But first, coffee
Coffee lovers rejoice—new java spots are brewing all over Worcester.
Clark University graduate Darshan Mody plans to open Red Cup Coffee, a coffee shop and coworking space for entrepreneurs, on the ground floor of a three-decker at 304 Shrewsbury St. in late August. The space was formerly occupied by Central Mass Scuba, a diving supply store.
New England-based Identity Coffee Company will also open two new coffee shops in the city: one at the Revington apartment complex at 1 Green Island Blvd. and another at Railroad Lofts, 383 Shrewsbury St. Identity currently operates three Massachusetts locations in Fitchburg, Taunton and at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area.
Earlier this month, August Coffee opened its downtown storefront at 548 Main St. on July 2.
Former Shacks building chosen for state housing incentive
The Menkiti Group’s ongoing restoration project at 401-409 Main St. has been selected to participate in the Commonwealth’s Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP), administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
The project will transform the long-vacant building into 48 rental apartments, including five affordable units.
Historically known as the Clark Block, the building was constructed in two phases in 1854 and 1884. For five decades, the first floor was home to the popular Shacks Clothes store before it closed in 2017.
“Worcester has tremendous momentum,” said Bo Menkiti, founder and CEO of the Menkiti Group. “We’re pleased to see continued support for projects that create much-needed housing while preserving the character of our downtowns.”
Final beam raised for QCC Center
Quinsigamond Community College held a topping-off ceremony July 13 at its Worcester campus to celebrate completion of the structural steel frame for the $37.4 million renovation of the 57,000-square-foot QCC Center.
The project transforms the former athletic center into advanced manufacturing and robotics laboratories, hospitality training spaces, flexible classrooms and renovated athletic facilities.
The renovated QCC Center is expected to open in fall 2027 and is funded through the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
Yatco gas station adding Chester’s Chicken, Dippin Donuts
The Worcester License Commission unanimously approved common victualler licenses for Chester’s Chicken and Dippin Donuts at the Yatco gas station, 75 Quinsigamond Ave., during its July 23 meeting.
Chester’s Chicken operates more than 1,300 locations across the United States and Canada, including 15 inside Massachusetts gas stations.
The new Dippin Donuts will be Worcester’s second location, joining the existing shop at 1001 Main St. The chain operates nine locations throughout central Massachusetts.
Chipotle opens on Worcester’s South Side
Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened a new restaurant at 105 Stafford St., adding another national chain to Worcester’s South Side.
The restaurant opened July 22 and is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to the company, the location is expected to employ about 30 people and is continuing to hire.
The new restaurant expands Chipotle’s presence in Worcester, where the company already operates multiple locations.
Building Worcester is The Worcester Guardian’s weekly roundup of business, development and economic news from across the city, tracking major projects, new businesses, public meetings, commercial real estate and the decisions shaping Worcester’s future.
Have a tip about a new business, development project or commercial property? Email Executive Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org or reporter Mike Vigneux at MikeVigs@gmail.com
