Business & Tech

Restaurant Roundup: Inside Look at Canton's Turnpike Cafe and Giovanni's Ice Cream

A look back at restaurant news and comings and goings in the last month from Southeastern Massachusetts.

We know Canton residents don’t just stay in town when they want a night out and a break from cooking.  

Restaurant coming and goings, new business and the best dishes and recipes are among the items that have appeared on Patch sites around the region over the past month.

Below is a look at the restaurant and food stories covered in the past month.

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Canton

Dunkin' Donuts Strengthens Local Bonds in Wake of Marathon Blasts

While there are coffee drinkers of various types across New England, it's no secret that a vast majority of Massachusetts residents are fans of Dunkin' Donuts. And the feeling is mutual for the Canton-based coffee chain and during a tumultuous week in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, the company was able to strengthen its bond with customers, residents and first-responders alike. 

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Not only did Watertown's Dunkin' Donuts restaurant remain open during last month's lockdown and manhunt of Suspect #2, the local shop offered to serve first-responders and law enforcement with free coffee and food. Moreover, , with 2,000 restaurants in New England working to collect donations to support those affected by the Boston Marathon Bombings. 

An Inside View of The Turnpike Cafe

Get an inside look at the Turnpike Cafe, located at 958 Turnpike St. in Canton, which has been a staple in town for more than 50 years. New owners Patrick and Caroline Brodigan purchased the cafe one year ago and plan to continue its tradition of keeping it in the family.

Canton Business Spotlight: Giovanni's Ice Cream

The walls of Giovanni's Ice Cream are lined with candid photos of all of the shop's customers. Owner Joey Federico said his mother and co-owner Anna is a photo person and likes to take pictures of everyone that comes in, creating what has been dubbed the "Wall of Giovanni's Fame". Canton Patch sat down with Joey Federico and asked him where the name came from and how the ice cream business is throughout the year.

Stoughton

M & G's Pizza has real Italian style pizza, burgers, sandwiches and deli. The local eatery opened March 29 at the former Main Street Pizza location. While owner Eric Plamer has been in the restaurant business for many years, this is his first privately owned restaurant. 

Sharon resident Neil Morris opened his catering business NRM Catering/A Perfect Taste in 2001 in Newton and then relocated to Stoughton in 2007 when he needed a larger space. The business expanded again a few weeks ago with a retail store in Stoughton that features cupcakes, gourmet popcorn, bark, pastries, specialty cakes, celebration cakes and sculpted cakes. The business also features a selection of homemade soups.

Sharon

Sharon Business Spotlight: French Memories Bakery

Sharon bakery French Memories is located right in Sharon Center, and features a generous selection of bakery items such as french pastries, breads and has a lunch menu that features specialty soups and sandwiches. Sharon Patch spoke with Tess Odier, the daughter of Philippe and Debra, and asked about life growing up in a bakery.

Norwood

Business Q&A With Jake n Joe's Sports Grille

Jake n Joe's Sports Grille opened its doors in 2010, and has established itself as the place to go to watch your favorite sports teams on television. The menu features American burgers, pizza and sandwiches along with daily specials. Televisions line the bar and your favorite sports photographs and memorabilia line the walls.

The Olde Colonial Restaurant

The Olde Colonial Restaurant is a landmark in downtown Norwood. The beautiful structure of the building was once home to the Norwood Fire Department. Owners Paul and Martha Angelo have owned and operated the restaurant for more than 40 years.

Mug 'N Muffin Restaurant

The Mug 'N Muffin Restaurant in Norwood offers more than just muffins. Owner David Monahan arrives at 6 a.m. to go over the days selections with his cooks. Norwood Patch sat down with Stephen Paste, a Norwood resident who has been cooking for the Mug 'N Muffin for seven years.

Dedham

The Paradise Cafe in Dedham Square is the perfect destination for live music, good food and spirits. Every Friday and Saturday night, the local eatery features a different band performing a wide range of music, from blues to soul, as well as jazz and rock. Patrons can sit back and lounge on the comfortable couches in front of a gas fireplace while enjoying your glass of wine or featured brews.

Business Spotlight: Bamboo Restaurant

The Bamboo Restaurant is known for fine Asian cuisine and a large sushi bar. Dedham Patch sat down with manager George Leung to find out what makes this restaurant different.

Through the Doors of Dedham's Summer Shack Restaurant

The Summer Shack is located at the entrance of Legacy Place in Dedham, and is the third location for Chef Jasper White, a world renowned Chef who has been featured on television cooking shows and is an author of four cookbooks, many of which have won awards. Dedham Patch sat down with White to discuss his restaurants, books and awards for his New England style seafood.

Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream

Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream in Dedham Square was voted the third best tasting ice cream in the world in a "The 10 Best of Everything." Patch sat down with Jay Covitz to find out what they have to offer in their two locations. The Dedham spot has a real ice cream parlor atmosphere and the larger business in Hyde Park includes a bowling alley, perfect for birthday parties.

Walpole

Walpole's Patriot Tavern A Historic Spot with an 'Intimate Atmosphere'

Michael Quinn has been working at the Partiot Tavern in Walpole for the last eight years, calling it a "great change." Quinn said the original manager moved on and he was able to take the job. He said the change from working in public relations and as a teacher was easy. The building itself is about 100 years old, and has one of the first liquor licenses handed out after prohibition in Massachusetts.

Clyde's Roadhouse Bar & Grill Serving the 2-Pound Burger in Walpole for 18 Years

Clyde's Road House Bar & Grill in Walpole is a kid and friendly family restaurant where customers can get great food and have great time eating it. Clyde's features a "Wall of Shame," which is for the customers who order the 2-pound burger but can't finish the whole thing. Then there's the "Wall of Fame" for those who are able to finish their burgers.

The Bristish Beer Company Makes for a Fantastic Night Life in Walpole

The British Beer Company, one of 13 BBCs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, provides an exciting night life off Route 1 in Walpole. Recently, the British Beer Company celebrated its 15th Anniversary as the company continues to grow. Locations to date include Falmouth, Sandwich, Hyannis, Cedarville, Walpole, Framingham; Bristol, R.I. and Manchester, N.H. A new location will soon be opening in Portsmouth, N.H.

Foxborough

Cupcake Charlie’s to Open Patriot Place Location on May 18

An award-winning gourmet cupcake bakery with locations in Cape Cod, Plymouth and Newport, R.I., Cupcake Charlie's, will open its third location at Patriot Place on Saturday, May 18. The Foxborough location will be Cupcake Charlie's fourth. The franchise also does business at The Mashpee Commons on Cape Cod, the Plymouth Waterfront in Plymouth and the Brick Market Place down in Newport, R.I.

CBS Scene at Patriot Place Named 'Sports Bar of the Year'

The Nightclub & Bar Media Group, a leading provider of information and resource for bars, nightclubs and lounges, has named CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar at Patriot Place its “2013 Sports Bar of the Year.” The 2013 Nightclub & Bar Awards were announced in February. The awards program is the “premier national nightlife-industry recognition program for applauding excellence in bar and nightclub concept development, operations, promotion, innovation and success.”

Mansfield

Asia Grill and Sushi Entering Third Year

Bobby Lau first started in the restaurant industry in Rhode Island more than 20 years ago, and now he’s still wearing multiple hats at the Asia Grill and Suishi in Mansfield. Lau said he first started working at the Bejing Garden, and started his own business in Mansfield about three years ago. Learn more about the local eatery on Mansfield Patch. 

Cousin's Pizza in Mansfield a Family Affair

Frank Mylonas started working at Cousin’s Pizza in 1981, and has been working there ever since. Mylonas said he first started making pizza when he was 16 working as a pizza marker for a moving carnival. 

What's New This Spring at Fresh Catch in Mansfield?

As the weather gets warmer, undoubtedly Mansfield residents will be interested in sitting down for some solid seafood. Luckily, one of Mansfield's most popular restaurants specializes in seafood.

So, what's new this spring at Fresh Catch? Owner Bill Sarro highlighted a new spring menu. After a long winter, he made the switch to new spring items in the middle of March. The menu is highlighted by stuffed cohogs, nachos with shrimp and lobster, Alaskan seafood chowder and lobster Cobb salad.

Norton

Norton House of Pizza Handing Down the Generations

Nick Anifantis’ father and uncle started the Norton House of Pizza more than 40 years ago, and now he’s getting ready to continue the tradition. Anifantis first started at the shop when he was 12, sweeping the floor and putting pizza boxes together. He first started cooking when he was 14.

Fiesta Restaurant Brings Mexico to Norton

The Ramirez family just opened their newest Fiesta location in Norton, and Zoel Ramirez says it’s a treat to share Mexican cuisine with the community for the first time. Fiesta now has three locations, including Somerset and East Bridgewater. 

Easton

Sophie's Pizza Place in Easton a True Family Business

Sophie Devaney said she and her family have been working on pizza since she was 13, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Devaney said she just wanted something with a quicker pace, and found it again at Sophie’s Pizza.


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