The Wellesley retail landscape underwent significant changes in 2014, highlighted by the opening of two restaurants and the closing of a longtime ice cream shop.
Bocado Tapas & Wine Bar opened this fall on Church Street where Paper Source formerly lived, and Sweet Basil sister restaurant Juniper replaced Milestone in Wellesley Square at the midway point of the Boston Marathon course this past summer. The eateries, taking advantage of more restaurant-friendly Wellesley bylaws, complement and provide fresh competition to Blue Ginger, Alta Strada, Cafe Mangal and other places to dine in town.
Oh, and let’s not forget Sam’s Hot Dog Cart, which rolled onto the scene this summer, often parking near Hunnewell Field and at Morses Pond.
The most notable restaurant loss was that of White Mountain Creamery, which went under in October under murky circumstances that have left former workers frustrated and former patrons saddened.
Wellesley also got a fresh infusion of health-related businesses, including the Bar Method fitness studio and Btone Fitness in Wellesley Square, and the newly-opened Steve DeMasco Shaolin Studios martial arts school on Linden Street. What’s more, a CrossFit studio is on the way in early 2015.
New businesses designed to help you pretty-fy your home included Florijn in Wellesley Square, Eldred Wheeler Furniture in Linden Square and Terrazza in Church Square. And to make sure you’re comfy: A Sleepy’s in Linden Square.
For kids, a Glowgolf mini golf facility opened in Linden Square, and the quirky Toys in Box 3D printing shop.
Also new in town this year: North River Outfitters, a clothing store; Mathnasium learning center; and Fulham Salon.
And what would a year be without a new CVS to gloat about? We got another one, our fourth in town (See: “Opening day at Wellesley’s amazing new family-friendly wonderland!”)
With arrivals come departures. The Odd Fellows building in Wellesley Square has kept some of its lettering, but Btone moved in and the fraternal lodge is out.
Crossing Main, which had moved from Wellesley Square to Linden Square a few years back, vacated its space and Eldred Wheeler moved in.
As mentioned above, Milestone gave way to Juniper. Also on the food front, the John Dewar butcher shop met its end in January.
The Gifted Hand, in business for 40 years, ended its run in Wellesley, with Terrazza starting a new tradition in its former space.
Dear Swells …. kindly note that Salon23West 23 Central St will celebrate 45 years in the same location on November 1 2015 …..