Square Business
As Pandemic Pressures Mount, Businesses Bid Harvard Square Goodbye
After more than three months since the initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Cambridge, many local businesses have struggled to stay open, with a few even closing their doors permanently.
Cambridge Small Businesses Face Increasing Economic Pressures During Reopening
As many Massachusetts retailers, hair salons, and diners reopen, Cambridge business owners say the pandemic has forced them to reimagine how they operate.
Central Barber Shop’s Fred Iannacone Dies at 78
Longtime barber Alfred J. “Fred” Iannacone Jr. — a familiar presence at Cambridge’s Central Barber Shop — died of COVID-19 on April 20 at the age of 78.
Tenants Grapple with High Rents and Local Turnover at Asana-Owned Properties
When the real estate firm Asana Partners arrived in Harvard Square in 2017, it did so with a simple message to the community: It wouldn’t be changing much.
City Announces $3.6 Million in Small Business Relief Programs
The City of Cambridge and Cambridge Redevelopment Authority will provide $3.6 million to assist small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the city announced Tuesday.
Cambridge Mayor Siddiqui Talks COVID-19 Response at Fast Forum
Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui spoke about the challenges of leading through a crisis — as well as the “supportive” response of the City of Cambridge — in a virtual forum at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics Thursday.
Cambridge Forms Committee to Advise Business Reopening
The City of Cambridge announced Thursday that a Small Business Advisory Committee will advise city policymakers on how the city can safely reopen businesses forced to close amid the coronavirus pandemic.
More Than 500 Local Restaurants Sign Letter to Governor Baker for Emergency Relief
More than 500 Greater Boston area restaurateurs have signed onto a letter to Massachusetts Governor Charlie D. Baker ’79 requesting emergency relief for restaurants whose profits are suffering amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Harvard Book Store Moves Sales, Events Online
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Harvard Book Store — an independent bookseller and Cambridge landmark founded in 1932 — has moved all book talks, events, and sales to virtual platforms.
Harvard Square Businesses Engage Customers with Virtual Programming Amid Pandemic
As non-essential establishments in Massachusetts shut their doors in compliance with Governor Charlie D. Baker ’79’s stay-at-home advisory, several Harvard Square businesses and organizations are offering virtual programming to engage locals.
‘The Great Unknown’: Cambridge Non-Essential Businesses Forced to Close
As restaurants, grocery stores, and other essential establishments continue to operate around Harvard Square, salons and other non-essential businesses have shuttered, provoking deep uncertainty for store owners who face the possibility of months without revenue.
Cambridge Barber Shop
Central Barber Shop is located on Mass Ave. and is often frequented by Harvard Law School students due to its proximity to the Law School.
New Owner Takes Over at Former Louie’s Superette Site
Ravi Patel has taken over the popular convenience store Louie’s Superette after purchasing it from longtime proprietor Cheng-San Chen.
Square Businesses Brace for Impact As Harvard Students Prepare to Move Out
Harvard Square businesses are preparing for an economic hit as University students — who make up a significant portion of the area clientele — are set to leave campus indefinitely due to the global coronavirus outbreak.
Loss of Square Business
Many business in Harvard Square expect that they will be affected students leaving campus halfway through the semester.
Ray-Ban Provides Shade in Harvard Square
Ray-Ban, a luxury sunglasses retailer, opened a Harvard Square branch in September, the first standalone Ray-Ban store to open in Massachusetts.
Topdrawer
Topdrawer, a family-owned Japanese-American store for everyday accessories, is opening this spring in the Square in the space previously occupied by Black Ink.
Topdrawer Will Slide Open in Harvard Square
Topdrawer — a lifestyle accessory store geared toward “creative nomads” — is set to open in Harvard Square in April.
Cambridge City Council Discusses Harvard Square Zoning Proposal at Special Meeting
The Cambridge City Council Ordinance Committee convened a special meeting Tuesday to push forward a zoning amendment that attempts to support and increase the number of local businesses within Harvard Square.
Vegan Chain Metes Out Brand Ambassadorships
Harvard Square vegan restaurant Veggie Grill recruited Harvard “brand ambassadors” to promote its products to College affiliates in anticipation of its fall 2019 opening.
Veggie Grill Building
Veggie Grill is a vegetarian restaurant chain based in California, which seeks to bring a new take on comfort food to Harvard Square.
Boba Bubbles Up in Harvard Square with Kung Fu Tea Opening
Kung Fu Tea — a bubble tea chain with locations in the United States, Australia, Taiwan, Cambodia, Japan, and Canada — opened at 1160 Massachusetts Avenue, filling a space previously occupied by Salt & Olive.
Harvard Square Papyrus Folds Following Stationary Sales
Papyrus, a stationery store on John F. Kennedy Street in Harvard Square, will permanently shutter its doors.