Hospitality

A new trend is brewing in the craft beer world, and it’s one without a buzz.

Lawmakers who want to make it easier for home cooks to sell foods like jam, bread, cookies and pickled vegetables said the state's current system regulating these so-called "cottage foods" is overly burdensome for many would-be entrepreneurs.

Hospitality-related industries are projected to experience more growth than any other sector in Central Massachusetts between 2020 and 2022.

MJ’s Market, an adult-use cannabis shop in Grafton, officially opened its doors to the public on Oct. 19, and celebrated a grand opening on Friday.

Massachusetts-based, vertically integrated cannabis company Local Roots opened an adult-use dispensary in Marlborough last week, with plans for a ribbon cutting and grand opening this Friday and Saturday, the company announced on Wednesday.

Sean Smith, owner of 873 Cafe Tavern in Ashby, has received a $75,000 loan through the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.

The Dive Bar at 34 Green St. in Worcester, which closed in 2019 after 25 years, is planned to be replaced by a new bar owned by one of the owners of deadhorse hill on Main Street.

In a world of COVID-reduced expectations, the Worcester Red Sox were pleased with the home attendance in their inaugural season at Polar Park, although the baseball team wants to increase that for its second season.

Adult-use cannabis retailers in Massachusetts amassed more than $2 billion in lifetime sales by the end of August this year, signaling an eager, and likely growing, consumer base.

The restaurant scene in and around Worcester is growing.