The latest business news in Wellesley, MA:
Shake Shack targets Wellesley Square GAP space
Shake Shack, a popular fast-food chain known for its burgers and milkshakes, seems poised to fill the space at its former GAP location (74 Central Street) in the middle of Wellesley Square. While the plans had not been submitted to the town when we checked, the business has inquired about the steps needed to open a store.
Linear Retail, which owns about 40% of Central Avenue’s commercial properties, has subdivided the 16,000-square-meter site. foot. In the space formerly occupied by GAP, it is hoped to open several restaurants there and add an outdoor dining area to the sidewalk.
A Linear executive told a recent Chamber of Commerce panel that the company is in talks with “a well-known restaurant” for space along that sidewalk (it’s unclear what space Shake Shack will occupy if the deal goes through).
Shake Shack started out with hot dog carts in New York City and built its first kiosk in 2004. There are hundreds of Shake Shacks worldwide, including a dozen in Massachusetts such as Boston, Cambridge, Dedham, and Chestnut Hill.
If all goes well with business, we will soon have a Citizens Book Bank strip in the middle of Wellesley Square. Shake Shack burgers cost between $7 and $12, depending on how much and what kind of stuff you stuff into them. The food store also offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and mushroom burgers.
Wellesley has flocked to a number of restaurants over the past year or so, including Lockheart, Laughing Monk, La Toscana’s and Tatte. Oath Pizza and Karma are on their way to Linden Square, and as we recently reported, Black & Blue Steak and Crab will be moving into the former CVS space across Central Street, opposite the former GAP space.
Laurel Grove focuses on Wellesley stores
Laurel Grove, a mother-daughter home decor and gift shop, opened in Wellesley on Central Avenue in 2020, expanding beyond the original Sudbury store. According to a Facebook post, the Sudbury store is closing now and everything needs to be done by the end of the month.
“We made the difficult decision to close the Sudbury branch. Michelle and I went back and forth for a few months because this was where it all started and the town where I’ve spent most of my life. Unfortunately, due to declining sales at this location, we are unable to remain open,” Isabel Palmer recently wrote on the store’s Facebook page.
Laurel Grove says it’s planning to open a pop-up store at Concord Center. “Don’t worry, our location in Wellesley [25 Central St.] won’t go anywhere. A huge thank you to the Wellesley community and all of our customers who welcomed us with such a positive attitude…” According to Laurel Grove.
Wellesley Nails and Spa slightly changed location
Selma Andrade contacted us to let us know that she has moved the Wellesley Nails & Spa location to the lower level at 316 Washington Street, in the same building as her previous location. The entrance is on the right side of the building or in the rear parking lot.
