and what comes next for a place that has meant so much to all of us for so many years.
As part of that process, I have identified a highly respected family that shares our deep commitment to preserving the restaurant’s rich heritage, cherished traditions, and historic significance. It is my hope to transition ownership to this family, with the goal of finalizing a transaction in the coming weeks.
Throughout our discussions, they have made it clear that their intention is to honor and protect what makes this restaurant so special. They have assured me that they will not be making changes to our operations or traditions. Most importantly, they have expressed a strong commitment to retaining our current team and keeping everyone in place.
For more than fifty years, it has been the privilege of my life to serve as the steward of Union Oyster House. While my name has been associated with the restaurant for decades, I have never believed it belongs to any one person. We are simply its caretakers for a brief chapter in its remarkable history, entrusted with caring for it before passing it on to the next generation. Some of you have spent decades here beside me. Others joined more recently, but each of you has helped create the warmth, hospitality, professionalism, and sense of family that guests experience every single day. The reputation of this restaurant has always rested on the people who walk through these doors every day to serve our guests with pride.
As this transition moves forward, my highest priority is ensuring that this restaurant continues to thrive while honoring everything that has made it so extraordinary for more than two centuries. I truly believe this is what is in the best long-term interest of its history and the people who make it what it
is.
As soon as I have information that can be shared, you will hear it directly from me. Until then, I ask for your patience, discretion, and understanding. In response to any questions, you receive from customers it’s business as usual and I ask that you please refer the press to me directly.
Thank you, as always, for everything you do for Union Oyster House and for one another.
Sincerely,
— Joe Milano

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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