Tewksbury's Ken Mackey Opens Another Orange Leaf In Acton

Orange Leaf enjoying early success after opening earlier this month.

It's early Monday afternoon and a throng of Acton students scuttle inside this quaint Main Street shop. Their eyes quickly focus at the colorful back wall where eight dispensers featuring 16 mouth-watering flavors await them, along with nearly 40 delicious toppings to choose from. The students pay, grab a seat and gleefully chat while enjoying their frozen yogurt in front of a large hi-def TV. That's been a typical day for Ken Mackey, one of the co-owners of Orange Leaf which opened earlier this month on Main Street. "The first week was great," he said. "The day we opened there were four girls waiting at the door at 9 a.m. until we opened at 11 a.m. We had 10 kids come in right away and it was really nonstop until we closed at 10 p.m. Each…

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Business Profile: Best Pets Veterinary Hospital

A brand new veterinary hospital has opened for business on the Tewksbury/Wilmington border. Let's meet the owner.

Business Name:  Best Pets Veterinary Hospital Owner/Manager:  Heidi Tapscott DVM Business Address:  2600 Main St., Tewksbury MA 01876  (right on the Tewksbury/Wilmington border) Business Phone Number:  978-658-6500  Web Address:  www.bestpetsvet.com Number of Employees: 5 How Long Have You Been In Business:  Just 2 months since February 2013. What Is Your Experience/Business Background:  I received my BS with honors from Cornell University in Biology and then earned my Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.  I have practiced veterinary care for 23 years in many towns in Middlesex and Essex counties.  I have learned best practices and a gained a wealth and range of experience from six different veterinary …

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You Ask ... Patch Answers

What Happened To Family Treasure Chest?

A reader wants to know if the "mom and pop" consignment store has closed permanently.

Question: What happened with the Family Treasure Chest? I really liked that store and it looks like it closed down. What was the problem? Answer: Family Treasure Chest, owned by Tom and Lauren Siracusa, of Tewksbury, has not shut down but they have relocated. The store, which had been located at 1875 Main St., Tewksbury, moved in January to 362 Middlesex St., Wilmington. "It really was just a matter of rent," said Lauren Siracusa. "We got a really great deal and (the new address) is an excellent location." In addition to moving to a new location, Family Treasure Chest has also expanded its offerings, according to Siracusa. She said the store has expanded its selection of bought and sold video games and have now added bartering as a new …

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Business Spotlight: North End Diner and Pizzeria

This week we shine the Business Spotlight on a new local restaurant, North End Diner and Pizzeria, and owner Matt McLaughlin.

Business Name: North End Diner and Pizzeria Owner/Manager: Matthew and Nayana McLaughlin Business Address: 910 Andover Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876 Business Phone Number: 978-455-8946 Web Address: www.NorthEndDinerandPizzeria.com Number of Employees: 8 How Long Have You Been In Business: 10 months What Is Your Experience/Business Background? Various public and private positions. What Is Your Business Philosophy? To provide the freshest most unique product in a family environment. What Is Your Favorite Part Of Your Job? I enjoy recipe development and customer interaction. What Are The Biggest Challenges You Face? Drawing people to treat themselves to dining out in such difficult economic times. What Makes Your Business Unique In Your …

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Rotary Club Announces Annual Taste of the Town

Event is a chance to sample foods from the finest restaurants in Tewksbury.

Business Profile: Custom Iron Craft

This week we take a look at Custom Iron Craft and chat with owners Jonathan and Sherry Starkey.

Business Name: Custom Iron Craft Owner/Manager: Jonathan & Sherry Starkey Business Address: P.O. Box 612, Tewksbury Business Phone Number: 978-828-5781 Web Address: customironcraft.com Number of Employees: 4 How Long Have You Been In Business: 3 Years What Is Your Experience/Business Background: I have over 20 years of welding, fabricating and design experience in ornamental iron and welding. What Is Your Business Philosophy?: Each and every job is a reflection of ones self. What Is Your Favorite Part Of Your Job?: I enjoy seeing the finished product of what I have built, designed & installed. Then, to see the look on clients faces when they see it for the first time. It is a pretty special moment for me as well as self gratifying. What …

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What New Business Would You Like To See In Tewksbury In 2013

Tewksbury is experiencing an economic resurgence. What businesses would you like to see come to town this coming year to continue the trend.

2012 proved to be a good year for Tewksbury, economically speaking. From restaurants like Angelina's, Al Fresca and Orange Leaf to corporations like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Tewksbury welcomed several new businesses to town in the last 12 months. The question is -- will the trend continue in 2013. So we pose the question to you, our readers: What businesses (and what types of businesses) would you like to see open up in Tewksbury during 2013? And do you have faith that the economic uptick will continue? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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What Tewksbury Business Were You Sad to See Close in 2012?

During these economic times, businesses come and go all the time. Tell us which ones you were sad to see go in the comments section below.

Businesses come and businesses go, and 2012 was no different here in Tewksbury. As the year comes to a close, we want to ask you which business you will miss the most from 2012's closings, and which store would you miss the most if it were to close in 2013? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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News Nearby: New Cupcake Cafe in Andover, OUI Arrests in Wilmington

Each week we take a look at some the top news stories in neighboring Patch towns.

School Lunches Improve in North Reading School lunches are not what they used to be; they’re better.  As students file into the lunch line in the North Reading High School cafeteria they are finding more than just a hot or cold lunch option. Students are able to choose from a variety of healthier options including a made-to-order sandwich, and Director of Food Services Anna McGovern oversees the line reminding students to add a fruit or vegetable to their lunch tray. "No Left Turn" Signs Approved For Golden Cove Road The Chelmsford Board of Selectmen hope limiting traffic on the busy cut through between Route 110 and 129 will increase safety for residents in the area as they seek to prohibit all truck traffic down the road as well. Andover…

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Liz Cleaves Fulfilling Her Dream At Auntie Dog Training Studio

Business owner turns a passion into a career.

Let’s face it, almost everyone has a favorite Auntie. The auntie who is there is there through thick and thin, ready to help you no matter what the circumstances. The auntie that you can turn to for help even when you feel like no one else is there. For many local dogs and their families that Auntie is Liz Cleaves, owner of Auntie Dog Training Studio. A longtime local resident, Cleaves had been operating her business in Derry, NH when, in September 2011, she decided it was time to come back home to Tewksbury. “I am very glad to have the business back in Tewksbury,” Cleaves said. “I’ve always felt that if a town was good enough to live in, it was also good enough for your business.” For Cleaves, the road to Auntie Dog has been a long one …

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