Here are some Methuen businesses in transition, according to Methuen Economic and Community Development Director Jack Wilson:
*ARIAS’ PLACE – The fifth or so incarnation of the 1859 House since Peter Meville’s departure lasted about a year and a half. Renamed Arias’ Place in the spring of 2023 by the latest owners Luis and Ana Aria, the cozy 166-year-old restaurant in Methuen Square – which offered Caribbean specialties – closed earlier this year. The Arias’ Place Facebook page reports that the eatery is permanently closed but the facility is available for event rentals. A call to the business was not returned as of MethuenLife press time.
*THE SMOKE SHOP BBQ – Andy Husbands’ latest BBQ eatery will soon be opening in the site of the former Outback Steak House on Pelham Street, following a very popular pop-up event in November. Andy owns several other Smoke Shops in Boston and says he expects guests to love his restaurant that caters equally to families and those who savor good whiskey. Wilson says he is waiting on word when the restaurant will open.
*ROSTRON’S – The former liquor store owned in the Methuen Square owned by Bill Manzi was purchased by the owners of next door’s Wah Sang Chinese restaurant. “The owners need to go through the Historic District Approval process before obtaining the required building permits and starting construction,” says Wilson.
*WENG’S GARDEN – The Asian restaurant going into the former Knights of Columbus building on Broadway is still months from completion, says Wilson. It’s owned by the same family that owns Yang Ming in Salem, N.H. Per our May issue, owner May Chen-Weng is looking forward to bringing live entertainment (“like music, a dancing space or hopefully a comedian”) to the venue.
*TACO JOHN’S – The chain eatery is planned for the Village Mall on Broadway, which also holds Ellie’s Farmhouse. “The permits remain in place but the developer has stopped work at this time,” says Wilson, who will be reaching out for an update.
*SWEET LEARNING CENTER DAY-CARE FACILITY – is going into the former Methuen Animal Hospital on Jackson Street. “Permits have been issued but final inspections have not been scheduled by the applicant,” says Wilson.
*K POT – Asian restaurant planned for The Loop has also received permits, but no final inspections issued yet.
*AROMA JOE’S – is going into the former Glen Forest Cleaners site on Haverhill Street.
*FUSION HOUSE – on Merrimack Street has closed, as owners recently opened Ye’s Table less than a mile away in the former Santander bank. “Fusion House did not renew their license, but a new potential tenant is working with inspections to open a small restaurant/café in that space,” says Wilson.
*BEST AUTO – located next door to Sons of Italy on Merrimack Street just received a new paving job. Wilson says the car dealer intends to re-open soon.
*HEAV’NLY DONUTS COMMISSARY – is in the permitting stage before taking over the former Donahue Bros. building, where pastries will be baked and shipped to locations around the Merrimack Valley.
