The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:
SALT Patisserie’s Wellesley cafe to be part of broader expansion
As we reported in June, Newton Centre’s popular SALT Patisserie plans to open its second location at the former Starbucks space at 68A Central St. in Wellesley Square. We’ve now learned that SALT anticipates opening in October, and that the business is in active discussions for additional locations in downtown Boston and Harvard Square.
SALT Hospitality Group views the market as consisting of hometown institutions like Mike’s and Modern in the North End, high volume bakery-cafes such as Tatte, and smaller niche bakeries.
SALT seeks to promote chef and business partner Thiago Silva, who blends his Brazilian roots and French pastry training for delicious sweet and savory results.
“SALT’s opportunity is to be a chef-led café, with Thiago at the center, combining craft, quality, warm hospitality and a pop of personality,” according to a recent presentation shared by ownership.
SALT’s ownership group says it has rejected private equity buyout offers in favor of expanding the business independently.
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Piper&Cloth to be first Wellesley Village Bank pop up
When The Village Bank opens its first Wellesley branch next month at 579 Washington St., Piper&Cloth will be the first small business to occupy The Village Shop retail space at the location.
Yvonne Piper’s local children’s clothing retailer, launched in 2022, puts a focus on comfort and durability—so having a physical presence where potential customers can touch the product should boost Piper’s otherwise e-commerce business. Piper tells her story in a lengthy bio on her website.
Piper&Cloth is slated to be in the space through the holiday season, and then a different business will slot in. The Village Bank is working with an outfit called UpNext on its strategy to showcase local upstarts at the branch, which is located at the former site of retailer EA Davis. The bank has plans to host pop-ups at more locations down the road.
With Wellesley seeing an increase in chains and decrease in independent retailers across town, The Village Shop will give unique businesses a chance to shine.
Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com
