Here’s a round-up of the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news. Got the lowdown on other business comings or goings? Let us know (theswellesleyreport@gmail.com)
Restaurant race is on: White’s Bakery, Fiorella’s, Riceburg
Town elections, affordable housing, yeah, yeah, yeah. The issue we get asked most about is what’s up with White’s Bakery and Fiorella’s. When are these eateries opening, people want to know.
White’s, which is setting up shop at Playhouse Square, originally aimed to open in the fall, then early winter, and now is hoping to be open later this month. Mrs. Swellesley even happened to be minding her business at another establishment while an interview for a White’s Bakery employee was taking place.
Meanwhile, Fiorella’s, which is taking over the space formerly occupied by Susu Bakery, is also looking to open this month.
The fast casual Italian eatery, by the way, just shuttered its Cambridge location.
The new Wellesley eatery that actually might beat both of them to opening is Riceburg, located at the long-vacant Wellesley Square space formerly occupied by Yogurtology. As it turns out, that short-lived fro-yo establishment will live on in that its equipment will be used by Riceburg to offer frozen yogurt in addition to its signature rice-based dishes.
Riceburg’s Jessica Shen says she’s aiming to open for business this month and is in the midst of hiring line cooks and cashiers. Shen targeted Wellesley for Riceburg’s first shop in part because of the local college community here, and she’s hoping Riceburg will attract patrons with dietary restrictions, too.
Belclare losing La Mia Moda, Legit Activewear; Crane & Lion closing
Fashion can be fickle. La Mia Moda, which initially popped up in Linden Square last year before moving to the Belclare retail strip on Washington Street, is going out of business. The fashion boutique is having a big sale on shoes bags, outerwear, and more.
Legit Activewear, which previously operated in Wellesley Hills before opening a Belclare shop, has also announced that it is exiting the retail complex, which filled up in recent months with businesses after a long time without any tenants. “We have made the decision to close our Wellesley location. Thank you to all of the loyal customers who have helped make the past few months wonderful in Wellesley. We’re so sad to go, but we hope to see you in the Chestnut Hill location!”, according to a message that Legit sent to its patrons.
Separately, Crane & Lion is winding down its presence in Wellesley Square in the old Talbots space. The retailer of women’s clothing at the old Talbots space in Wellesley Square, which has had all sorts of garish markdown signs on its windows in recent weeks, told patrons back in January that it was at a crossroads and needed to sell its inventory in order to push out new merchandise.
Save the date: Babson Sustainability Forum on March 29
The Babson Sustainability Forum has sustainability. The 13th annual edition of the event, previously called the Energy & Environment Conference, takes place on March 29 on the Babson campus from 8am-5pm.
The theme of this year’s forum is Embracing the Future’s Goals, focusing on the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals while celebrating entrepreneurs, institutions, and businesses taking ownership of those initiatives. Speakers include these professionals, and many more:
- Dr. Jonathan Foley, Executive Director – Project Drawdown
- Dr. Stephen Spinelli, President Elect – Babson College
- Lisa Conway, Vice President of Sustainability – Interface
- Paul Sellew, CEO & Founder – Little Leaf Farms
- Gwen Ruta, Executive Vice President, Climate & Energy – Environmental Defense Fund
Tickets are $20 for students, $45 for professionals
Things getting intense at Clever Hand Gallery
The Clever Hand Gallery at 52 Central St. in Wellesley Square is showcasing working by Wellesley High School intensive metals students. This is the 9th annual collaboration between the local artisans’ cooperative and students.
Students in Shayla Vines’ class have used the ancient technique of open back filigree to make braided wire and have also been challenged to work on a project based on a unique box of materials. Students have also learned the Japanese technique of Mokume Gane that layers metals to make them look like wood grain.
You can check out their results from March 17-30, including at a public reception on March 19 from 3-5pm at Clever Hand.
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Very interesting but I’d like to suggest a reverse order of sections so the positive stories first and the closings last.