The Swellesley Report

The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Down Under School of Yoga

The wait is over: Down Under, Wellesley’s newest yoga, pilates, and fitness practice space is celebrating its grand opening March 13-15 with a weekend of free classes (sign up here) and special events at 159 Linden St.  Down Under reps say the studio, “refines what it means to set a new standard in yoga education and studio experience.”

Beyond Wellesley—Wonder food delivery, take-out, and dine-in opens in Natick

In Natick’s utilitarian 9/27 strip mall, home to Stop & Shop, Advance Auto Parts, Staples, and other essential spots, over 15 restaurants opened up earlier this month, but it’s not exactly how it sounds.

Wonder has opened what can seem like a confusing business model at first, but in reality is simply a single place to order nearly everything you might want to eat via pick-up, delivery, or dine-in.

Picture this cozy family scene: it’s takeout night, and everyone is excited. The kids demand pizza. Mom wants poke. Dad could go for a burger. Are we really going to order from three different places? Suddenly, dinner plans seem more glum than yum at the prospect of a multi-stop pickup run—or hunkering down, but paying delivery fees times three.

Good heavens, it would be easier to just cook up a pot of spaghetti (again) and tell everyone to be thankful they’re fed.

Here’s the Wonder concept: everyone gets exactly what they want, in a single order and a single delivery, with $0 delivery fees. When an order is placed online or via the app, Wonder’s kitchen assembly line model—a wonder in itself—kicks into action.Team members mix and match chef-inspired meals from multiple restaurant menus in one order. Many hands on the line make light (and quick) work, while efficient, secure packaging keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold.

The delivery radius is pretty tight. Some fiddling with the app revealed that delivery to Wellesley addresses is pretty limited. But maybe your house is one of the lucky ones.

We went to the grand opening, where servers passed around a selection of flavorful and fun boneless wings from Wing Trip. Among the items we ordered: a beef kabob dish ($22) from Maydan that featured a handful of spice-rubbed beef chunks topped with a sweet-and-sour sauce. The flatbread that came with it was not to be overlooked either.

Howdy, pardner

Wellesley restaurants that have partnered with Wonder include The Local, Rice Burg, Singh’s Cafe and Shake Shack. Other area faves are available as well, such as Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe (Wayland); Mexicali Cantina Grill (Natick); and Tennessee’s Real Barbeque (Framingham).

Some places we haven’t heard of, but that have quite a following in other regions, include Walnut Lane; Streetbird by Marcus Samuelsson; and The Mainstay by Marc Murphy. And popular chains such as Bertucci’s and KFC are on offer.

An advantage to restaurants of partnering with Wonder is the opportunity to leverage an additional channel to reach new customers and increase their businesses through the Wonder platform. A disadvantage is the commission fees, widely reported as up to 30%.

Ready to saddle up? First, download the Wonder app. Make sure to check the web or ask the staff for any promo codes on your first order. Now it’s time to peruse the menu and make your choices, including whether you want to pick up, get free delivery, or dine in The 3,420 sq. ft. restaurant comfortably seats about 35. Expect a clean, brightly lit space and a lot of movement as the pick-up crowd comes and goes. So maybe not a bistro experience, but the garage-style doors will go up in the summer, which will be fun.

Wondering where else you can eat in the area?

Wellesley restaurants—more than 50 options

Natick restaurants—more than 70 options

Beyond Wellesley—The Inn at Fireside Tavern Sherborn to open

We’ve enjoyed Fireside Tavern’s classic American tavern offerings several times since Sherborn resident Laura Robbins opened the 33 North Main Street spot in 2024.

Now Robbins has revitalized the space located directly above the Tavern, renovating the square footage into four thoughtfully designed private guest rooms and bathrooms. The rooms at The Inn at Fireside Tavern are named Orchard, Pond, Farm, and Forest,  to reflect the beauty of the town’s surrounding environment. Inn guests share a central, cozy living and dining area—the perfect spot to gather before or after enjoying a meal downstairs. The Inn is accessible via stairs only.

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