Only bowling now. Mohegan Bowl owners, Edward C. and Kelli Kinsley of Mendon, who bought the former Mohegan Bowl-A-Drome and The Lic’s restaurant from the Pelletier family two years ago, have decided to close the Webster restaurant. They had renamed the restaurant All-Star Pub, and it was a full-service restaurant the first year, and then they changed it to Scores, with more of a bar concept.
More in South County. Brian’s, located in Uxbridge, which first opened in 1996, closed after 18 years of business in mid- October. Brian’s, a mainstay of the Uxbridge community, served American food.
And close to South County but not quite the Outback. The official opening of the new Outback Steakhouse, 452 Southbridge St., Auburn, was Oct. 22. The Outback Steakhouse in the plaza at 771 Southbridge St., Auburn, closed the same day.
Julio’s Liquors in Westboro recently received the award for Whisky Retailer of the Year ~ Single Outlet from Icons of Whisky America 2015. The award was presented by Whisky Magazine. Congratulations to Ryan Maloney and his fine staff. The store received the same Icons of Whisky America award for 2013 and a considerable mention for 2014. Owner Ryan Maloney was inducted into Keepers of the Quaich, an exclusive, international community of members recognized for their outstanding commitment to Scotch whisky in 2012.
Not your parents’ Blue Jeans. Blue Jeans Pizza, owned by Steve Hopkins, has just launched Blue Jeans Bistro, located under Loft 266. Worcester’s favorite pizza will now be served alongside a large beer selection. Blue Jeans Bistro also has a full dinner menu, including meals such as Baked Haddock and Steak Tips.
It’s in your soul. Downtown Worcester will be getting a new soul food restaurant with the opening of Addie Lee’s Soul Food at 596 Main St., across from the Federal Courthouse. The restaurant is named after the owner’s grandmother, who is from Mississippi. The menu will feature Southern Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens, among other food.
Speaking of downtown. The Salted Pig Market & Café will open soon in the old Telegram & Gazette Building at 20 Franklin St.. Owner Candy Murray formerly worked at the 1790 House and taught at the Cambridge Culinary School.
Mill Street makeover. A new restaurant will be going into the home of the old Joey’s at 242 Mill St. Birbeck’s Waterfront will open soon and will serve classic, affordable American food. Look for a January opening.
If bread is your thing. Look for the opening of BirchTree Bread Company at 138 Green St. in Worcester’s Canal District. Owner Robert Fecteau will open an artisanal bakery specializing in bread and croissants. He will also be serving breakfast and lunch.
He’s back. Judging by the sign over the door, Joe Petrou is back in business with the opening of Primo’s. Primo’s will be located where the Center Bar was on Worcester’s Green Street in the heart of the Canal District. Petrou formerly owned Primo’s when it was on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. John Piccolo owns the eponymous Piccolo’s at that spot now.
By Paul Giorgio