Art's Creamery Opens in Belmont

A new ice cream shop has debuted in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Art's Creamery is now open in Belmont, moving into the space on Trapelo Road where Spoodles Soup Factory had been, An earlier Belmont Media Center article mentioned that the new store has an ownership connection to Art's Specialties, a group of gourmet food shops in Belmont, Lexington, Carlisle, Maynard, and Sherborn.

The address for Art's Creamery is 374 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA, 02478.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Butternut Bakehouse Opens in Belmont

Last fall, it was reported that a bakery in the northwest suburbs was looking to expand to a new space nearby, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

A message from Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions that Butternut Bakehouse is now open in Belmont, and as stated in an earlier article here, it has taken over the over the space on Leonard Street where Craft Beer Cellar had been before moving to another space in the center of town. The new shop, which joins the original Butternut location on Mass. Ave. in Arlington, offers baked goods, pastries, sandwiches, pizza, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for the new location of Butternut Bakehouse in Belmont Center is 51 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for the business can be found at https://www.butternutbakehouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
Butternut Bakehouse Plans to Open in Belmont Center

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice in Belmont Has Closed

A Taiwan-based bubble tea chain has closed one of its locations in the Greater Boston area.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice in Belmont Center is no longer in business, with a "permanently closed" sign out front, while a Belmont Voice article says the Leonard Street shop has "recently closed." It appears that locations of the chain--which was first established in 1997--remain open in Lexington and Quincy, along with another outlet a bit further out in Hudson.

The address for the now-closed CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice in Belmont Center was 47 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for the chain can be found at https://cocobubbletea.com/

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Butternut Bakehouse Plans to Open in Belmont Center

A bakery in the northwest suburbs is expanding to a new space a few minutes away from the original shop.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston indicates that Butternut Bakehouse in Arlington is going to be joined by another location in Belmont Center, with a photo sent to us indicating that it is taking over the space on Leonard Street where Craft Beer Cellar had been before moving to a new space just up the road. Based on the offerings from the Mass. Ave. shop (which opened in 2019), the new store could offer breads, cakes, cookies, croissants, danish, scones, biscuits, quiche, sandwiches, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of Butternut Bakehouse in Belmont Center is 51 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for the original shop in Arlington is at https://www.butternutbakehouse.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Craft Beer Cellar Team Is Opening Trinktisch Restaurant and Bar in Belmont; Retail Shop Moving Into Space As Well

Earlier this year, it was reported that the original location of a group of specialty beer shops is moving to a larger space up the street. Now we have learned that the people behind the business will also be opening a restaurant and bar within the new space as well.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Trinktisch is opening in the former Foodies's market space on Leonard Street in Belmont Center, while Craft Beer Cellar--whose team is behind the new dining and drinking spot--is opening there as well. The post mentions that Trinktisch will take up 12,240 feet of space while Craft Beer Cellar will have 4,000 square feet of space (which is well more than double the size of its current shop on Leonard Street) and that the restaurant and bar will have a full liquor license. Detailed information on Trinktisch--which means "drinking table"--has not yet been given, so stay tuned for updates, including what might be on its menu and when it may open. [Ed note--the beer shop is now open in the space.]

Craft Beer Cellar first opened in Belmont in 2010 and has since expanded both regionally and nationwide via franchised stores. Its website is at https://craftbeercellar.com/

[February 25, 2021 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page says that Trinktisch plans to open for takeout/pickup and delivery today, while an earlier article from Wicked Local/Belmont Citizen-Herald states that its dining area won't likely open until September 1 and that its menu will include such items as German potato salad, curry chicken salad, pretzels, Belgian waffles, bratwurst and knockwurst, meat, cheese and bread boards, and more.]

[Earlier Article]
Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont Center Is Moving to Bigger Location

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont Center Is Moving to Bigger Location

The very first location of a group of specialty beer shops is moving to a larger space nearby.

According to an article in the Belmont Citizen-Herald/Wicked Local, Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont Center is moving from its current home at 51 Leonard Street to a new space at 75 Leonard Street this spring, taking over a third of the old Foodie's market space. Founder Suzanne Schalow says that the new location will include expanded space for both beer and wine, while food items such as cured meats, cheese, and other snacks will be offered as well.

Craft Beer Cellar debuted in Belmont in the fall of 2010 and has since expanded both regionally and nationwide via franchised stores.

.The website for Craft Beer Cellar can be found at https://craftbeercellar.com/

[October 21 update: The Belmont Citizen-Herald/Wicked Local states that Craft Beer Cellar opens in its new location in Belmont on October 28, and as stated in another post here, a new restaurant called Trinktisch plans to open there later this year.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Tick Tock Chocolates Is Opening in Belmont

by Marc Hurwitz

A small-batch chocolate shop is getting ready to open in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to an article in the Waltham News Tribune, Tick Tock Chocolates is opening in the Cushing Square section of Belmont, with the Trapelo Road store featuring such items as chocolate truffles, chocolate bars, pate de fruit, and chocolate-covered pretzels. Up until now, the business has been selling its products at farmers markets and various events, using a commercial kitchen in Somerville to make its chocolates.

If all goes as planned, Tick Tock Chocolates could be opening around April 1.

The address for this new chocolate shop in Cushing Square is: Tick Tock Chocolates, 111 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at https://www.ticktockchocolates.com/

[April 11 update: A Facebook post from last week indicates that Tick Tock Chocolates is now looking to open in late April or early May.]

[May 7 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that Tick Tock Chocolates is now open in Belmont.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Chocolate-Based Items from Places in the Boston Area and Beyond]

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Damnation Alley Distillery in Belmont Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A local small-batch distillery is closing down after being in business for a bit more than five years.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Damnation Alley Distillery in Belmont plans to close its doors on March 31, with the note saying that "we will be...taking a break and determining our next steps." The post also mentions that it will be open regular hours until its final day, with hours continuing to be 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

Damnation Alley Distillery, which first opened on Brighton Street in the fall of 2013, has been known for its different whiskey offerings along with vodka and gin.

The address for Damnation Alley is 7 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://www.damnationalleydistillery.com/

[April 11 update: A check on its Facebook page confirms that Damnation Alley is now closed.]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Ohlin's Bakery Will Not Be Reopening

by Marc Hurwitz

A century-old bakery that was hit by a fire a couple of years ago has decided to call it a day.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Ohlin's Bakery will not be opening back up, with the note saying that they are now in the process of refunding the money of those who donated to a GoFundMe page that had been set up for the business. The bakery, which first opened in 1915 and was known in part for its donuts, was forced to close its Belmont shop in early 2016 after an oven explosion damaged the place. The people behind Ohlin's had been looking at new locations in communities such as Belmont, Arlington, Cambridge, and Watertown, but many of the spaces they found were too small for what they needed.

The address for Ohlin's Bakery was 456 Common Street, Belmont, MA, 02478.

[Earlier Articles]
Explosion Damages Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont
Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont Loses Its Home; New Location Needed

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Foodie's Market in Belmont Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A small local group of grocery stores is closing its newest location after being in business for less than a year.

According to an article from Wicked Local and the Belmont Citizen-Herald, Foodie's Market in Belmont Center shuts down for good today, with this news coming after a few days of speculation as to the status of the Leonard Street shop due in part to the shelves no longer being stocked. The post indicates that this was a financial decision, with owner Victor Leon, Jr. saying "It's hard to believe we weren't able to generate the business we wanted to," with low sales possibly being due to the price of items at the store, parking issues both out front and in the back, and its location below street level.

Foodie's first opened in Belmont last summer, taking over part of the space where Macy's had been; it was the fourth location to open, with other stores being in Boston's South End as well as South Boston and Duxbury.

The address for this market in Belmont Center is: Foodie's Market, 75 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for the remaining locations can be found at http://foodiesmarkets.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont Loses Its Home; New Location Needed

A century-old  bakery that was forced to close earlier this year after an oven explosion damaged the place has now lost its home, and it is currently looking for a new location in which to move.

A Facebook post from the shop indicates that Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont was apparently told by its landlord that it "is no longer possible" to reopen in its Common Street space and the people behind it are "hoping and praying" to find a new space. The post says that they have looked at locations in Belmont, Arlington, Cambridge, and Watertown, but many of these spaces were too small for them. (They are hoping to find a storefront with 1,700-2,000 square feet of space.)

Ohlin's, which first opened in 1915, has been known for its wide variety of donuts, while also offering such items as bagels, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and more.

Thanks to @SuzyQL for initially bringing this to our attention.

[December 20 update: A new Facebook post indicates that the people behind Ohlin's are still looking for a new home and hint that they may wait until after the holidays to resume their search; in the meantime, they are helping out at Klemm's Bakery in Windham, NH.]

[Earlier Article]
Explosion Damages Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont

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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]

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Explosion Damages Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont

A landmark bakery known in part for its donuts is closed for the time being after it was hit by an explosion early this morning.

According to an article from WCVB Boston, Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont was rocked by what appears to be an oven explosion around 2:45 AM, with CBS Boston mentioning that the back wall of the store was blown out along with a window at the barber shop next door. No one was injured in the blast, though owner Paul Klemm's hair and eyebrows were singed, CBS Boston says. WCVB states that the gas has been shut off to the entire block where Ohlin's resides, and that a building inspector will be taking a look at the damage to the structure. (At this point in time, it is not known how long the shop will be closed.)

[March 16 update: The Belmontonian reports that the back section of Ohlin's (which is the baking area) sustained major damage in the explosion, with parts of the back wall and roof collapsing, making it unsafe to be in that part of the building, and a structural analysis will be needed to decide on how to go about making the necessary repairs. While Ohlin's will be closed for the foreseeable future, the owners do plan to reopen the business and are currently in talks with the insurance company.]

[June 2 update: A recent Facebook post indicates an apparent setback for Ohlin's and its planned reopening after the fire. The post says that "we were hoping insurance will cover what needs to be done, but we were told our insurance doesn't cover the town code upgrades. So at this time we will see what has to be done and go from there."]

[July 19 update: A new Facebook post from Ohlin's indicates that the future of the bakery may now be in question, as their insurance company will not pay for any of the necessary code upgrades while the landlord's insurance company will pay only to make it a retail shop rather than a bakery. As a result, the owners of the place say that "We will need to see if this is something we can personally afford....We want more than anything to get back to doing what we do best. We pray that this will be possible."]

Ohlin's, which first opened in 1915, offers approximately two dozen different types of doughnuts, including such classics as jelly-filled, honey-dipped, and chocolate glazed. The store also sells bagels, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and more.

The address for Ohlin's is 456 Common Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Ohlins-Bakery-113974415300257/

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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]

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Foodie's Markets to Open in Belmont Center

A small local group of grocery stores is getting ready to expand again, with a new one coming to the western suburbs of Boston.

A check on the Leonard Street space in Belmont Center where Macy's had been shows that "coming soon" signs are now up for Foodie's Markets, confirming an earlier article from Wicked Local Belmont that said the market would be moving into a 15,000-square-foot part of the space. It appears that other retailers will also be moving into the old Macy's space, though none have apparently been announced as of yet. A location of Filene's had also been in the space before Macy's.

Foodie's Markets can currently be found in Boston's South End along with South Boston and Duxbury.

The address for this upcoming market in Belmont Center is: Foodie's Markets, 75 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for Foodie's can be found at http://foodiesmarkets.com/

[August 30, 2016 update: There had been some question as to whether plans for Foodie's to come to Belmont had fallen through, as the signs for it at the site have come down, but a new article from Wicked Local Belmont mentions that is is indeed still on the way, and that it will share its space with an upcoming bookstore called Belmont Books.]

[July 11, 2017 update: A check on the place indicates that Foodie's is now open in Belmont, though some of the windows appear to remain papered over.]

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Damnation Alley Distillery Has Opened in Belmont

A small-batch distillery has opened in a suburb of Boston that, until fairly recently, was not known for selling alcohol of any kind.

According to its website, Damnation Alley Distillery is now open in Belmont, featuring locally-crafted vodkas and whiskeys using grains, produce, fruits, and herbs from Massachusetts farms. The Brighton Street distillery has a retail store, with hours being 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

The address for this distillery in Belmont is: Damnation Alley Distillery, 7 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://www.damnationalleydistillery.com/

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for bringing this to our attention.

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[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]

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