The Story of 770 Gallivan Blvd: A Dorchester Location with Decades of Local History

Did You Know This Dorchester Location Has Been Serving the Community for Nearly a Century? 

 The address 770 Gallivan Blvd in Dorchester, Massachusetts has been a familiar destination for locals for generations. Our new dispensary sits on a site that has served the local community in many different ways over the decades. From classic neighborhood restaurants to modern retail, this address has long been a gathering place for locals traveling through Neponset and the surrounding neighborhoods. Today, Surf’s Up is proud to continue that legacy with a brand-new chapter.  

 The Early Days: Dunn’s Grille (1930s–1940s) 

In the 1930s and 1940s, the location was home to Dunn’s Grille, a classic Art-Deco style restaurant that welcomed diners from across Dorchester. Postcards from the era show the restaurant as a well-known stop near Neponset Circle, serving travelers and neighborhood regulars alike.  

At a time when Gallivan Boulevard was still developing into a major commuter route, restaurants like Dunn’s Grille played an important role in community life—places where families gathered, conversations happened, and neighborhood connections were formed. 

A Modern Dining Experience: Linda’s Restaurant (1960s) 

By the late 1960s, the building took on a new identity as Linda’s Restaurant. The restaurant was known for its “ultra-modern” air-conditioned dining room—a major attraction at the time—and its popular menu featuring fried chicken and hearty breakfasts.  

For many longtime Dorchester residents, Linda’s was a memorable neighborhood staple. Whether it was a weekend breakfast or a casual dinner with family, the restaurant became another important chapter in the story of this address. 

A Familiar Name: Bickford’s Restaurant 

In the years that followed, the space became home to Bickford’s, a well-known New England restaurant chain famous for its comfort food and late-night dining. Like many Bickford’s locations across Massachusetts, it became a reliable spot for families, students, and night owls alike. 

The restaurant served Dorchester residents for years before eventually closing as the neighborhood continued to evolve. 

A New Era of Retail: Verizon Wireless 

In the early 2010s, the property was redeveloped and reopened as a Verizon Wireless retail store, bringing modern retail to a highly visible location along Gallivan Boulevard.  

With over 50,000 cars traveling Gallivan Boulevard daily, the site remained an active and recognizable destination for people living in Dorchester, Milton, and Quincy.  

Today: Surf’s Up Brings a New Chapter to Dorchester 

Now, 770 Gallivan Blvd enters its next era as Surf’s Up, a new cannabis dispensary rooted in the Dorchester community. 

Just like the businesses that came before us, our goal is to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable stopping in, connecting with others, and being part of the neighborhood. While the industry may be new, the spirit of the location remains the same: serving the local community. 

As Dorchester continues to grow and evolve, we’re proud to contribute to the neighborhood’s future while honoring the history that came before us. 

From Dunn’s Grille to Linda’s Restaurant, from Bickford’s to Verizon, this address has always been part of the community’s daily life. 

And now, a new story begins. 

Welcome to Surf’s Up!! 

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