Allandale Farm’s Store Will Be Year Round + New Barn for Curtis & Willard

Allandale Farm is opening for the spring season on April 5, and unlike previous years, will not be closing after Christmas, because from now on, the store will be open all year long. Plus Highland steer Curtis and Willard, and the chickens, are getting a new barn! "For over ten years now we have been improving the infrastructure that supports our farming business and we have now arrived at the final goal: A new year round store that will sustainably provide food, plants and jobs into the future," wrote Helen Glotzer, General Manager & CEO of Allandale Farm, on the farm's website. Glotzer said the square footage of the store will be very similar to the existing store and greenhouses. The new location will have improved access in and around the store with special consideration for safety and mobility.

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Learn How to Repair Your Bike with Ferris Wheels

Spring is coming, and that means more opportunities to ride your bicycle. You'll need a tune-up beforehand, so why not learn how to take care of your own bike with Ferris Wheels? Ferris Wheels is offering basic, hands-on bike skills courses. You can register online or give the store a call at 617-524-BIKE. Classes are the next three Thursdays at 6:30 pm.

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Stop & Shop, Hyde Square Task Force Disagree on Existence of ‘Pricing Inequities’ at Jamaica Plain Store

Youth of the Hyde Square Task Force have made headlines from their research that claimed that prices differ of the same products depending upon individual Stop & Shop locations.  

The youth met with Stop & Shop representatives last summer, providing their research from comparing prices at of stores in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Mission Hill, and Roxbury, and its Dedham location. HSTF youth said that residents of low-income neighborhoods often pay more for groceries than suburban areas. Four of the youths recently sent a follow-up letter to Stop & Shop leaders about the issue, and proposed a solution. "When we met with members of your team in late August, the company acknowledged the pricing differences and stated that prices are set to insure that each individual store makes a profit," said the letter.

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On Centre Named Business of the Year; Galloway Named Volunteer of the Year

JP Centre/South Main Streets recently awarded its 2024 Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards to recognize their stellar work last year in promoting and serving the community of Jamaica Plain

The awards were handed out at JP Centre/South Main Streets Annual Meeting on January 24. On Centre, located at 676 Centre Street, Business of the Year. On Centre's owner, and JPCSMS board member, Phil Celeste, received the award, which was presented by District 6 City Councilor Ben Weber. “We are recognizing On Centre for their great work in the past year with community events, including the Galentine's Wine & Chocolate tour, their in-house fundraiser/promotion with Endless Jewelry, and the Holiday Stroll," said Weber. "Owner Phil Celeste and his staff went above and beyond in doing the work to make these events festive and successful.

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Nicole’s Restaurant Now Open in Hyde Square

The Hyde Square restaurant scene continues to grow and grow -- and now has a second new pizza restaurant open in less than a month -- with Nicole's restaurant now serving up pizza pies and more. This is Nicole's second restaurant, with the first one in the South End. The Jamaica Plain restaurant recently opened at 367 Centre St., where Captain Nemo's had resided for 25 years before closing in September 2023. The restaurant sells specialty pizzas for $14 each including Hawaiian, meat lover's, chicken inferno (ranch base, jalapeño, buffalo chicken), chicken pesto, Tremont (white pizza with tomato, onion, grilled chicken and topped with BBQ sauce), and more. There are also BYO pizza that comes in small for $9.50, large (available gluten free) for $15, and vegan for $18.

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Café Beirut Closes Citing Regional and Worldwide ‘Socio-Political Events’

Lebanese restaurant Café Beirut closed permanently this past weekend, wishing good luck to the next occupant of its Centre Street spot, and encouraging people to support local businesses. In recent years the restaurant was known for its varied menu with large portions and authentic Lebanese fair such as pumpkin kibby, cod samak, bastorma, as well as falafel, kabobs, roll-ups, shawarma, and more. A note in the window explained why the business was closing:

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Doesn’t Look Like a Another Dispensary is Coming to Centre Street

Plans for another recreational cannabis dispensary to open on Centre Street seem to have flickered out. Prolific Cannabis signed a 10-year lease for the commercial spot at 684 Centre St. in July 2022. The location has been vacant since 7-Eleven chose to not renew its lease in April 2021 after several decades of being in the location. But a for lease sign in the window appeared in recent weeks.

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Update: Bluefin Menu to Include Chowders, Lobsters Rolls, Ceviches and More

The Bluefin restaurant and fish market is currently building out its Centre Street space, and we've got an update on the menu and other fishy details. "We will be a fish market foremost and you will also be able to order at the counter and eat at a table," said owner Jason Tucker to Jamaica Plain News. "So far the menu looks like oysters, chowders, lobster rolls, ceviches, poke bowls -- pretty casual and fresh food." Many people may recognize Tucker from being the farmers market manager for Reds Best Seafood which brings seafood to the JP Farmers Market behind Bank of American on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tucker said there will be 18 seats for dine-in service.

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