Worcester Public Market Reopens With Coronavirus Safeguards

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Public Market is reopening after a nearly three-month coronavirus hiatus, but it won't be a return to normal right away.

The market opened to much fanfare in early February, but the pandemic was lurking just around the corner. The market had to close down in mid-March with a target date of reopening in early April, but the pandemic didn't peak in the area until May.

When the market reopens (officially at 11 a.m. Thursday), only 80 patrons will be allowed inside at a time. Shoppers will find handwashing stations and sanitizer throughout. Vendors will be wearing masks and gloves, and shoppers will be required to wear masks too. Restrooms will be limited to two people at a time.

The market will also operate with reduced hours — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.

The market's centerpiece Wachusett Brewing Company taproom will be open and serving diners and drinkers from an outdoor space along Harding Street. There will also be several new vendors available, including George’s Middle Eastern Bakery, Sabrosa Venzeula, Akra African Fusion Cuisine, and the dog store Crate and Howl.

The Worcester restaurant scene as a whole is in the middle of reopening. The city is fast-tracking outdoor dining permits, and had already approved 44 as of June 12. Fourteen more are on the agenda for Friday's Board of Licensing meeting:

• Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435, 267 Providence St.
• 110 Grill, 123 Front St.
• Route 12 Café, 580 West Boylston St.
• The Broadway, 100 Water St.
• The Woo Bar & Grill, 358 Shrewsbury St.
• Leo’s Ristorante, 11 Leo Turo Way
• BirchTree Bread Company, 138 Green St.
• Dino's Restaurant, 13 Lord St.
• Mai Tai Sushi and Bar, 69 Green St.
• Chestnut Café, 10 Chestnut St.
• Boulevard Diner, 155 Shrewsbury St.
• Patsie Dugans, 49 Millbury St.
• Wholly Cannoli, 490 Grafton St.
• Smokestack Urban Barbecue, 139 Green St.