Who’s Opening, Who’s Closing,
Who’s Moving, Who’s Selling
By Paul Giorgio

Arrivederci. Monty’s Garden, that venerable Leominster institution, closed its doors on June 4th. Monty’s had been open since 1933 and in the same family for 4 generations. The great grandchildren of the Caligaris family recently decided to sell the restaurant. Word is that a Walgreen’s Drug store will open once the building is torn down. And for those who loved the neon sign, we hear a local business bought it.

Mikaku. Arthur Su, former sushi chef at Willey’s Steakhouse in Shrewsbury, has branched out on his own with the opening of Mikaku at 290 West Main Street in Northboro.

Blue Marlin. That’s the name of the newest Leominster restaurant owned by Donna Balletta, owner of the Monument Grill. The 80 seat restaurant will be located on Central Street and have, according to Barletta, “…a Caribbean surfer feel.” As you guessed by the name, the Blue Marlin will specialize in seafood.

Fire & Water. Wood fire BBQ, located on the Canal next to Castellana’s, recently opened on Worcester’s Harding Street. There is plenty of outdoor seating and the menu features ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and Texas brisket. Try their Pulled Pork with Cole Slaw on a bun ~ It is out of the world.

Outdoors on Green Street. A trio of Worcester’s Green Street establishments have applied for outdoor licenses. Block 5 Bistro has already opened their patio for dining during the summer while the Dive Bar and Blackstone Pizza ~ both also on Green Street ~ have applied for the same priviledge.

Speaking of Worcester’s Canal District. 18 Grafton Street, the tall industrial building on the corner of Grafton and Franklin Streets and home to Bar None, may soon house two more establishments. Jumpin Joe’s Dance Club has applied for a liquor license for a club catering to the thirty somethings and older, while Wine Vine Uncorked has also applied for a liquor license for the same floor of the building.

Shrewsbury Street. Is the Italian flavor of this street is becoming a thing of the past? It appears that the space once occupied by the East Park Grille and Anthony’s at 176 Shrewsbury St. will soon house a new Middle Eastern restaurant complete with belly dancers and a special Hookah smoking room. Look for a late summer/early fall opening. This reduces the number of Italian eateries on the street to less than half a dozen.

Wild Willy’s Burgers. It appears that a Wild Willy’s Burgers ~ with 4 other restaurants in Maine and New Hampshire ~ will soon be coming to Worcester. The local location of the chain will be owned by a couple of Bancroft School teachers and will be taking over the site of the former Eddy’s on West Boylston Street.

Great Steaks. Texas Roadhouse will be the latest eatery to open in the refurbished Lincoln Plaza on Lincoln Street in Worcester. The Plaza now hosts about half a dozen places to grab a bite, with everything from the Five and Diner to Kyoto Japanese Restaurant.  The restaurant, which has locations all over the nation, is known for specially seasoned and aged steaks hand-cut daily in every restaurant and cooked to order over open gas-fired grills.