Two local employers are changing hands

By Greg Reibman

11/5/2024

Good morning,

There’s only one thing you must know today: Polls in Massachusetts close at 8 p.m. tonight.

I’m choosing to be optimistic. How about you?

The chamber recommends voting “No” vote on Question 2 (Eliminating MCAS as a graduation requirement) and “No” on Question 5. (Eliminating the tipped wage).

No matter how things turn out, or when we know the results, the Watertown Free Library is offering two Election Anxiety Meditation Sessions sessions tomorrow.

“No politics, just relaxation and wellness,” promise organizers.

Here’s what else you should know today:

Roche family is selling Roche Bros.

Seventy-two years after the Roche family opened a meat market that grew into a Massachusetts supermarket chain, the family is selling a controlling interest in the company to a longtime supplier in Connecticut, WCVB reports.

Fifty-one percent of company stock will be transferred to Michael Bozzuto, owner of Connecticut-based food wholesaler Bozzuto’s.

However the Roche family says “day-to-day operations will remain unchanged," with the current leadership team, Rick and Caitlin Roche, continuing to run the operation.

“After many wonderful years as a family-owned business, this partnership will allow us to reinforce our stability, ensure quality and continue our positive impact in the community.”

Pat and Bud Roche opened the first Roche Bros. store, a meat and produce shop, in Roslindale in 1952.

They opened their very first supermarket, in Needham, in 1966.

The company now operates 20 Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, and Brothers Marketplace stores, including two in Needham, plus stores in Wellesley and Watertown.

Newton tech company acquired by British firm

Also changing ownership is the Newton-based restaurant-tech company Paytronix.

The Nonantum company was formed in 2001 to provide loyalty and gift card programs to restaurants and convenience stores.

The company employs about 250 people, mostly at its Bridge Street headquarters. Its software is deployed across 40,000-plus restaurant and retail sites, including big chains such as Panera, Qdoba, and Five Guys, the Globe’s Jon Chesto reports.

Paytronix has been acquired by Access Group, a provider of business management software based in the United Kingdom,

The company said it does not expect any cuts to Paytronix’s workforce.

Tuesday grab bag

Massachusetts Veterans Hire Tax Credit is increasing to $2,500. Check the state's website to see if your business could qualify.
The wonderful Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro in Auburndale is closing after 14 years, with owners Mario Boccabella and Anthony Vega writing that they could not come to terms on a lease renewal. There’s a GoFundMe page to help close outstanding invoices
CBS News Boston talked to folks who don’t like the new lane configurations in Newtonville. What do you think?
Even before any of the new apartments or retail shops open at the Northland project on Needham Street in Newton, the developer plans to open a community splash park along the Upper Falls Greenway. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller hosts a groundbreaking for the park on Thursday (Nov.7) at 10 a.m.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has launched a new webpage dedicated to providing information on Accessory Dwelling Units, a central piece of the recently signed Affordable Homes Act. It includes information on what communities can and can not do when it comes to managing the development of ADUs.
The Swellesely Report says another bike shop may be headed to the Church Square location that had been occupied by Papa Wheelies.
Plazita Mexico Tacos is moving into the space on Main Street in Watertown that had been home to the Spot Cafe. (BostonRestaurant Talk)
Join Labor Secretary Lauren Jones and Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh for a morning of networking, breakfast, and a panel discussion on strengthening caregiver support for employers and employees, Thursday (Nov. 7) 8:30 a.m. RSVP.
Watertown's Public Arts & Culture Committee has announced the 2025-26 Community Sculpture Walk, with applications open until Nov. 10. Selected artists will receive $2,500 for a two-year loan of their artwork. Learn more

Here’s something to look for after this election

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller says she will announce after this election if she’ll seek a third term next fall.

City Council President Marc Laredo already has eyes on the office across the hall from the council chambers.

Others are likely to jump in too, especially if Fuller doesn’t run again.

Local leaders on 100 top-women exec list

The Boston Globe’s just published its 2024 list of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts and it includes several local leaders.

Recipients include Amy Schectman and Liz Heyer from 2life Communities; Ellen Moloney from Newton Wellesley Hospital; Gilda A. Barabino from Olin College; Lisa B. Wexler from Elaine Construction Co.; Nancy Huntington Stager from Eastern Bank Foundation; and Paula A. Johnson from Wellesley College

The 100 companies represented a total revenue and operating budget of $124 billion, almost a 50% increase over prior year.

We held a chamber event and a 450-person rock-paper-scissors tournament broke out

Finally this morning, when we started planning for last week’s Fall Business Breakfast earlier this year we were aware it was taking place four days before the national election.

We knew we couldn’t ignore it. We knew many attendees would feel stressed. But we also knew this wasn’t the moment for an overtly political event either.

Ultimately we were fortunate enough to line up the exact right presenter, Steve Gross from the Life is Good Playmaker project.

Let’s just say Gross had a unique way of framing how leaders, how we all, should respond during this anxious moment in our history.

Which, naturally, meant Gross started by getting everyone out of their seats for a 450-person rock-paper-scissors tournament.

Ultimately he tied the contest into a compelling, laugh-out-loud, and fulfilling presentation. If you missed it, watch it sometime between now and when the results come in tonight.

Here’s two added highlights from Friday, courtesy of our friends at NewTV: