Newton Highlands merchants and residents will tell you that their village has suffered since Bakers’ Best closed, two years ago this week.
Although a number of potential owners have looked at the location, two well-informed sources say Rox Diner, operator of the popular Newtonville and West Roxbury restaurants, is pursuing opening at the former Bakers’ site on Lincoln Street.
That would be wonderful!
I’d love it. I’m a fan of the Rox Diner and live nearby.
I love Rox Diner. Ate breakfast there today. So, at first blush this Highlands location seems cool. But I really gotta wonder… If Baker’s Best struggled in that space, how is the Rox gonna make it?
Baker’s Best started to struggle when their quality stopped matching their prices.
The only thing I know about Bakers Best is that I was outraged at the prices my wife paid for that food. They had a lotta nerve.
I think it is a wonderful idea.
I miss Baker’s Best. I used to walk there all the time. And then their service just dropped. I stopped going. I miss the food, but I found that the service was not what it had always been.
Great news!
Very, very happy to see this news. We’ve needed another anchor in that space in the Highlands, and Rox would be a great complement to the other businesses and restaurants already in the Village.
Keep an eye on this as they go for permits and parking. It might help to have a general show of public support.
This is great news.
@Chris – do you have any suggestions on how to show that general support? I think this is a very good idea, but what else can we do to emphasize support? Especially considering this is, as of yet, based on “sources”?
If Village14 lets us know when hearings are, I’m sure we can drum up supporters to attend.
…. and organize the march
What do we want? BREAKFAST!!!
When do we want it? NOW !!!!!
I nominate Jerry Reilly to head the Committee to bring Rox Diner to Newton Highlands
I just emailed the Rox Diner folks and encouraged them to join this thread.
@David – Various forms of support, but all have to wait until we see something “real” (as opposed to “sources”). Things like letter of support from the area council as well as local folks showing up when the restaurant comes before land use for their inevitable parking waiver
That, and people like @Jerry posting here about breakfast, when we want it, etc…
Regarding Baker’s Best, I think the larger reason they exited the retail side of things is that their catering business was expanding and more profitable than the storefront.
In other news, Lam’s in Newtonville is closing because the rent is too damned high.
So sad. I hate seeing successful local businesses forced out by huge rent increases. Bad for the businesses and bad for the communities.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.
Should everything line up just right, I hope I’ll have an announcement for you soon.
Have a wonderful holiday season and thank you to Jerry Reilly for reaching out.
Warmly,
John Fortin
(ps. I’m thinking about legally changing my name to the handle I chose here. Thoughts?)
… or maybe Jack Dinerman
Bakers’ Best closed one year ago, not two.