thePULSEHello to Pub 99, Bertucci’s, Copper Face Jack’s
October 2003 – Pub 99 to locate in downtown Worcester: The rumors have become reality with the announcement that Pub 99 will take over the site that houses AKU AKU on the corner of Summer and East Central Streets, right on the edge of downtown Worcester. Rumors have been rampant about who would end up with the space. One rumor had a Hooters locating at the end of the Route 290 ramp.
Copper Face Jack’s is the name chosen for the restaurant and new bar on Water Street, which will be located in the old Arkus Pharmacy building across from the Broadway Restaurant. It will be operated by Desi McKane and Cal Dolan former owners of the Irish Times on Main Street. We hear the place will have a decidedly Irish flare. It seems that the Water Street area is becoming a new hot location for restaurants and drinking establishments!
And right next door: Asian Link a new Oriental restaurant is looking to open a few doors down from Copper Face Jack’s. The restaurant at 105 Water Street, will have a small bar area and a dining room. Daniel Huu-Huynh will be the owner.
Kelley Square may have a new restaurant: The hottest rumor on the city’s Eat Beat is that a Bertucci’s is moving into the site of the old Colonial Paint store which sits right on Kelley Square with easy access to Route 290. Even if the Bertucci’s deal falls through, the new owners of the building plan to have a restaurant in the location as part of their mixed-use development plan. This would mark Bertucci’s first foray into Worcester. Bertucci’s is a family oriented Italian restaurant chain, founded by Joey Crungale former owner of Steve’s Ice Cream and current owner of the Naked Fish restaurant chain.
Armadillo Depot has a new owner: Stephen Chios, who up until recently was running The Corner Lunch on Lamatine Street in Worcester, has re-opened Armadillo Depot on Worecster’s Park Ave. The good news is that the restaurant will still serve great BBQ. Armadillo Depot had a loyal following of BBQ aficionado’s who have had to live without BBQ since the owners abruptly closed their doors one day, leaving meat in the smoker. No word as to who will be taking over The Corner Lunch which has been a mainstay of the Worcester diner scene for years!
Shea’s Diner recently opened in the WRTA building on Grove Street in Worcester. The restaurant, which really isn’t a diner, is open for breakfast and lunch.
Leo’s turns 40: Leo’s Ristorante on Brackett Court, off of Shrewsbury Street, is celebrating its 40th year in business. Started by Leo Turo and now run by sons Francis & Mark and Fran’s daughter Lee, the restaurant is known for its southern Italian cooking. How is the Turo family celebrating three generations and over 40 years in the restaurant business? They are expanding, with the addition of a large wood burning brick oven in the lounge. The oven will be used for pizza and other dishes!
