Who’s Opening, Who’s Closing,Who’s Celebrating, Who’s Selling

By Paul Giorgio

June 2005 - Canyon Café opens The Canyon Café Mexican Bar and Grill recently opened on Route 9 in Westborough. The Canyon moved into the space that once was home to Harry’s II, right underneath Boston Interiors. The Canyon Café features both Southwestern cooking and Mexican food. Entrees run the gamut from Chilean rubbed Shrimp Skewers at $16 to tacos at $8. Although the first in New England, this location is the company’s third restaurant.

Bull Run celebrates milestone The Bull Run Restaurant on Route 2A in Shirley recently celebrated a milestone in its history. The Guerico family celebrated their 59th anniversary as innkeepers. Not many people have been in business that long and in an industry with a high failure rate, this anniversary is truly a momentous occasion. As my grandfather would have said, “Cento ano - a hundred years.”

Freshway Pizza Water Street has a new pizza parlor. Freshway Pizza recently opened on the corner of Worcester’s Water and Harrison Streets. The parlor’s hours are 4pm to 4am, seven days a week. This is the second location for Freshway; the original is on Chandler Street in the city.

Blackstone bakery closes The Blackstone Bakery, which opened last year on Water Street in the spot formerly occupied by Lederman’s Bakery, has recently closed its doors. No additional information is available.

My Place changes ownership My Place Restaurant on Franklin Street near Brown Square recently changed hands when Butch Frongilio, the now-former owner, sold it to new owner Steve Chioda. The establishment’s new name is Chioda’s Tratatorria and it is Chioda’s first foray into the restaurant business. And as you probably guessed, the fare will be mostly Italian – but with fish and beef dishes like prime rib popping up from time to time.

Drovers’ Roast West Brookfield’s historic Salem Cross Inn has a couple of events coming up this summer. On June 19th, they’ll host an old-fashioned Drovers’ Roast, celebrating the days of John Pynchon, America’s first cowboy. The cost is $55. Later in the summer, the Inn offers its Herb Sampler, a series of dinners that incorporate fresh garden herbs, all grown at the Inn, into the meals. The cost for the Tuesday night meals is $45 per person. Call the Salem Cross Inn at 508-867-2345 for dates and more information.

Ye Olde Chowder Ye Olde Chowder House & Tavern will open at 700 Main Street in Holden in the middle of June. The site has long been home to one restaurant or another – first there was Vinny’s and most recently there was NJ Michaels. The Chowder House is owned by Pat McQuaid, also the owner of PJs New England Bar and Grille on Route 12 in West Boylston.

Amore for Sale?
Rumors persist that Amore Café, one of the more upscale eateries on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street, is for sale. Several people have looked at the place and our sources tell us that a deal is imminent. Stay tuned!

Lunch on Cedar Street As of June 6, the Cedar Street Restaurant will be open for lunch! Come enjoy fine seafood, steaks and vegetarian fare on the airy outdoor patio or in the elegant indoor dining area. Lunch is served from 11:30am ‘til 3:00pm, dinner from 5:00pm on, Monday through Saturday.