Business

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting After Hours at Olespana

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The Watertown Business Coalition’s first networking event of 2024 will be an after hours event at Olespana in East Watertown. The WBC sent out the following announcement:

Join Us for a WBC After Hours Event at Olespana

If you have yet to check out Olespana, now is your chance! Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in a fun and festive setting right in your East End here in Watertown! Thank you to owner, Peter Pyne, for being our host for the evening! Our programming aims to help connect our community and residents to the City’s issues and initiatives. Our morning Coffee Connects, After Hours get-togethers and Civic Events will continue to give you the opportunity to visit places of business in town, meet people, learn something, chat with city government … and maybe even have a laugh along the way. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Cash Bar – Light Bites provided 

RSVP HERE

This event is FREE and open to Watertown Businesspeople & Stakeholders,  Watertown Residents & Watertown Employees – Join Us!

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Webinar on AI, Networking Events & More in January

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The Charles River Regional Chamber has a variety of events in January focused on small businesses, non-profits, young professionals along with its Women’s Impact Network. Plus, learn what AI and ChatGPT is all about. The Chamber serves Watertown, Newton, Needham and Wellesley, and will host in-person and remote events in January. See the list provided by the Chamber below:

Webinar: Demystifying AI & ChatGPT

Date: Tues. Jan.

Business

Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Showcase Closing After 92 Years, Holding Closeout Sale

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Freddy Farkel’s Fabrics Showcase on Walnut Street will be closing. The business started in Brighton in 1927. (Photo from Fabricshowplace.net)

A Boston-area fabric institution is holding a closeout sale after losing its lease on its space on Walnut Street. Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Showcase started in Brighton, and now has its showroom in Watertown. The store opened in 1927, and has been run by four generations.

Business

Arsenal Yards Adding New Food, Clothing & Pet Offerings

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The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The thriving neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End from Boylston Properties and Wilder, Arsenal Yards today announces three exciting new additions in 2024: J.Crew Factory, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. With leases signed, these three new venues will add to the neighborhood’s already bursting roster of popular restaurants, retailers, fitness, service, and entertainment offerings. More information on each follows below. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced it will open a new location in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards at 100 Bond Square in 2024. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.

Business

New Cookie Shop Holding Grand Opening Celebration

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Cookie lovers — put Friday, Dec. 8 on your calendar for the grand opening of Watertown’s newest cookie addition: Chip City. The national chain with New York roots will be opening at Arsenal Yards this week, and the first 100 customers will receive a bonus. Arsenal Yards sent out more this info:

Chip City will be opening at Arsenal Yards on Friday, Dec. 8.

Business

Business Parking Passes for Municipal Lots Go on Sale Soon

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Clipartpanda.com

The City of Watertown announced that Business Parking passes for Watertown municipal parking lots will go on sale on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Details

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

2 PASSES PER BUSINESS

$120 PER PASS

40 PASSES AVAILABLE FOR THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT

20 AVAILABLE FOR NICHOLS AVE LOT

Passes for January 2024 through March 2024

All permits require business information, including proof of employment, valid driver’s license, and vehicle registration. Payment accepted by cash, check, or money order. NOTE: The pass is only valid for the vehicle registered with your pass for that specific parking lot

Visit https://www.watertown-ma.gov/342/Business-Parking-Passes

Around Town

Housing Tops Charles River Chamber’s List of 5 Key Issues Facing Business in the Region

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During the Charles River Regional Chamber’s annual Fall Business Breakfast, the Chamber laid out the areas of focus for the next five years, and housing came to the forefront. During the event, held at the Boston Marriott Newton, John Rufo, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said that much has changed since the organization last put together a strategic plan in 2019. The latest plan has five areas of focus: transportation; childcare for the workforce; climate change; diversity, equity and inclusion; and housing. Creating more housing in the area is key, Rufo said. “I think about people who don’t have security in housing, and don’t have safety in housing,” Rufo said.

Development

Planning Board Approves Master Plan for Watertown Mall Transformation

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The master plan for Alexandria Real Estate’s Watertown Mall Transformation was approved by the Planning Board. (Courtesy of Alexandria Real Estate)

The basic plan for remaking a large portion of Arsenal Street, including the Watertown Mall, has been approved by the Planning Board. Before the multiple lab buildings, residential units, retail, and garages can be built, however, developers will have to come back for approval of each building. Almost all of the project falls within Watertown’s Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD), which allows for additional height and density that most of the town but requires a master plan to be approved. On Nov.