The latest Natick, Mass., business news:
Ziti’s restaurant goes for full alcohol license
Ziti’s Italian Trattoria seeks the Select Board’s approval on Wednesday, Feb. 19 to upgrade the restaurant’s alcohol license from one allowing the on-premises sale of wine, beer and cordials to allowing the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages.
Ziti’s would be the first real beneficiary of the town’s changes to its alcohol license rules, which previously required establishments to have at least 100 seats to qualify for an all-alcohol license. Ziti’s has fewer than that and doesn’t have the room for 100-plus.
(Update 2/20/25: The Board approved Ziti’s request.)
The state approved Natick’s changes last fall.
Natick’s town government more than two years ago began reviewing and revising its outdated on-premises alcohol license rules. Natick has seen nearby communities, including Wellesley, update their alcohol licensing rules and reap the benefits of having new businesses open—namely, a livelier restaurant scene and a new source of tax revenue.
Ziti’s Vincent Rando has said in the past that the ability for his Speen Street restaurant to get a full alcohol license would be a boon for the business.
Reach a wider audience by becoming a Natick Report advertising partner
Joann fabrics & crafts store closing in Natick
Joann, the fabrics and crafts retail chain, is closing more than half of its 850 or so U.S., including its Natick store on Rte. 9 east. While the big sign out front reads “open,” that won’t be true for long (though it’s unclear exactly when the store will close).
In the meantime, bright yellow signs on the door warn “All Sales Final” and “No Checks.” The parking lot was full on Wednesday morning as shoppers stocked up on supplies that are on sale.
Joann filed for bankruptcy protection in January, the second time it filed in less than a year after going private about a year ago.
The company issued a statement that reads: ““As part of the ongoing Chapter 11 process and our efforts to maximize the value of the business, JOANN has filed a motion seeking court authority to begin closing approximately 500 stores across the nation. This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN.”
Though The Onion may have the real scoop on Joann: “Joann Fabrics Announces Plans To Make Mishmash Store Out Of Shuttered Locations’ Scraps.”
Level 99, which got its start in Natick, expanding to Disney
Level 99, the interactive entertainment venue that got its start at the Natick Mall in 2021, is now expanding to the Walt Disney World Resort in Buena Vista, Fla. Level 99 features a host of small challenge rooms that encourage participants to test their wits and physical skills, plus offers food and beverage options.
The southern edition will be located at Disney Springs West Side at Walt Disney World Resort and will be the brand’s fifth location.
Photo by Chris Winroth, courtesy of Level99
Know of Natick businesses coming, going, or doing something new? Let us know: natickreport@gmail.com
