Bob Brown, Author at Natick Report

Spotted lanternflies have Natick’s attention

August 20, 2026 by Bob Brown

Sightings of spotted lanternflies have been on the rise in Natick this summer based on the number of messages we’ve received and the fact that the town issued a notice about the invasive insect. Local businesses have been taking actions on their properties. The Natick Garden Club has sounded the alarm as well: “A key time to control these is now—before the female lanternflies start laying their egg masses in a few weeks.”

This quarter-sized insect has gray wings with black spots and red underwings that are visible during flight. They’re pretty pests.

According to the Commonwealth’s Department of Agricultural Resources, spotted lanternflies damage trees (like the tree of heaven) and other woody plants by sucking their sap.

You can report sightings to the state online.

Here’s a spotted lanternfly nymph we spied in Natick earlier this month.

Support from local businesses like Tama Sushi & Hibachi—and you—keep Natick Report cranking

August 19, 2026 by Bob Brown

We want to share public thanks to Tama Japanese Sushi & Hibachi in Natick for its continued advertising partnership with Natick Report.

Tama began supporting us this past spring and just re-upped through the rest of 2026, including sponsorship of our Natick restaurants page.

Natick Report generates revenue via ads from sponsors such as Page Waterman, The Residence at Natick South and Maverick Men’s Grooming Center, reader donations, and grants. We welcome paid ads from non-profits, too, and include among our supporters Wellesley Theatre Project and the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club.

While we give many businesses and non-profits lots of free publicity, so to speak, when we write about them opening or being involved in various activities, we really appreciate it when organizations support us as well by advertising.

While many people are used to getting their news for free these days, we need your support to do continue doing what we do and expand our efforts. This is our actual job.

If we can help your organization share its story through paid advertising, please reach out: natickreport@gmail.com

Individuals can make tax-deductible donations to support our work, including through donor-advised funds. Our fiscal sponsor is Tiny News Collective (EIN 85-3963369).

Mini Food Pantry opens outside Natick’s Cole Center

August 19, 2026 by Bob Brown

A new mini Common Good Food Pantry has opened outside the Cole Center in Natick at 179 Boden Lane to provide non-perishable food as well as household goods around the clock to those in need.

This adds to a mini pantry set up outside the Common Street Spiritual Center in 2021 through a community-led effort. Natick is United has stepped in to sponsor and oversee the pantries.

Volunteers are needed to donate items and stock the pantries.

These mini pantries complement Natick pantries at A Place to Turn and Natick Service Council.

Expand your reach & support local news by advertising on Natick Report.

Chick-Fil-A seeks to open Natick restaurant with drive-thru

August 17, 2026 by Bob Brown

For those with cravings for Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches and shakes can’t make it all the way to Framingham, the chain is seeking to open a restaurant about a mile away in the Macy’s parking lot at Natick Mall.

A public hearing kicks off at the Natick Planning Board on Aug. 19 at 7pm. Landscaping, traffic flow, stormwater management, and more are among the tasty morsels set to be discussed.

The applicant proposes construction of a 5,000-plus sq. ft. Chick-Fil-A with a drive-through at the southwest corner of the Macy’s parking area between the retailer and Rte. 9. There are 88 indoor and 16 outdoor seats planned.

On the off chance you didn’t see the paid legal notice for this hearing that ran in a print newspaper, please consider encouraging the town to pay for key legal notices on Natick Report, where people might see them.

Natick business buzz: Alma Gaucha Brazilian steakhouse eyes Mall; Wonder could expand next door

August 17, 2026 by Bob Brown

The latest Natick, Mass., and nearby business news:

Alma Gaucha Brazilian steakhouse eyes Natick Mall

A Brazilian steakhouse called Alma Gaucha has begun the application process in Natick for an alcohol license to serve booze at a new restaurant at Natick Mall.

Presumably, the restaurant would be located in the nearly 7,000 sq. ft. first floor space near Nordstrom that previously was targeted by a Gatsby’s Chop House, a business that never opened after getting approved for an all-alcohol license from the town. The space includes an outdoor patio.

Alma Gaucha operates restaurants in Boston and Worcester.

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Wonder follows Natick opening with Wellesley plans

Wonder, the virtual food hall that serves up dishes from multiple restaurants, has filed an application to open a location in Wellesley Square.

A Wonder spokesperson says the company, which has been opening dozens of locations, aims to open in Wellesley next year.