One Watertown Restaurant Closes, a New One Opens

Some of the South of the Border dishes being served at Plazita Mexico Tacos. As 2025 begins, Watertown has seen one restaurant close, while an addition has been made to the eating scene. Restaurant Says ‘Bye Bye’

Olespana Whiskey & Tapas Bar on Mt. Auburn Street announced that it will be closing. The restaurant that served Spanish food, pizza and other dishes had opened in the former Mount Auburn Grill space in 2023.

Charles River Chamber Hosting 1st Annual Watertown Night at Olespana

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber invites the community to the first annual Watertown Night, a special evening bringing together business owners, professionals, civic leaders, and community members. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Olespana Whiskey and Tapas Bar on Mt. Auburn Street. Highlights include networking opportunities, a sampling of Olespana’s signature Spanish inspired cuisine, and the celebration of the Watertown Business Awards honorees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Medium Rare “Steaks” Its Claim in Beantown at Arsenal Yards

Steak and frites is on the menu at Medium Rare, which opened at Arsenal Yards. (Courtesy of Medium Rare)

Arsenal Yards welcomes a new restaurant specializing in steak frites. See details in the announcement below. Medium Rare, the original sizzling single-choice Steak Frites prix fixe meal experience from Washington, D.C., is now “steaking” its claim in the greater Boston area. The new location at 107 Bond Sq.

One Restaurant Reopening, Another Shutting Its Doors

A Watertown eatery has reopened after months of repairs, while another nearby restaurant run by Watertown residents will be closing. Armenian Restaurant Reopening After Van Struck It

Jana Grill in Watertown has reopened after repairing damage to the restaurant at 2 Watertown St. after a vehicle struck the building in July. The Armenian restaurant announced it has reopened on Dec. 2 on social media.

Eastern Clothing Offering Holiday Discounts & Support for Other Local Businesses

Longtime Watertown retailer Eastern Clothing announced a holiday discounts and is offering gift cards to other local businesses during the sale period. Find out more below. This Holiday season, Eastern Clothing is offering a 15% discount on all inventory November 29 through December 14. Sweaters, shirts, casual and dress jackets and of course, all our tailored clothing. We currently have a great selection of sportswear perfect for someone on your list.

Chiropractor Returns to Watertown, Bringing His Passion for Wellness

Jason Mavor brought his chiropractic practice back to Watertown, opening in a space on Mt. Auburn Street. When you ask Dr. Jason Mavor why he’s so passionate about being a chiropractor, his answer is simple. “Helping someone help themselves is the best feeling in the world.” His path to becoming a Chiropractor, however, was a little more unconventional. It all started with an injury of his own.

Charles River Chamber Hosting Event in Watertown, Welcomed 450 at Fall Business Breakfast

The Charles River Regional Chamber hosted a big crowd at the annual Fall Business Breakfast last week, and will be in Watertown next week for a morning of coffee and networking at a local fitness studio. On Friday, Nov. 15, the Chamber will be at Fly Together Fitness from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The fitness studio is located at 100 Parker St. The event is free and open to members and future members. The Chamber provided the following details:

Enjoy morning conversations over coffee while networking with local professionals at the brand-new Fly Together Fitness studio in the heart of Watertown.

Preserving Tradition: Watertown Woman Turned Her Family’s Passion for Jams Into a Business

Hanna Opdahl sells her homemade jams and preserves at the Watertown Farmers Market, at other markets, and online. (Contributed Photo)

Jams and jellies run in the family. Or at least, they do for Hanna Opdahl, Watertown resident and owner of Berry Mari and Belle. 

What began as a hobby shared by Hanna and her mother, Marianne, is now a small business that crafts and sells small batch novelty jams, jellies, and marmalades. 

“I grew up jamming, canning, and gardening with my parents and I loved it,” said Hanna. “My mom is an incredible cook and is always coming up with fun experimental recipes and flavors.”  

Originally from Oregon, Hanna relocated to Watertown a little over three years ago after accepting a job offer in Boston. “It was a little bit of a scary jump, but I was very excited to come out here.