NOW OPEN

• The Claddagh Pub opened last month at the former site of Fireside Restaurant and Pub on Pelham Street (see story in this issue). The Irish hot spot relocated from Lawrence and has mostly maintained the Fireside’s menu and staff. Welcome!
• The Smoke Shop BBQ: Opened last month at the former Outback steakhouse on Pelham Street and is owned by award-winning competitive-barbecue chef Andy Husbands. The restaurant, which has several locations in and around Boston, is known for its ribs, sauces and whiskey. Read our September story at MethuenLife.com.

CLOSED

• GameStop, which debuted at The Loop in 2011, closed its doors there Jan. 10. According to a Loop official, “There’s a waiting list of new businesses looking at that site.”
• Fusion House: The popular Asian restaurant on Merrimack Street has closed. The sign on their door encourages customers to visit their other restaurant, Ye’s Table, just up the road.
• Arias’ Place, located in Methuen Square at the former 1859 House, has closed its restaurant business. The bar and eatery was known for its Caribbean specialties.

NEW MENU

LJ’s Café introduced its new menu last month, which includes empanadas and expanded breakfast sandwiches and lunch items. This Ecuadorian coffee shop, located at 88 Lowell St., is open 7 days a week until 3pm and serves breakfast all day.

IN THE WORKS

• Brothers International Food Market: Opening soon at Village Mall in the former Queens Gambit location at the far end of the plaza. Grocery store and butcher featuring Middle Eastern and Turkish food and drink, plus to-go specialties.
• More Mexican: It’s confirmed that the former Margarita’s at The Loop (which closed in November) will soon sublet to a replacement tenant. And that new tenant will be another Mexican restaurant, per a Loop official. Stay tuned.
• Dunkin’ Donuts: A new DD is being built on Broadway, next to Rostron’s Liquors … and across the street from a longtime Dunks, which is expected to close.
• Aroma Joe’s is going into the former Glen Forest Cleaners site on Haverhill Street.
• Best Auto on Merrimack Street, next to the Methuen Sons of Italy, received a new paving job and is expected to re-open, per Community Development Director Jack Wilson.
• Heav’nly Donuts Commissary is in the process of taking over the former Donahue Bros., building, where pastries will be baked and delivered to locations around the Merrimack Valley.
• Wengs Garden, which has the same owners at Salem, N.H.,’s Yang Ming, is completely renovating the former Knights of Columbus Gaythorne Hall on Broadway. Still months from completion, Community Development Director Jack Wilson told us in December. 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. Max occupancy for this space is 150.
• KPOT, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot experience, is coming to The Loop. Seating for 196 guests. Next up: final inspections. The chain is also planning to open locations in Dedham and West Springfield as well as Nashua, N.H. Thekpot.com.
*Ybonis Beauty Spa: Open at the former Pest End location, 15 Pelham St., at the Five Corners.
•Sweet Learning Center is coming soon to the Jackson Street site previously occupied by Methuen Animal Hospital and is currently under construction. Next up: final inspections.
•Froggy’s Play School (child-care center chain) opening on Merrimack Street, near Dollar Store. Per their Haverhill location, which will also oversee this site, there is no opening date at this time. Next up: final inspections.

NEARBY

• The Capital Grille, a fine-dining and steakhouse chain, opened last month at Tuscan Village in Salem, N.H.
• The Beach Plum announced Jan. 9 that their Salem, N.H., location at Tuscan Village had permanently closed due to “the rising costs of business.” Locations in Portsmouth, N.H., and Epping, N.H., “continue normal operations” and the North Hampton, N.H., site reopens in March, the statement said.
• Tierra Paisa Colombia Café & Catering held its grand opening last month at 122 S. Broadway, Lawrence, near St. Patrick’s Church.
• Kelly’s Roast Beef chain was sold after seven decades in business. New owner, private equity firm AAM15 Management, intends to maintain the menu and expand across the U.S. The closest location is in Salem, N.H., which was already owned by AAM15 prior to last month’s news.
* The Chicken Connection, a mainstay on Broadway in Haverhill for chicken pies, soups, sandwiches and more, announced in December that after 30 years they’ve permanently closed. The Plaistow, N.H., location remains open.

 

MaryAnn’s Diner duo opens Dreo

Congratulations to Duyen and Bill Andreoli, along with their wonderful family and dedicated staff, on the recently opened Dreo at 254 N. Broadway in Salem. Dreo offers a full menu and bar. The Andreolis are well known in Salem as the owners of MaryAnn’s Diner in Salem and Derry.

Tavern in the Square

Located at 16 Via Toscana in Tuscan Village, this newly opened Tavern in the Square is the largest in the area, offering two floors of seating and a spacious outdoor patio. It’s the perfect destination whether you’re grabbing a cold beer, enjoying drinks with a date, watching the game with friends or savoring a relaxing dinner with family

Ribbons snipped to fete NE Rehab, Dick’s & T-Bones

Dick’s House of Sport

The new Dick’s House of Sport, located at 99 Rockingham Park Blvd., features an array of interactive attractions including batting cages, rock-climbing walls, golf simulators and much more, offering an immersive experience for sports enthusiasts of all ages. It’s the perfect place to enjoy sports, challenge yourself and explore new activities!

For more information on their offerings and to plan your visit, check out their website: stores.dickssportinggoods.com/nh/salem/1561.

Original T-Bones marks 40 years

T-Bones Great American Eatery recently celebrated 40 years at their original location in Salem. The celebration was filled with energy and excitement marking four decades of fantastic food, cherished memories and a dedication to excellence.

Founded by Mark Fenske and Tom Boucher, T-BONES Great American Eatery began in 1984 with the opening of its first location in Salem. The duo’s shared passion for the restaurant industry, ignited during their college years, laid the foundation for the creation of Made-from-Scratch™ American cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Their commitment to quality continued to grow with the opening of the Bedford location in 1989 and the launch of CJ’s Great West Grill in 1995. Over the years, they have expanded their brand with other successful ventures, leaving a lasting legacy of outstanding dining experiences across the region. To learn more visit t-bones.com.