Uncertain Future for Foxfield Plaza Business Owners, Taste of Easton, 45-Year-Old Pizza Recipe & More Business News

FOXBOROUGH

Uncertainty Looms Over Local Businesses as Development Rumors Swirl Around Foxfield Plaza

What is going on with the Foxfield Plaza?

Rumors have begun swirling around town of a new grocery store moving into the plaza near the Mansfield town line - the same location where Big Y was supposed to be developed before plans fell through - but nothing has been confirmed by town officials or the property's landlord, Harvey Smith.

Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos confirmed to Foxborough Patch last week there is a developer interested in buying the Foxfield Plaza but wouldn't say, per an agreement with the potential buyer, who the developers are or what the development will be.

"The developer wishes to remain anonymous as well as his plans," Paicos said in an e-mail last week.

Smith, who also owns Foxborough Furniture, said even though he's selling the place, Paicos is the man who knows exactly what’s going on.

“Apparently he knows what we don’t know,” Smith said. “I called him asking him what he knew and he couldn’t tell me. He’s the guy you got to talk to.”

Ken Gibbons, of Integrated Security, said it’s a wide open space as to what could happen.

“I don’t know what he wants to do,” he said. “I don’t know if he wants to sell it and tear it down, I mean they could build anything here.”

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WALPOLE

Double D's a Family Tradition in Walpole

Gary DeVincentis, owner of Double D’s Deli in Walpole, didn’t come out of the womb with a spatula, but there was probably one nearby.

“I definitely grew up with it,” he said.

DeVincentis said, with a chuckle, at the time he felt it wasn’t quite a passion, but he’s stuck with it and feels a true love for food.

“Well, I mean I was four, how are you supposed to have a passion at four?” he said. “It wasn’t a passion at the time, it was a necessity. I was the last of nine kids, and that’s what you did. You worked for the family. While other kids were playing outside, we were all working.”

DeVincentis said his father originally owned a breakfast place in Malden and he worked there for a long time. He then went to work with his older brother, who owned the 621 Tavern on the Malden/Revere line.

“You know my brother owned a restaurant for the last 30 years, so I’ve always been in the business,” he said.

But it was not wasted, DeVincentis said. He now runs and owns Double D’s Deli with his wife, Trish. He also was an opening partner at the Conrad’s in 2001.

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MANSFIELD

Linda's Cookies and Making the Home Business Thrive

Linda Fernando started her own home business in Mansfield Linda’s Cookies in earnest almost six years ago, and she says it’s her life’s passion.

“Baking is one of those things I’ve always loved to do,” she said. “Ever since I was a little kid, I’d go bake when I was happy, when I was sad, anything. I always went to baking.”

Fernando, a graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in New York, first started baking in the city. She opened up her own successful home shop there, but decided to come back to Massachusetts.

“My goal was to come back and open a bakery on Cape Cod,” she said. “I moved back here, and you know, life takes funny turns. I ended up meeting my husband starting a family.”

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EASTON

Easton's Restaurants and Businesses Showcased in Sixth Annual Taste of Easton

Business owners, restaurateurs, chefs, and residents gathered at Stonehill College Tuesday night for the sixth annual Taste of Easton conducted by the Chamber of Commerce.

In total, 46 local businesses showcased the best they had to offer. Twenty-five exhibitors and sponsors joined the festivities, and 21 restaurants provided samples and munchies. The Oliver Ames jazz band provided entertainment for the night and a percentage of proceeds from the event benefited the Easton Food Pantry.

This year, the Stoneforge Grille was named as the best dish winner for its sirloin steak courtesy of chef Vasilios Papas. The 'Forge has come close to winning before, including last year when it was a runner-up to Maguire's Bar and Grille.

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NORWOOD

Local Restaurant Sending Get Well Banners to Joe Sharkey

The Lunch Box Deli, 859 Boston Providence Hwy. in Norwood, is inviting the community to write warm wishes and send their prayers for the recovery of Norwood resident Joseph Sharkey.

Sharkey is a student at Brown University and is currently in the hospital recovering from a head injury.  On May 13  Sharkey was speaking with a group of people when suddenly a man walked up to him and punched him in the head, causing severe injuries.

Beth Saccone is the owner of the Lunch Box Deli and knows the Sharkey family.

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NORTON

Mike’s Famous Pizza Spans a Recipe Over 45 Years

Charlie Kampamelas first bought Mike’s Famous Pizza in Norton 15 years ago, and when he got there he changed everything but the pizza.

“The people before me were making pizza for 35 years, so I figured it must good,” he said.

The original owner, who was named Mike, first opened up shop in Norton in 1968.

Kampamelas came over to the U.S. from Greece, and started as a dishwasher. In 1980 he bought his first restaurant in Stoughton called the Sherwood Restaurant. In 1998, his friend told him that Mike was retiring and looking to sell.