According to a note from @richo976, a sign is up in the former Verna's Donut Shop space on Mass. Ave. showing that a public hearing will be taking place July 28 to look into the proposal of a "catering business with accessory retail food sales" to operate in the space. The post shows that Matthew Haymer is the petitioner, which is apparently the same Matt Haymer who co-owns Cafe Luna with his wife Teri. It is not yet known exactly how the business would be set up, including what it might be selling within the space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.
Verna's, which was established back in 1951 (and became a tenant at the Mass. Ave. address in 1974), was seized by the state in April for what appears to have been nonpayment of rent, with the order to close the store actually being issued the previous month in Cambridge District Court.
The address for the former Verna's--and proposed catering/food business--is 2344 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.
[January 31, 2017 update: According to an email sent from the Corbett Restaurant Group, Matt Haymer of Cafe Luna has officially purchased the Verna's Donut Shop space, with the sale apparently going through a bit earlier this month. (We also hear that it may be another location of Cafe Luna.)]
[February 1, 2017 update: An email sent today indicates that the new restaurant from the Cafe Luna owner--and it may also be a Cafe Luna--hopes to open around March 1.]
[Earlier Article]
Verna's Donut Shop in Cambridge Seized by the State
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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]
