thePULSEHot & Now: 7/2004
Rovezzi’s returns
Kiss me I’m Irish… still: Located at the intersection of Routes 9 and 20, the Northboro mainstay J.J. O’Rourke’s has changed hands in a deal brokered by George & Company of Worcester. The new owners, Vincent Maiuri and Robert Hynick, plan to keep the same name and concept, but they want the place to have more of a sports bar feel. Three words: new plasma TVs.
One in three: It’s almost cliché to say that the restaurant and bar business can be tough. Recent closings in the area tell a familiar story — one in three restaurants fail within the first year. In Worcester, the Golden Goose Grille, a family-oriented restaurant on Chandler Street, closed after less than a year in operation. Before The Goose, Michelino’s had shut it doors at 367 Chandler within a year too. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm … How about an upscale Italian restaurant to replace Arturo’s? The St. Clair Grille in Charlton closed a week after Worcester Magazine gave it a rave review. Talk about bad timing. The spot used to house Armadillo Depot, which also went belly up. Bob Evans, a chain restaurant on Route 9 in Westboro, shut down and a new Friendly’s will be opening in its place.
Kitchen Confidential: Rumor has it that an Irish-themed bar will be opening in Worcester on Stafford Street. No word yet on a name. The location currently houses Andrea’s Restaurant, which serves moderately priced family food. We’ve heard from very reliable sources that the Millbrook Restaurant on Worcester’s Millbrook Street, off Gold Star Boulevard, is for sale. The Millbrook has long been the eatery of choice for the city’s older set. And rumors persist that Ignasius Chang, owner of Chang’s on Chandler Street, has bought the building on Shrewsbury Street that is currently occupied by Central Mass SCUBA. Word is that Chang hopes to open a Tiki bar, the newest rage on the West Coast. Lastly, our spies tell us that the Olive Garden next to the Solomon Pond Mall in Northboro has been packing them in. If you’re looking for good Italian food in a non-chain setting check out Guiseppi’s Grill right around the corner.
Rovezzi’s returns: Rovezzi’s Restaurant, which was once located on Main Street in Worcester, will return to the city. Joe Rovezzi’s sons Chris & Joe will open a second brach of their famously successful Rovezzi’s, now in Sturbridge. The new restaurant will take over the space currently occupied by Tiano’s on Grove Street. Tiano’s will be re-opening on Worcester’s Pearl Street in about six months after renovations to the GAR Hall are completed.
