Elite gym & Halal food market open at Village Mall

While many will miss Joann Fabric after its departure, projected to be sometime in May, from The Village Mall Plaza, the Broadway site has some interesting new tenants: an elite fitness gym and a Middle Eastern grocery and butcher shop.

At his All Else Fit Club, Methuen’s Kyle Pinho is taking aim at the fitness industry with an elite, members-only, 24/7 fitness club aimed at revolutionizing getting in shape. It features infrared saunas with red light therapy, FloWater water, a posing room, a studio room, and a Recovery Room which offers Theraguns, Normatec boots and exercise with oxygen training.

Social media is to thank, he says, for the desire for “a newer and better fitness experience, and this area needed something big.”
Pointing out that the gym can be a dedicated “third place” after home and work where people spend more than 10 hours a week, he looked to design a space focused on serving clientele “serious about their fitness journey” and supportive of the investment they are making into their health.

He believes the new space is ideal for his goals in starting out in the fitness business.
“Although it is a big risk trying something in such a competitive area, with the proper research and understanding of the industry, we knew going all-in in every aspect would be received well and give the local community what they want and need,” he said.
People shouldn’t be intimidated, though. He said that the goal is “building a fitness family” where members range from beginners to bodybuilders.

“Anyone simply aiming to take their health and fitness to the next level is a perfect fit here.”

Food news
The Halal Brothers International Food Market is now open. It occupies the former Queen’s Gambit location at the far end of the plaza. A grocery store and butcher shop, it features Middle Eastern and Turkish food and drink, plus to-go specialties. Its aim is to carry “high quality halal meats, chicken, goat, lamb, and international fine food, in a clean and friendly environment.” It’s had quite a bit of foot traffic and visitors have been impressed with specialty items, Moroccan and pita breads, and a wide selection of food and goods.

“We welcome any kind of retail food or otherwise, that’s going to attract not only from in the city, but from outside. We are thrilled to have them here,” said Director of Economic and Community Development Jack Wilson. “We are happy to have the whole Village complex having a lot of activity right now.”

Wilson noted other activity in the area includes the construction of a new standalone Dunkin Donuts in the vacant lot at 477-479 Broadway, and the closing of the existing shop across the street. Both are under the management of franchisee Mark Cafua. Currently the project is in the permitting phase.

In place of the former Margarita’s at The Loop is a new restaurant, El Potro Mexican Grille. The city, excited that there is interest in filling the space, does not have opening dates available yet as they are also in the permitting process. El Potro, featuring authentic Mexican and Central American dishes, has existing locations in Lowell, Chelsea, Malden and Somerville.

Building projects
Also around The Loop, said Wilson, Marshalls is doing some internal renovations to its location and Target is planning some upgrades, including expanding facilities for customers like curbside pickup.

The city is doing its due diligence, according to Wilson, on the 30 Railroad Street location slated for a 3D home project with Habitat for Humanity. As mentioned in Mayor DJ Beauregard’s State of the City address, Jean Yang, founder of LuxMea, a next-generation digital technology company, has been tapped for the project. At this time, the city has contracted with an environmental engineering firm. They are performing additional site investigation work to be able to make the property available for the project.
A March 25 meeting is slated with the mayor and City Council to address next steps in the Searles property preservation. Acquired by the city last November, the property houses historically significant properties built by millionaire Edward F. Searles. Wilson credits the DPW with necessary maintenance of the properties over the winter and points to the city’s “absolutely solemn obligation” to the investment as it “works diligently to get to where we can partner” with parties that will work on its preservation for the benefit of city residents in the future.

Half of the 96 units of affordable senior housing at 14 Ingalls Court, called YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court, are close to completion. The project was split into two phases, and at the same time as the first units will be close to occupancy in the next few months, the city will be working with the Conservation Department as construction on the second half commences.

For sale …
On March 20, Bada Bing Pizza and Sports Lounge owner John Vargas announced on social media that his Methuen Square pizza shop and sports bar remains open while it is up for sale.

“I have taken on a new venture that requires my undivided attention, and while this decision wasn’t easy, we are looking for the right person to take over and continue what we’ve built,” he wrote, noting, “we’re not going anywhere yet … If anyone is interested, please send a direct message to our business page. Serious inquiries only—no tire kickers, please!”
The hot spot opened in 2007.