Bravo for Boloco

The boys at Boloco continue to impress me with their customer response! After my last post, I received an email from the CEO. In a nutshell, he said that the company has taken a look at Dudley Square before and is interested in the area. The square presents some challenges, but if any potential retail locations were to open, he suggested that I send a note. I don't have enough experience in the restaurant business to know what size or kind of space would be appropriate. However, if anyone reading this does, feel free to send me a message and I will forward responses.

Let's bring burritos - and other types of eateries - to the people! Neighbors, we are responsible for the development of our community. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a JP Licks down Dudley, too. FYI, these are local companies. As we develop the heart of Boston, let's be sure to support Boston-based businesses.

One final tangential thought: why not have a one day food fair in Dudley with samples of Boloco burritos, JP Licks ice cream, Upper Crust pizza, and food from other local eateries? Although it falls very short of opening retail locations in the square, at least it would be an introduction to the community and demonstrate an openness in reaching out to a new market. I'm just sayin'.

Comments

[Amber]

I absolutely love the idea of a Food Fair! What a fantastic idea!!! Who do we need to persuade, organize and sign the permits! Why is it that NYC can have cool food trucks!?

[dave]

why do you want chains? I would much rather have original mom and pop shops.

[3D]

Dave, I want businesses which are capitalized enough to be able to open a new location and stay viable in this economy. I supported Darryl Settles' idea for a restaurant on Fort Hill, too. He's hardly a "mom and pop" shop in the usual sense of the term, but he brings originality AND money.

If a mom and pop shop with capital is ready to commit, I'd support that as well. I know a handful of people in Roxbury who have talked about opening a small business, but they're skittish despite my support. If Dudley Square had a mix of chain and independent stores, my feeling is that that would help both sides by providing a mix of stability and originality.

I mentioned in the post that the businesses I'm advocating for are homegrown, not national chains. I think there's a substantial difference in the commitment level local businesses make when compared to national ones.

[Can-Can]

There used to be a lot of small restaurants in Dudley Square. And there are a few that were that more recently - Dudley Soul Food among them that didn't last but always seemed to have patrons. Even Bob-the-Chef's had a take-out in the staiton for a few months.
One of the things I never got done at ACT Roxbury was a Taste of Roxbury event. We'd also hoped to have a restaurant in the storefront at Hibernian Hall but that didn't work out. The more restaurants there are the better business there is for everyone. There used to be a bakery in Dudley as well. I know that Tropical Market wanted to build a new store that would have hot foods in it but the city and they couldn't agree on the location of the building on the property.

I think your idea of a food fair is great. I haven't been "down Dudley" in a while so I don't know what store front are currently vacant. Is there any space in the Dartmouth Hotel building vacant?

[Anali]

Love the idea of a food fair in Dudley! Great idea!