Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Natick business buzz: Epilogue Books & Wine gets 4 steps closer to opening; former O.B. Hill building up for lease

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The latest Natick, Mass., business news:
 

Epilogue Books & Wine gets 4 steps closer to opening

 
We broke the story in Marchepilogue that a new business called Epilogue Books & Wine is looking to open in Natick Center later this year at 21 Summer St., to create what owner Mai Hoang calls “a true ‘third place’—a comfortable environment where people can linger and socialize.”

Epilogue’s plans are to sell books and offer a space for people to chat about books and whatever else while imbibing and chowing down on sandwiches and charcuterie. The business will occupy 2,300 sq. ft. of space and offer 25 seats (13 at a bar, 12 in a cafe).

Hoang and team attended the June 10 Natick Select Board meeting to secure four licenses that should allow them to open for business in the fall across from TCAN. (David Lavalley, executive director emeritus at TCAN, spoke during the hearing and encouraged the Epilogue team to partner with the entertainment venue.)

The board approved Epilogue’s application for an S.12 Wine & Malt with Cordials On-Premise License, and planned to take up votes on a common victualers license, non-live entertainment, and live entertainment outside of the public hearing.
 

 

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Former O.B. Hill headquarters building now available for lease

 
In the wake of longtime Natick trucking and rigging business O.B. Hill shutting down after its decades-long run, the building it operated out of at 197 West Central St. is now available for lease. This is a 23,440 sq. ft. industrial facility. Offices are carved out within the building as well.

More: Bridgewater Chocolates, Glowbar appear headed for Wellesley Square

 

Know of Natick businesses coming, going, or doing something new? Let us know: natickreport@gmail.com

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Epilogue Books & Wine aims to create new chapter for Natick Center

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epilogueIn bringing Epilogue Books & Wine to Natick Center later this year at 21 Summer St., owner Mai Hoang seeks to create “a true ‘third place’—a comfortable environment where people can linger and socialize.”

It’s also a sweet location, right across from TCAN, the Center for Arts in Natick. Patrons might be able to hit Epilogue before or after a performance.

The arrival over the past year of residential and retail developments in Natick Center, such as Stonegate’s 21 Summer St., has come with the promise of not just new housing, but also interesting new businesses. We’re starting to see signs of that, with new medical offices opening at Natick Corner at Union and East Central Streets, and now with what many have been calling for—new restaurants.

Hoang, a realtor and former management consultant with a focus on consumer retail, says Epilogue will be her first business. The name of it signifies “the final chapter of the day. It’s a nod to unwinding after a long work day, settling into a good story, and enjoying a glass of wine.”

In addition to wine, Epilogue plans to offer charcuterie, tinned fish and sandwiches. Epilogue will also offer beer, spritzes, and coffee service.

21 Summer Exterior photo
21 Summer St. (courtesy photo)

As for reading material, Epilogue will offer a wide variety of books, including lesser known titles, those from local authors, and books “that will inspire discourse,” Hoang says.

“I’ve always loved books and wine, and I believe combining them creates the perfect atmosphere for conversation and community building,” she  says.

The new business owner says she was drawn to Natick for its “strong sense of community.” Hoang says Natick seems like a place where “a concept like this could truly make an impact.”

Epilogue’s addition will also help make for something of a literary hotspot in Natick Center along with the Morse Institute Library and Ten Trees Books.

Hoang is working on securing a liquor license and partnering with an architect on the business design. She’s in the bid gathering stage with contractors, and is “optimistically aiming for a late summer opening.”

Related: The Block partnering to bring Nhậu Vietnamese restaurant & San Sushi Bar to town

 

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Friends of the Morse beats the snow for successful book sale

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Friends of the Morse Institute Library’s firstBook, Music and Bake Sale of the year on Jan. 24.
Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan

 
It took a bit of hustle on the eve of the region’s first major snowstorm in several years, but the Friends of the Morse Institute Library managed to stage a successful Book, Music and Bake Sale on Jan. 24.

With the forecast calling for lots to snow to begin falling on Sunday afternoon, the Friends decided to change up the schedule – instead of Sunday, the Friends held a “pop up” sale on Jan. 23, followed by the regular sale the following day.

Despite the last-minute changes, the Friends reported a good turnout on both days.

The Friends will have sales on the weekends of May 16 and 17, and Sept. 26 and 27. Proceeds help the Friends provide funds for library services and events, including museum passes.

Learn more about the Friends at www.morsefriends.org.

Friends of the Morse Institute Library’s first Book, Music and Bake Sale of the year on Jan. 24.
Barbara Fahey Sanchez helps a customer during book sale

 
Friends of the Morse Institute Library’s firstBook, Music and Bake Sale of the year on Jan. 24.
One of the many categories of books offered at the sale

 
Friends of the Morse Institute Library’s firstBook, Music and Bake Sale of the year on Jan. 24.

Please send news tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

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Friends of Morse Institute Library plan book, bake sale for Jan. 24

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Friends of the Morse Institute Library’s Book and Bake Sale

On Jan. 24, the Friends of the Morse Institute Library will conduct their first book and bake sale of the season at Morse Institute Library (14 E. Central St.).

Banish the winter doldrums with a selection of books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and more. The snack table will feature an assortment of homemade goodies, including brownies and cookies.

Hours on Jan. 24 will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Plans to hold the book and bake sale on Sunday, Jan. 25, have been scrapped due to the predicted snowstorm.

book sale sign

Visitors are encouraged to wear masks; no strollers or scanners will be allowed on Jan. 24.

Proceeds from the sale will help the Friends provide funds for library programs and events, including museum passes, Speed Reads and large-print books.

Related: Bacon Free Library director retiring

Please send news tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

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Rotary Club of Natick gifts dictionaries to nearly 400 third graders

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The Rotary Club of Natick has been working to address one of Rotary International’s core missions – increasing literacy – since 2006. Every year since then, the club has organized and participated in a Dictionary Project, in which every third grader in the Natick Public Schools receives their very own, personalized, copy of a Student Dictionary; the first 2/3 of the book serves as a traditional dictionary, the last 1/3 is an almanac filled with many useful facts the students find most interesting. Among the many offerings are a sign language letter guide, the periodic table, information about all 50 states and all the presidents. It also contains the world’s longest word, and maps of the world. It’s a small book, but it’s packed with information.

Inside each cover is a customized book plate stating the student’s name, school, a web link for the Rotary Club of Natick, and the Rotary four-way test.

Students this age don’t have many books with their name printed inside, and it’s thought that it empowers the student and hopefully increases the pride of ownership in it.

This year 384 students in the four Natick elementary schools received their dictionary!

—Shared by The Rotary Club of Natick

Dictionary photo I 2024
Courtesy photo

Please send news tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

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