Find out what’s hot and what’s new in the Central Massachusetts dining scene this month!

Pinecroft Dairy sold. Eric Pearson, owner of the Pinecroft Dairy in West Boylston for 36 years, recently sold the ice cream parlor to Angelo Vangos, whose family once owned Vernon Pizza. Pearson also owned Bergson’s Ice Cream and Westborough’s 1790 House. The Pearson family had 10 ice cream shops at one time.

Volturno expands eastward. Volturno, the popular Shrewsbury Street pizzeria, plans to expand into Framingham later this year with a new location on Edgell Road, not far from the campus of Framingham State University. Framingham selectman recently approved an alcohol license and common victualer license for Volturno, which plans to open a 120-seat restaurant at 1 Edgell Road in August or September. Plans include an outdoor patio area enclosed by a fence that will seat as many as 20 people, according to owner Gregory Califano Jr. Volturno specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas.

They’re open. Several Worcester eateries have finally opened after a long wait by most of us. The Oak Barrel Tavern opened the second week of June at the site of the old Tweed’s on Worcester’s Grove Street. It offers an upscale pub menu, which includes all those favorite comfort foods. Quinn’s, which is just down the street on Worcester’s West Boylston Street, also opened the same weekend. Now, the Greendale folks have a couple of places to dine. Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice opened the first week of June on Worcester’s Chandler Street, and judging by the cars in the parking lot, it is doing a bang-up business.

80 years in business. Worcester’s iconic Boulevard Diner on Shrewsbury Street celebrated 80 years of operation June 14. The diner has been operated by the George family, with the third generation now getting old enough to run the place. Congratulations to Jimmy George and his family. We still miss Ringo – Jimmy’s father.

Chef’s dinner. Armsby Abbey will host a chef’s dinner July 12 with Chef Damian Evangelous. The first hour will feature cocktails and a selection of local cheeses and other offerings, followed by a four-course meal featuring New England products. The cost is $90 per person.

Don’t worry, be happy. It looks like the happy hour may be returning to Massachusetts bars and restaurants. There is a bill before the legislature to restart happy hours. The venue must offer the special three days a week. Stay tuned, and be prepared to be happy.

McNally’s closing. We hear from our North County spies that McNally’s in Westminster will be closing sometime this summer. This place has been a big draw for folks in North County for a number of years.

We are sworn to secrecy. We can’t tell you, but we hear that the Hanover Theatre may finally have a restaurant that will be opening in its new space. The Theatre just expanded, and part of that expansion is space for a 6,000-square-foot restaurant. We will keep you posted; this will be exciting news for the city.

By Paul Giorgio