White’s Bakery in Wellesley lasts less than a year

July 1, 2020 by Bob Brown 8 Comments

The lead-up to White’s Bakery opening a bit more than a year ago at the prominent Playhouse Square building in Wellesley seemed to last forever and was much anticipated. We even hyped it up with a piece about Wellesley businesses now and then with colors in their names. Reader inquiries streamed in regularly, as they pined for an anchor tenant following the abrupt departure of Bertucci’s. We first reported in July 2018 that White’s was coming, signs went up at the end of 2018, and they finally opened last April.

But when White’s closed temporarily in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a bad feeling. With its other bakeries in Brockton, Hingham & Mansfield, White’s Wellesley location felt like the outsider. It certainly didn’t look from peering into the windows like it would be opening anytime soon.

Our recent inquiries to White’s official contacts went unanswered. Never a good sign.

Now the bakery has confirmed the demise of its Wellesley shop via social media:

“It is with sadness that we are announcing today the permanent closure of our Wellesley location. We want to thank all of our loyal customers and staff for their patronage and hard word over the past year. We wish everyone well during these difficult times…”

The list of Wellesley business locations closing due to hardships brought about by the pandemic is growing, with others including Kidville and Fastachi.

White’s tasted good while it lasted, and we wish the best for the staff.

white's bakery

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Wellesley Food Pantry sees slight uptick in numbers served

June 26, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

These are lean times for many, and we felt like we should check in on the Wellesley Food Pantry to see how the 30-year old charitable organization and its clients are doing during this time of pandemic and 15% unemployment in Massachusetts. The pantry is located at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills (UUWH) for the summer. They expect to move back in September to their permanent home at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church once renovations are complete at that space.

Peter Lull, president of the pantry’s Board of Directors, met up with me at UUWH to give me a tour. If you’ve ever been in an old church that has one of those vast multi-purpose rooms where everything happens from games of tag to rummage sales, then you’ve got the picture. Lull thinks the space is just perfect. He says, “The accommodations have been really been wonderful. UU has welcomed us with open arms. They’ve made it easy to work during this time of transition.”

The location isn’t the only thing that has changed. The way the pantry conducts its mission has undergone a dramatic re-work. “We have fewer volunteers working to keep the pantry running because of social distancing requirements and the vulnerability of our volunteers, who tend to skew older. So many are sitting out for now. The extra number of hours required to make this work has probably doubled, on average, but we have made it work with our dedicated volunteers. Many clients say how amazed and grateful they are for the job we’re doing. We care and they can tell,” Lull says.

The numbers of families and individuals who rely on the pantry are gently increasing, and the pantry is bracing itself for a continued rise. At the end of December 2019 they had 183 registered households comprising 390 individuals. Lull notes that the number had been steadily declining for the past few years as more of the younger clients found work.

Wellesley Food Pantry, Peter Lull — A masked-up Peter Lull, president of the pantry’s Board of Directors, met up with me at the pantry to give me a tour.

As of June 3rd, he says, “We’re back up to 192 households of 421 individuals — not a huge increase in households, and we expect to see the numbers rise once the unemployment runs out — but the number reflects more volatility than merely 11 new households, since we’ve had others move away from Wellesley.”

Lull also pointed out that 106 of the individuals in December were 18 and under compared with now, when they have 124 in that same age range. So the growth has clearly been in families. In addition, a number of the households served have one or more family members who have lost jobs.

Along with the usual donations of canned goods, pasta, rice, diapers, and more, with the onset of summer, the pantry is taking in more donations of fresh produce. There’s a dedicated drop-off spot at the Weston Road Community Gardens where gardeners can drop off produce for donation to the pantry. A sign at the pantry directs clients to wash fresh produce, and each bag of food comes with a reminder note to do so.

Overall, donations of food and monetary donations continue to come in at a good clip. “We very much appreciate all the support the community has provided for our clients,” Lull says. “We’re a supplement for people who need it. The food we give helps families stretch their dollars.”

As far as donations go, the bad news is that the annual Stamp Out Hunger drive was canceled, an effort that typically results in 10% of the yearly donated food. And it is unknown if the Scouting for Food drive will happen in the fall. That drive accounts for 40% of food donations.

How to donate to the Wellesley Food Pantry

Curbside donations at UUWH’s west entrance are Mondays, 8:30am – 10:30am (look for curbside bins). You can also donate food at the designated donation bins at Roche Bros. in Linden Square and Whole Foods. Here’s the updated wish list.

Monetary donations may be made online at this link.

Checks made out to Wellesley Food Pantry may be sent to 207 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481

Feast on SwellesleySwirl at Truly Yogurt this Thursday & Sunday

June 24, 2020 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

Truly Yogurt, which has been doing a bang-up business on Grove Street in Wellesley since reopening recently, has a special treat ready for Swellesley Report fans this week, and on select days throughout the summer.

The new SwellesleySwirl is a strawberry cheesecake flavor rarely offered but that will be on the menu as the soft serve Flavor of the Day at least 6 times this summer, beginning on Thursday, June 25 and Sunday, June 28. A portion of each SwellesleySwirl sold will support our independent journalism venture.

“It is Truly’s way of supporting local journalism and in particular The Swellesley Report,” says owner Steve Marcus.

So for the love of local news, small business, and ice cream, save room in your belly for some SwellesleySwirl over the next few days.

While The Swellesley Report isn’t always in good taste, now at least it will always taste good.

swellesleyswirl

Feast & Fettle offers elegant at-home dining for Wellesley residents

June 12, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

No need to make a reservation or wait for a table.

Feast & Fettle’s Executive Chef Maggie is here to help you enjoy the ultimate fine dining experience — right at home.

After years of providing meals to busy families through her meal delivery service, Feast & Fettle, Chef Maggie has launched a new collection of menus called F&F Select.

Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast with sweet potato puree, butter poached hakurei turnips & cherry-port sauce

Available for delivery on Fridays, F&F Select menus include upscale, prix fixe courses designed to be enjoyed at home. The menu changes biweekly and consists of several options to build your own prix fixe dinner.

Each item also comes with Maggie’s specific plating instructions, so you can serve your dishes in a true high-end fashion.

Delivery is free and the order deadline is every Tuesday at noon, for delivery the upcoming Friday. The service is available in Wellesley and all its surrounding towns (Weston, Wayland, Newton, Needham, Natick, Brookline), as well as all of Rhode Island.

View the FAQ page to learn more about F&F select and place your order now.

Feast & Fettle Select — Raw Sea Scallops Crudo with White Miso & Citrus Sauce

Wellesley Business Buzz: Brothers delivering the groceries; No Sam’s Hot Dogs this summer; Church Square photographer has new base nearby

June 8, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Our round-up of the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news this week is sponsored by Brother’s Grocery Delivery, a new grocery delivery service for local families started by Wellesley brothers Michael & Christopher. They’ll hit Roche Bros.’, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods & CVS for you. They work for tips, and can provide references. Hit them up at [email protected]

Brother's Grocery Service, Wellesley

Sam’s Hot Dogs not happening this year

Here’s one more summery thing Wellesley will do without this year: Sam’s Hot Dog cart. Alan Rubin says “Unfortunately, I do not see [opening] as a possibility over the next few months as there still is simply too much risk and uncertainty for customers and myself. I am confident that things will improve by next year and am already looking forward to getting back out there!”

In the meantime, it sounds like Rubin’s going to have a mean garden this summer.

Wellesley’s Health Department is reviewing the protocol for ice cream trucks and other food trucks to operate safely in town. Capt. Marden’s food truck was deemed an essential service and has been serving food to health care workers as well as those who stop by the store. The Liege Belgian Waffle Truck operators hope to provide their treats on at least a limited schedule this summer once they get a better handle on what the scene will look like.

Sam's Hot Dogs, Wellesley — Alan Rubin from Sam’s Hot Dogs takes a break from serving them up at Town Hall at a past town concert (neither the hot dogs, nor concerts are happening in 2020)

Church Square photographer Roger Pelissier moves to home studio in Wellesley

The Roger Pelissier portrait photography shop has moved from its longtime home in Church Square to its new home at…home. The studio at 39 Amherst Rd., in Wellesley, just a few streets over from the old location, will provide all the same services, by appointment only, say Roger and Nancy Pelissier.

That includes color and black/white portraits of children, families, seniors, executives, equestrian, engagement and bridal. Expect the Pelissiers to continue with their generous charity work in town and beyond as well.

“We think that working from a home setting will give us more flexibility to meet with our clients whenever and wherever is most convenient for them, without us having to continue to manage the day-to-day demands of a retail store-front location,” Roger says.

The photography shop’s sign came down earlier this week, and of course a great photo of the action was taken. The portrait photography business had been at the location for two decades.

View this post on Instagram

Just took down our store-front sign on Washington Street! Let’s make an appointment to meet at our new home studio just down the street on Amherst Road! We will miss our Church Square neighbors but we know we’ll continue to see them very often! Shop Church Square… check them all out on instagram @eadavisshop @smithwollensky @doversaddlery @fiorellasexpress @jmclaughlin @candybarcosmetics @ourclementine @fatfacewellesleyma @lynevansfashion www.cachetwellesley.com www.lisajamessalon.com

A post shared by Roger Pelissier (@rogerpelissier) on Jun 7, 2020 at 3:24pm PDT

Wellesley businesses reopen, expand services

More on the reopening of Wellesley shops and restaurants.

Got tips on business openings, closings or whatever, feel free to email us here: [email protected]

Also email us if you’re interested in sponsoring our weekly Wellesley Business Buzz roundup.

Wellesley Food Pantry moving to temporary summer location

May 25, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Wellesley Food Pantry will spend the summer at the Unitarian Universalist Society (UU), 309 Washington St., while the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, the pantry’s permanent home, undergoes renovations. The pantry will be ready to open on Monday, June 1. The pantry’s morning hours will not change. Curbside donations will remain Mondays, 8:30am – 10:30am (look for curbside bins at the UU’s west entrance). Also look for the designated donation bins at Roche Bros. and Whole Foods.

The pantry’s food distribution hours will remain Tuesdays from 9am – 11am.

Food Pantry, UU Wellesley — The Wellesley Food Pantry’s summer location at UU Wellesley. Photo credit, Peter Lull

The pantry will not have evening hours during the summer. Clients who need special accommodations should contact the pantry at [email protected]wellesleyfoodpantry.org to discuss options.

Curbside pick-up or delivery (only if unable to pick up) is available to clients who call or email to fill out shopping forms by the prior Friday.

Please follow all local and state health guidance including wearing masks and maintaining proper physical distances from other (6 feet of space). All clients, staff and vendors should enter and depart through the door on west side of building. Parking is restricted to the west side of the building, and the driveway circles around the church to exit. Look for the signage.

Donations wish list

The pantry is accepting donations but for now would like only items on the wish list due to limited storage capacity. Here’s the list:
[Read more…]

Feast & Fettle offers special Mother’s Day deliveries for Wellesley residents

May 5, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED POST: For everything she does, Mom deserves only the best for Mother’s Day.

Given that we’ll all be stuck at home this year, finding the perfect gift while minimizing trips to the store poses a unique challenge.

Feast & Fettle, Mother's Day

Feast & Fettle, a top-rated local meal delivery service, is offering special Mother’s Day deliveries to help local residents.

Their service offers bundles of Local Flowers, Seven Stars Bakery Berry Muffins, Aura’s Chocolate, New Harvest Coffee and more, available for delivery in Wellesley and its surrounding towns. All deliveries will be made May 10th, from 9am – 10am.

The one-time menu even features an “essentials” bundle, which comes with flowers, handmade bread, local eggs, and milk.

A subscription to the service is not required to order, and the order deadline is Thursday, May 7th, at noon. Here’s a link to Feast & Fettle’s full menu and everything you need to know about how to place your Mother’s Day order.

How to make Mother’s Day special:

Mother’s Day Local Flowers & Chocolate Bundle

Mother’s Day Local Flowers & Muffins Bundle

Mother’s Day Local Flowers & Kitchen Staples Bundle

Mother’s Day Local Flowers, Muffins & Coffee Bundle

Mother’s Day Local Flowers & Single Tier 1 Gift

Mother’s Day Local Flowers & Couples Tier 1 Gift”