EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports included in this registration statement for the years ended December
31, 1997, for NE Restaurant Company, Inc., and December 27, 1997, for
Bertucci's Inc., and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
   
November 4, 1998