Blank Street Coffee taking over former Twin Donuts space in Allston

Food

The coffee chain plans to open its eighth Boston-area location in 2026 while paying homage to the original Twin Donuts diner.

Ever since the iconic Twin Donuts diner closed earlier this year, the Allston location has been a blank slate. Now, it’s a Blank Street.

The Brooklyn, N.Y. based coffee and matcha chain is setting up shop at the former Twin Donuts location, local real estate group The Hamilton Company announced Thursday. The chain, which already has seven Boston-area locations, says it will preserve Twin Donuts’ legacy by restoring the diner’s landmark neon sign.

“We’re excited to welcome Blank Street to Allston and partner with them to create a new era of business history at 501 Cambridge Street,” Jameson Brown, chairman and CEO of The Hamilton Company, said in the statement. “Blank Street’s preservation of the iconic Twin Donuts sign really honors the long history of that property as a special place that is beloved in the community.”

Blank Street will take over the Cambridge Street location in late 2025 to begin renovations and aim for a late spring 2026 grand opening, according to the statement. The restorations to the Twin Donuts neon sign will incorporate the Blank Street branding, the announcement said.

“We love Boston, and expanding into Allston is an exciting milestone,” Evan Mateen, real estate director for Blank Street, said in the statement. “To do so in such an iconic space is an honor, and we want to make sure we’re celebrating its rich history by maintaining the facade you know and love.”

The new Blank Street will also serve exclusive products to pay tribute to Twin Donuts, according to the statement. Opened in 1955, the original Twin Donuts diner served the Allston neighborhood for 70 years before closing in March, citing high costs and a slowdown in business.