Dora Tavel-Sanchez Luz and Gabriel Sanchez Luz, the founders of the Farmhouse restaurant in Needham, prepare to open a farm-to-table restaurant called Buttercup in the former American Legion building on 13 West Central Street. Their plan is to open by the end of April for dinner, initially, and may expand into lunch when business grows.
The fare will be similar to the Farmhouse, garnering seasonal, organic ingredients from local farms including the Natick Community Organic Farm, Lookout Farm, and a patch of earth in South Natick on which they do their own farming. Fresh produce as well as humanely raised chicken, beef, and pork will be on the menu created by Chef Gabriel. “He lets the character of each ingredient shine through,” Dora said.
The couple lives in Framingham and embraces the culture of Natick Center. “We love the vibe of Natick. We love the farmers market, we love TCAN, love the Morse Library.”
The magnetism of Natick Center is undeniable, especially around 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, but rising rents and limited parking challenge businesses to stay rooted.
After 13 years at 19 South Main Street, Patrice Pressler Goldman is moving her vintage shop, Renew Arts and Industry, into Gallery 55. The building was sold and the rent increased, “beyond even what the new buildings are asking,” said Patrice. “So it is impossible for me to continue with the business I have at that location. John Mottern has offered to let me move Renew and Carol’s Corner over to Gallery 55.” Carol’s Corner is the vintage clothing boutique in the back of Renew that raises funds for Dana Farmer metastatic breast cancer research.
Revolution Martial Fitness moved out of Natick Center in May. “For us,” wrote Sensei Paul Castagno, “the main motivator for moving was growth. Our school got to a point where the space we were in was just not big enough for our growing school and we needed a bigger location to better serve our families at the dojo.”
Traffic through the intersection of routes 27 and 135, which peaked at Revolution’s optimal class times, created a challenge to that desired growth. “Many people would have to fight a lot of traffic just to get there, and then drive in circles for 10-15 extra minutes just to find a parking space. Rent in downtown Natick is also going up and it is tough to justify paying the increased rent while being so limited in what is possible with the spaces that are there.”
One solution would be to follow the examples of Ithaca, NY and Burlington, VT and throw down a brick walkway and turn Natick Center into a pedestrian commons.
Liza Curtis, cofounder of Palettes, also cited the parking scarcity as problematic. In December, Palettes, a place that encouraged connection and community among patrons as they painted and drank together in a nonjudgmental environment, completed a nearly six year run in Natick Center. The owners found it tough to compete with traveling paint companies who offered similar opportunities at bars. “A brick and mortar store has a lot more overhead than a traveling show,” said Liza.
Lemon Tree Goods owners Bonnie Lash and Mary Barber are optimistic about their move into the storefront vacated by Palettes. “We are so excited about moving to Natick Center,” Mary said. “The space is gorgeous and our new landlords are great to work with. The community is so vibrant and full of energy.”
Since 2009, Lemon Tree has resided at 325 North Main Street near the Dairy Queen. “The economy was in a recession, and we believed that there would be a market for buyers and sellers to exchange fine clothing and luxury goods. At that time, the idea wasn’t as popular as it is today and it took us a while to convince people that there was a lot of value left in gently used items that were well made. Thankfully, our clients loved the idea and their enthusiasm created our need for more space.” Lemon Tree Goods has buyers that travel from all over New England as well as an online business that ships all over the country.
LeBelle Day Spa which has been located on the second floor of the Clarks block building will be relocating to the Salon Paradiso spot on Main Street sometime in the coming months.
Issue Date:
February, 2018
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