Business

Watertown’s Express Tire Looks to Bring Back Old Time Gas Station

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Darren CummingsExpress Tire & Auto has given the gas station next door a new look. There’s a new feel at a Watertown gas station, where the new owners want to bring back the experience of an old-time fill-up station. Express Tire & Auto took over the gas station next door on Main Street in ealy May, and owner Darren Cummings gave it a makeover and a new attitude. “I’m trying to bring back the old-fashioned gas station feel,” Cummings said. “You pull in, a gas attendant is there, he is going to wash your windows, greet you with a smile, be accommodating, fill your washer fluid no charge.

104 Main Street

Possible Main St. Project Has Restaurant Owners Worried About Future

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Crown CafeDiners enjoy a meal at Crown Cafe on Main Street. The future of the restaurant is uncertain because a development has been proposed that includes the restaurant’s property. The new owners of the Crown Cafe invested tens-of-thousands of dollars into the space on Main Street and the restaurant began serving food in January. Just a few months later they worry whether their investment will be for nothing, and the space where their business sits may be demolished to make way for a proposed five-story mixed use development near Watertown Square. One hope for the owners may be a grassroots effort started to try to stop the development by making the area a historic district.

Business

Watertown Restaurant a Finalist in National Contest for “Serving Their Community”

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Watertown’s Ritcey East has chosen as one of five finalists in a contest run by Toast for restaurants who make a difference in their communities. The winner will received $10,000, and voting is now open. The restaurant on Waverley Avenue, is “serving up a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and a fresh take on comfort food,” according to Toast. Ritcey East was nominated by a fan of the restaurant because it is “a small, queer-owned biz that kept all their staff during the pandemic and continues to partner with local charities.” Say hello to our Built for You $10k Contest Finalist, Ritcey East!

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Celebrates New Chapter, Expanding Mission & Offering Membership

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Watertown Business Coalition co-founders Bob Airasian and Doug Orifice speak during the WBC’s Membership Kickoff Event at Not Your Average Joe’s. The Watertown Business Coalition kicked off a new phase of its young life last week during the membership kickoff event at Not Your Average Joe’s. More than 50 people attended the Feb. 17 event, including local business owners, elected officials, and representatives of community organizations. The volunteer-run organization started in late 2019 with a vision of connecting local businesses, but has branched out to advocating for businesses, hosting arts and culture events and fostering ties to the community, said WBC Co-Founder Doug Orifice.

Around Town

Watertown Resident Helping Young Authors Write, Publish Books

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Lemon House PublishingElementary-age students work on their books in a Lemon House class held at The Writer’s Block in Newton in 2022. The following piece was provided by Lemon House Publishing:

“When I held my book in my hands for the first time, it was such an exhilarating and prideful moment that my next thought was, how can I give this feeling to others?” And it was that very thought that inspired former elementary teacher and Watertown resident, Jacky Lamenzo, to start her own company, Lemon House Publishing. To date, Lemon House Publishing (LHP) has helped over 150 students in the area write their own children’s books, leading to over 1,500 book sales on Amazon. Starting a company amid the pandemic proved to be a challenge, but it was the very thing that inspired Lamenzo to seek out teaching in a unique way. She recognized not only did elementary kids need an outlet for creativity but also their teachers.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting Networking, Membership Kickoff Event

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The Watertown Business Coalition’s membership kickoff event will be held on Feb. 17 at Not Your Average Joe’s. “This month’s event will give you a chance to re-connect with old friends and meet new connections … and you’ll have an opportunity to learn about our goals and if you choose — become a charter member of the Watertown Business Coalition,” the WBC event announcement said. The group was established in 2019 to create connections in the Watertown business community.

Around Town

Watertown Man Uses His Expertise in Disney Parks to Help People Plan Their Dream Vacations

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Watertown’s Jonathan de Araujo and his wife Lito Karatsoli-Chanikian at the Magic Kingdom. De Araujo’s business, The Vacationeer, helps people book their Disney Vacations. A Watertown man has turned his love of Disney World into a business helping people make the most of their visit to the Magic Kingdom and other Disney parks. Jonathan de Araujo founded The Vactioneer about five years ago to help people plan their dream Disney vacations. He owns the business, and has about 90 agents around the country working with him.