The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale & Festival in Wellesley Square—Saturday, July 18th

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July Jubilation, Wellesley

July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale & Festival in Wellesley Square

DATE: Saturday, July 18, 2026
TIME: 10am-4:00pm
SPONSOR: Wellesley Merchants’ Association

July Jubilation is a favorite Wellesley summertime tradition!

For one special day, Central Street becomes the heart of a vibrant summer celebration, with sidewalk tents and tables, incredible once-a-year savings, live entertainment, and plenty of reasons to spend the day in Wellesley Square. Part of Wellesley Square will be closed to traffic especially for July Jubilation to allow dozens of local merchants to show off their incredible deals under tents and on tables outside, and for visitors to stroll freely.

Whether you’re searching for summer fashions, gifts, home décor, delicious food, or simply looking for a fun day with family and friends, July Jubilation is the perfect excuse to explore everything Wellesley Square has to offer.

The July Jubilation atmosphere is always festive and energetic, so come join the fun.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store, 10am-4pm

  •  Amazing savings at scores of local shops and restaurants
  •  Music, entertainment, live demonstrations, and performances
  •  Sweetie’s Candy Bus
  •  Uncle Joey’s Cannoli Truck
  •  Wicked Bubbles Dirty Soda Co.
  • FREE PARKING courtesy of the Select Board, at all 2-hour street meters
  • Exhibits from the Wellesley Fire and Police Departments
  • Family fun for all

Plan Your Visit

Visit the Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association event page for details, participating businesses, and updates during the big countdown to July 18.

The Wellesley Square Merchant’s Association has over 60 members, and many will be turning out to celebrate the big day with sales. See the list of all Wellesley Square Merchant’s Association members here. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to save big in Wellesley Square.

July Jubilation entertainment lineup

*Details and times are subject to change. Last-minute updates available at ShopWellesleySquare.com

  • DJ Voyage from JAM’N 94.5 FM
    10am-4pm
  • Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios demonstrations
    10am-4pm
  • Face Painting
    10am-3pm
  • Stilt Walker
    11am–2pm (roaming Wellesley Square)
  • Live Music provided by Wellesley Rocks
    (Details coming soon.)
  • Fire Truck and Open Police Cruiser
    10am-4pm
  • Dunk Tank
    10am-4pm
  • Balloon Artist
    10am-3pm
  • Bubble Zone Science of Bubbles
    11am-3pm
  • Smokey The Bear & The Smokehouse
    10am-4pm
     

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MIT Museum, Cambridge

Business buzz: Wellesley makes Best of Boston cut; Wellesley in Bloom was a hit; Revs promote Tierney

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Wellesley makes Best of Boston cut

best bostonBoston magazine has unveiled its 2026 Best of Boston list, and Wellesley has not been overlooked.

Under the list’s Suburbs section, the magazine shouts out Wellesley for having the best main street among western suburbs, and specifically name drop’s Wasik’s, Isabel Harvey, and Wellesley Books. “Wellesleyans are lucky to have this stretch of charming retail and dining destinations—as are the many other MetroWest neighbors who enjoy their weekend strolls here,” to quote the blurb. The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association has got to love that.

Guerda Massage & Skin Care,  a Boston magazine favorite over the years, earns honors as Best Place to get Pampered, West

Boston magazine will be celebrating its signature list at the annual Best of Boston Soiree on Wednesday, July 22 at Roadrunner in Boston. Lots of great food and drinks, plus live entertainment.

Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley in Bloom a success

The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association debriefed on its recent Wellesley in Bloom spring celebration, which inspired participation from 50-plus businesses. Among the highlights were a Mahjong and Canasta event, 20 grant-funded planted pots, charity tie-ins, and lots of online posts and interactions.

Wellesley In Bloom
Photo by Wonderful Wellesley

Revolution soccer team promotes Wellesley native

The New England Revolution professional soccer team has promoted Chris Tierney, who grew up in Wellesley and played for the Revs for 11 years, as general manager and chief soccer officer. He had been the club’s assistant sporting director.

The Revs are back in action on July 22 following the World Cup break.

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London Harness, Wellesley
Dedham Country Day School

New chapter for a Wellesley classic: Maugus Cafe, reborn

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Since the 1930s, the Maugus Restaurant has occupied a humble storefront in Wellesley Hills, across the street from Clock Tower Park. For generations, it has been a go-to neighborhood fixture, a place where business people discussed deals; families came to fuel up; and friend groups held attendance-mandatory monthly catch-ups. However, in 2025, the familiar spot underwent a significant transition, changing hands and, a year later, reopening under new ownership and a new name—Maugus Cafe.

The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley

We stopped by during the restaurant’s soft-opening phase, and it’s clear that owner Kostas Saranteas knows what he’s doing. With a deft hand, rather than erase the past, he’s simply polished up the old joint. Gone is the red carpet. (Thank you, Kostas.) Left in place are the good bones of a regular haunt. The counter stools are still there, as are the booths. The back seating area stands ready for large groups, or a table of young ones practicing proper restaurant behavior. A nice addition: a counter with several stools overlooks Washington St. An outdoor area offers several tables, shaded by umbrellas, and gussied up with pots of flowers. The space feels lighter and more contemporary.

What about the menu?

Coffee is a thing, of course. Maugus has partnered with Atomic Coffee Roasters to provide specialty-grade, ethically sourced beans, which means their suppliers pay a premium to support coffee farmers and ensure high quality. A state-of-the-art espresso machine now hums behind the counter, producing a dozen varieties of coffee—from robust drip and smooth cold brews to expertly crafted lattes.

The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley
Mrs. Swellesley’s favorite breakfast, steel-cut oatmeal, is on the menu. Piping hot, and no lumps, just the way she likes it.
The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley
Service with a smile. Thanks, staff!

The menu has been reimagined with a Mediterranean-inspired flair. While the restaurant continues to serve its classic roster of breakfast and lunch items, the flavors have been elevated with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The breakfast menu has a full roster”of morning favorites, ranging from steel-cut oats and yogurt bowls to indulgent Nutella pancakes and waffles. For those seeking a protein-packed start, the omelette selection—featuring six different styles—is a standout. The Spanakopita Style Omelette, featuring spinach, feta, and a phyllo crumble, looks especially good.

The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley
The new interior is different, but familiar.

Lunch offers everything from hearty burgers and buffalo chicken wraps to salads. The Souvlaki Bowl (grilled chicken lemon-herb skewer, house jasmine rice, Greek salad, tzatziki, pita) and the Greek Village Salad (Romaine, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, oregano, feta, house dressing) gives a nod to the Mediterranean, as Maugus has always done. Other menu items include an avocado burrito with chipotle aioli; muffins, fruit, French toast, and more.

The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley
If you’ve got the contractors (pictured); the codgers at the counter (check); and the pretties and the populars lingering over coffee (yup); you know The Maugus is onto something.

The Maugus is back, refreshed, and ready to serve Wellesley once again.

Maugus Cafe
300 Washington St, Wellesley
Monday–Friday, 7am–5pm; Saturday & Sunday, 7:30am–5pm

Wellesley Youth Basketball
Longfellow, Wellesley

Wellesley business buzz: Middlesex Savings moving west on Washington; Flyte.70 has flown; New England Medicine opens; Usen named Benchmark counsel

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Middlesex Savings Bank moving west on Washington St.

Middlesex Savings Bank has informed customers that it plans to move from its branch from 278 Washington St. to the former Citizens Bank spot at 390 Washington St. at the corner of Forest Street.

Middlesex pulled building papers with the town in June and has not yet said when it expects the move to happen.

Citizens cleared out of 390 Washington in spring of 2024.

Flyte has flown Wellesley Square

Beauty shop Flyte.70, which opened in late 2023 at 555 Washington St., in Wellesley Square, near Cafe Mangal, closed its doors in mid-June. The indie shop, founded by Carolyn Barber and Elena Frankel, offered a wide range of cosmetics geared toward customers age 40 and older.

Membership-based medical practice opens

New England Medicine, a new membership-based adult internal medicine/primary care practice, has opened in Wellesley. Dr. Leland Hull says patients can expect a focus on longer visits, direct communication, preventive care, and help navigating the healthcare system. New England Medicine currently is accepting a small number of new adult patients.

More information, including how the membership model works, is available at nemedicine.com.

Wellesley’s Usen named general counsel for Benchmark Senior Living

“Sam” Usen
Benchmark’s Sam Usen

Benchmark Senior Living has announced that Sigrid “Sam” Usen of Wellesley has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

Usen will lead the company’s legal department, providing strategic counsel backed by more than 30 years of legal experience.

Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra
Wellesley Marketplace 2026

Wellesley business buzz: Lockheart to open restaurant at Newton Centre train station; Painting Place readies for Father’s Day

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Lockheart to open restaurant at Newton Centre train station

Lockheart, the tacos-plus restaurant that opened in Wellesley Square four years ago, is readying a new location at the former train depot building at the green line’s Newton Centre stop.

The 1800s building has housed numerous restaurants in the past, including the Deluxe Station Diner.

To be clear, the Newton Centre location will be in addition to the Wellesley restaurant.

Lockheart has an online hearing with the City of Newton Board of License Commissioners on June 16, when it will seek all-alcohol, common victualler, and entertainment licenses. The location can accommodate 86 seats inside and 9 outdoors. Hours of operation sought are Monday-Saturday 11am-1am, and Sunday 10am-1am.

(Hat tip to the Newton Real Estate Forum and Boston Restaurant Talk, where we first saw mention of this.)

Lockheart restaurant

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The Painting Place readies for Father’s Day.

WBZ-TV paid a visit to The Painting Place in Wellesley (380 Washington St.) to explore Father’s Day gift ideas.

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Business buzz: Bridgewater Chocolate, Glowbar appear headed for Wellesley Square; Gaya Beauty Spa arrives in the Hills

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Bridgewater Chocolate, Glowbar appear headed for Wellesley Square

We don’t have a lot here, but renovations are happening on a couple of Wellesley Square properties that should soon have new tenants.

Wellesley Toy Shop vacated 59 Central St. at the end of 2025 after decades of operating there, and it looks as though Bridgewater Chocolate may be next in line to move into the space according to a filing with the town.

We’ve reached out to Bridgewater Chocolate, which had a short-lived shop in Chestnut Hill, and otherwise has locations across Connecticut. Bridgewater also used to have a space on Newbury Street in Boston. The company’s website currently says: “Stay tuned for our next location in Boston.”

Bridgewater, started in 1999 in Bridgewater, Ct., offers a wide variety of treats.

Across the street and west at 94 Central St., where Gretta Luxe operated before moving across the street next to another Gretta business, will be a new outpost for Glowbar. This is a skincare business with dozens of locations along the eastern seaboard. Glowbar promotes that “our licensed estheticians face your skin in just 30 minutes.”

The business is based in New York and was founded in 2019.

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Gaya Beauty & Spa arrives

gayaGaya Beauty & Spa has opened at 332 Washington St. (Suite 10) in Wellesley.

The business offers various facial services, micro-needling, and more.

Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

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Business buzz

SALT Patisserie seeks to open in Wellesley Square at former Starbucks spot

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SALT Patisserie is looking to expand beyond its Newton Centre location opened in 2022 to the space in Wellesley Square that previously was home to Starbucks for 30 years.

Salt (OK, enough with the all caps…), offers pastries, other baked goods, lunch items, and coffee/tea. We’ve stopped by and can vouch for the tastiness.

SALT Bakery, Newton Centre
A Salt ham & cheese croissant at the Newton Centre location

 
It has filed building permit paperwork with the town for the bakery to open at 68A Central St. We don’t have a target opening date, but have reached out to the business for more details.

According to plans, the bakery would have 22 seats, 18 bench/booth seats, and 4 along the drink rail.

Salt says what separates it from other bakeries is “its unique approach to blending [Chef Thiago] Silva’s Brazilian roots and his French pastry training.”

And yes, this block of Wellesley Square would be peppered with businesses having “Salt” in their names. Salt Patisserie would be just a few doors down from Salt Boutique, the women’s clothing store at 72 Central St. since 2020.

Salt Patisserie’s arrival would bolster an already strong pastry game in town from the likes of Wellesley Bakery, Le Petit Four and Quebrada.

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Health

Business buzz: Discover Strength moving into former Wellesley Square lax space; Bespoke Primary Care opens

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Discover Strength moving into former Wellesley Square lax gear space

discover strengthA Discover Strength studio is readying to open at 55 Central St. in Wellesley Square in the space formerly occupied by Lacrosse Unlimited (it moved to Church Square). Their website says the business is “coming soon.”

The business promotes 30-minute strength workouts, twice per week, with a trainer. One-on-one and small group training is offered.

Discover Strength started 20 years ago, and is based in Minnesota. It has dozens of studios across the country.

Wellesley Square is packed with fitness businesses, including Btone, Orangetheory, B/Spoke, Jetset Pilates, and more.

Expand your reach (and support local news) by advertising on Swellesley.

Bespoke Primary Care opens in Wellesley Hills

Family medicine physician Dr. Michael Richardson earlier this spring established a private-client medical practice at 60 Walnut St., Wellesley. The medical professionals at Bespoke Primary Care are devoted to helping people take control of their health and wellness through preventive care, sustainable lifestyle habits, and personalized support.

Bespoke patients can expect extended and unrushed visits; priority access and scheduling; coordination with specialists, imaging centers, and labs; and more.

“I founded Bespoke Primary Care because I believe healthcare should be tailored to the individual,” Dr. Richardson says. “Too often, medicine treats conditions instead of understanding people. I work closely with my patients to understand their lifestyle, fitness, environment, stress, and personal goals. True health is personal—and it deserves thoughtful, comprehensive care that is never one-size-fits-all.”

Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com