The Blue Ox, the longtime North Shore staple opened by Chef/Restaurateur Matt O’Neil in 2009, will change hands with new ownership in the coming months. While transitioning out of The Blue Ox marks the end of an era for O’Neil, he is leaving his flagship in capable hands; Anthony Caturano of Boston’s Prezza and Tonno in Gloucester and Wakefield will take the reins this fall. All staff will remain, as will The Blue Ox’s menu, including the award-winning Sin Burgers, Tuna Tartare, and more.
“The Blue Ox is incredibly meaningful to me,” explains chef and owner, Matt O’Neil. “For the last 10 years, we have been lucky to be a part of this community. The team at The Blue Ox is my family, and it’s with trust and pride that I pass the torch to Chef Anthony Caturano to lead them into this next chapter. I know that he will continue to be successful and to honor what my team has built here.”
Caturano looks forward to leading The Blue Ox into its next decade, promising to continue the spot’s tradition as a neighborhood gatheringplace. The Blue Ox will officially transfer owners in early September 2019.
“Matt and I became fast friends when he took a job as a line cook at Prezza a number of years ago; it was duringthat time that I noticed his outstanding talent and character,” says new chef-owner Anthony Caturano. “I can only hope to maintain the level of excellence he’s achieved with food and drinks, but more so with the community that The Blue Ox has built over the years. The restaurant is similar to Prezza and Tonno in that it is both a neighborhood place, but also a destination. We have big shoes to fill, but with this team in tow, I’ll be learning from the best; we could not be more excited to be part of The Blue Ox brand.”
For additional information about The Blue Ox’s menu, team, or regular happenings, visit www.theblueoxlynn.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram at @theblueoxlynn. Matt O’Neil’s newest restaurant, Ledger, was recently named “Best Brunch” in Boston Magazine’s annual Best of Boston awards, as well as several Best of the North Shore titles from North Shore Magazine, including “General Excellence.” In 2019 and 2017, Tonno was awarded
“Best Seafood” in Northshore magazine’s Best of the North Shore awards, and Prezza was awarded “20 Best Italian Restaurants in Boston” by Boston magazine.