What Watertown Business Were You Sad to See Close in 2012?

During these economic times, businesses come and go all the time. Tell us which ones you were sad to see go in the comments section below.

The retail community in Watertown showed signs of life in 2012, with new restaurants, stores and more coming to town, but the economic news was not all rosy and we said goodbye to some local businesses. Sports Authority and Stephanie's Boutique opened in the Arsenal Mall, and Arsenal Wine & Spirits opened near Watertown Square in 2012. One of the more popular businesses to open in 2011, was one of the unfortunate ones to make the closed list in 2012. Maximo's Takeout closed its doors for good at the end of the year. The Upper Crust also closed in the last part of the year. It is unclear, however, if it is gone for good or whether it will reopen after being purchased recently by a former owner of the pizza chain. Cakes Bakery on Galen …

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What Business Would YOU Open in Watertown?

If you could open one kind of business in town, what would you do?

Assume money was no object and the only limit your imagination: what kind of business would you love to run in Watertown?  It could be a store you feel would perform well in town, or a business that would provide a much-needed service. Would you love to have your own bar? A coffee shop? Maybe there's some niche in Watertown that isn't being served, or something you've seen work really well in another community.  Whatever it is, share your ideas with your neighbors in our comment section below. 

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Shop Locally in Watertown on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24

Start your holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Watertown. "The Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce (WBCC) has emphasized shopping local for the past 39 years. Small businesses are one of a few crucial components that make both towns so unique," said Robert Airasian, president of the …

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Share Your Small Business Saturday Deals with Patch

Watertown Patch is compiling a list of Small Business Saturday deals. Share yours here.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses their community thrives on. This year, Watertown Patch is putting together a list of local Small Business Saturday deals. If you are a small business owner, leave your deal in the comments section below, and it will be added to the list. You can also email your deal to charlie.breitrose@patch.com or send a message on Facebook. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to …

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Watertown's Upper Crust Closed for Now, Possibly for Good

The pizzeria chain has closed several locations, and the future is uncertain.

The Upper Crust in Watertown has closed its doors, and it is not clear whether it is just temporary or permanent. The Boston Globe reports that several locations of the pizzeria chain have shut down, temporarily at least.  The Globe called the Upper Crust on Main Street in Watertown and an employee said that the restaurant was closed and that the company is undergoing reorganization and "we are closed for at least next couple of days." Upper Crust has been facing financial difficulties, and in September the company defaulted on a TD Bank loan. Company officials filed for bankruptcy protection. The company's troubles also include a U.S. Department of Labor ruling that they owed employees back overtime pay.

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Sold!

Sold: Homes Purchased in Watertown, Oct. 25-31

What sold on the real estate market this week?

This week's featured sold homes is in Watertown: 50 Watertown St. #107, Watertown List Price: $339,000   Sold Price: $297,000  Sold Date: Oct. 25, 2012 Living Area: 1,121 sq. ft.  Rooms: 4  Bedrooms: 2  Baths: 2 full 59 Gleason St., Watertown List Price: $399,900   Sold Price: $397,000  Sold Date: Oct. 26, 2012 Living Area: 1,627 sq. ft.  Rooms: 8  Bedrooms: 4  Baths: 1 full 67-69 Dexter Ave., Watertown List Price: $649,900   Sold Price: $570,000  Sold Date: Oct. 29, 2012 Living Area: 2,967 sq. ft.  Rooms: 11  Bedrooms: 5  Baths: 2 full Wondering what other homes sold in Watertown this week? Patch is too, and we're hoping our readers and real estate agents can help us answer the question. Do you know of a home sold in one of our towns this…

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Watertown-Belmont Chamber Presenting Local Business, Community Leaders with Awards

The Chamber of Commerce will honor the winners at an awards dinner on Nov. 1.

The following information was provided by the Watetown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce:  The Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce will honor local business people, businesses and community volunteers at the 39th annual WBCC Awards Dinner on Nov. 1. Awards will be handed out to those dedicated to the community, for redeveloping or enhancing property, their work in the local business community and their service to youth.  Eric Giler, CEO of WiTricity a Watertown-based company, will be the speaker at this year's banquet. Here are the honorees for the 2012 WBCC Awards:   Stanley Porter Award - For outstanding dedication and achievement in serving our community as an involved citizen   Business Revitalization Award - For outstanding contribution …

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Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: Arcadia Restaurant

Breakfast at the Arcadia means lots of options for eggs, among other classic diner fare.

Waltham's Arcadia Restaurant is known for its hearty, diner-like breakfasts, which include many variations with eggs: omelets, eggs Benedict or Florentine, served with hash, sausage, bacon, or ham, and of course with home fries, toast and a bottomless cup of coffee. Two eggs prepared over easy came within a few minutes, even though the place was busy on a Saturday morning. The eggs were done perfectly (no burnt edges) and the dark Greek rye toast was warm and lightly buttered. Even the home fries were good. It's hard to avoid having them get overdone or cold. The coffee was also satisfyingly strong. The Arcadia also serves other breakfast fare, such as pancakes and French toast, as well as lunches until 2 p.m. of sandwiches and some "…

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Meet the Couple Behind Watertown's Newest Wine and Beer Store

Rich and Nada Sobhani opened Arsenal Wine & Spirits recently and offer fine wines, craft beers and a selection of spirits.

Rich and Nada Sobhani took half of the old convenience store on Arsenal Street and turned it into a small shop filled with fine wine, craft beer and a wide selection of Spirits. The couple, which hails from West Roxbury, recently opened Arsenal Wine & Spirits and neighbors quickly discovered the store, Rich said. Nada said people stop in and often stay a while to chat about wine, beer or just what's new. Nada has a passion for wine, while Rich's specialty is whiskey - Scotch whiskeys are his favorite. While they come from the finance industry, Nada comes from a family with roots in the local food business. Her family runs Sabra Grill, a Middle Eastern eatery in Harvard Square. The couple takes pride in knowing about all their offerings, …

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Watertown Licensing Board Rejects 7-Eleven's Application to Stay Open 24 Hours Daily

The board said Watertown already has enough 24-hour shops in the Watertown Square area.

The owners of 7-Eleven in Watertown Square told the Licensing Board they wanted to boost their business by staying open 24 hours a day, but the board rejected the application Thursday night saying that the area already has enough 24-hour businesses. The store at 3 Mt. Auburn Street opened in August 2011, and has struggled, said Rick Mann, the attorney for the property owner.  "(Business) has not been overwhelming. It is lower than expected," Mann said. "We attribute part of that to not having 24 hour operation." Extending the hours would mean hiring two more employees and neighbors supported the idea, Mann said. "We had 100 people sign a petition to ask that the store be open 24 hours, including 12 business owners from the area," Mann said…

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