New Vendors Joining Watertown Farmers Market — Opening Day June 17

The start of the Watertown Farmers Market is around the corner and shoppers have some new options to choose from this year, which will be offering baked goods, bagels, produce, tahini and more. The first farmers market will take place on Wednesday, June 17, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. in Saltonstall Park, at the corner of Main Street and Whites Avenue, next to Town Hall (149 Main St.). The Market will run rough Oct. 14, and — to begin with, at least — will operate with social distancing measures (see farther below). The managers of the Farmers Market sent out the following statement”

The start of the season has been challenging for many small farms and businesses from loss of staff and the need to make changes to business operations with new safety precautions in place.

Watertown Farmers Market Opening Soon, Will Follow Social Distancing Guidelines

The Watertown Farmers Market will return on June 17, and be back every Wednesday. Due to COVID-19, visitors will notice some changes. The market will institute measures to allow for social distancing, and there will be a one-way flow for shoppers. The focus, at least at the beginning of the season, will be on the vendors. “While we have eliminated music, special events, and community groups for the time being, you can still expect to find locally grown and produced foods in our pleasurable, outdoor market space,” the announcement said.

Watertown Chiropractors: Have Dinner on Us!

Doctors from the Specific Chiropractic Centers – Boston, from left, Rich Baez, Bill Trevens and Andrew Welsch. A Watertown chiropractic center decided to lend a hand and bring a little cheer into people’s lives during the struggles of the COVID-19 outbreak. The doctors at Specific Chiropractic Centers – Boston, located in Watertown Square, have been going around town to different restaurants and donating money so that people can get a free meal. One of the doctors, Rich Baez, said he and his partners, Bill Trevens and Andrew Welsch, felt it is  import to help people pull through the outbreak and shutdown together. 

“We’ve been trying to help our community out during this time,” Baez said. “We have been sponsoring local restaurants.

Town Looking for Ways to Allow More Outdoor Seating at Restaurants During COVID-19

Watertown Town Hall

Restaurants could soon be reopening for in-house dining, but they will have limited capacity due to the state’s COVID-19 protocols. Watertown officials have started looking for ways to allow for restaurants to have outside seating, and how they can streamline the application process. Under the four phase plan outlined by Gov. Charlie Baker last week, restaurants would be allowed to reopen in phase 2, but would have to allow for social distancing inside the restaurant which would reduce capacity. This phase would start, at the earliest, three weeks after the start of the reopening plan, which began on May 18. Allowing outdoor seating at restaurants that do not have it currently, or expanding it at those that do, requires approval for both zoning and licensing changes.

Good News for Watertown Pizza Lovers!

Pizza Roma owner Joe announced he is back open for business this week. After closing temporarily for the COVID-19 shutdown, a Watertown pizza institution is back! Pizza Roma reopened on Tuesday and will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The pizzeria on Waverley Avenue is the latest restaurant to reopen in Watertown. A good place to learn about who’s open and specials being offered by restaurants is the Facebook group “Watertown and Surrounding Community, Eating Local Stimulus Plan.”

Watertown Business Group Hosting Online Forum for Restaurant Owners

The Watertown Business Coalition wants to hear from restaurants and food service businesses in town, and will host a live online discussion. The WBC Restaurant/Food Service Conversation will be held on Zoom on Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m. The discussion will be about strategies to help restaurants, caterers and others in food service during the COVID-19 shutdown, and as the state begins to reopen. Email info@watertownbusinesscoalition.com to RSVP and to get information about the Zoom meeting.

Watertown’s Branch Line Will Deliver Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day Meals

Watertown’s Branch Line Restaurant is back and along with pick up and delivery of their regular menu, the eatery in the Arsenal on the Charles will deliver their special Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day menus. The restaurant sent out the following information:

Cinco de Mayo! It’s Tuesday, By The Way. We’re bringing you a Taco Kit for Two, Margarita Mixes, and Arroz con Leche! Order for pickup or delivery from Shy Bird or delivery from Caviar.

Free Produce Deliveries Available for SNAP/HIP Customers

The following information was provided by the Watertown Farmers Market:

Mass Food Delivery is offering SNAP/HIP customers a variety of options to access Farm Fresh food with FREE delivery to your door. (free delivery for SNAP eligible customers only)

See information here https://massfooddelivery.com/

Are you looking for a way to access your $40 HIP benefit? Mass Food Delivery is offering a 15 lb. mixed produce box of fruits & vegetables (a$40 value). Delivered to your door FREE with a HIP transaction.