REJEN Architects’ Post

Taunton's 2025 Focus coming January 5....... be a part of it. We will be putting a list of things of Taunton economic development priorities in 2025 to post on January 5, not a wish list per se but more of a reality list. Things that we can help make happen in the city during the year whether its housing, a particular restaurant or other businesses that would fit well in Taunton. Things that will help make Taunton a better place to live and work. But I want to hear from all of you before I publish the list. You've got 10 days to either comment here or email me at jpateakos@taunton-ma.gov with Taunton 2025 Focus in the heading. You can bet one of my focuses will be on the restaurant development below, 12 Taunton Green. But they'll be much more than that. What do you want to see in Taunton? A particular fast food joint, a bowling parlor, Laser Tag? Let me know, no matter what it is. Requests like Arby's, that doesn't have a single location in Massachusetts would be a tough one so try to make it attainable if you can. Others like Five Guys (which we are already working on) would be a good, doable example. I'll post some of your best suggestions along with my own as we are all a team here in Taunton.. We want to hear from the people who will be visiting these restaurants or stores. Whittenton needs a convenience store right? Things like that... You are what helped create my job so let us know what you want to see in Taunton. Comment below or email me at jpateakos@taunton-ma.gov up until Jan. 5 at 9 a.m.

The closure of City Club Raleigh after 45 years marks the end of an era for private and social dining clubs in downtown - it is happening all across America. While COVID played a role in business challenges, the broader decline of private dining clubs stems from various factors. The rise of for-profit restaurants in downtowns has reduced the demand for exclusive dining venues like private clubs. Keeping up with innovative dining entrepreneurs, including The James Beard Foundation winners, poses a significant challenge for traditional clubs that require periodic refreshing, demanding substantial investments. Moreover, the reputation and negative perception of discrimination have plagued many private dining clubs, contributing to their decline. Fortunately, City Club of Raleigh has been free of the discrimination issues. Transitioning from this setback, the City Club's space will now be occupied by the growth-focused law firm Smith Anderson, symbolizing a move forward for Downtown Raleigh. Raleigh's proactive efforts in reinvigorating the Fayetteville Street District post-COVID reflect a promising future. Source: [WRAL](https://lnkd.in/eKaATQj3) Highwoods Properties Downtown Raleigh Alliance Avison Young | US Capital Markets WRAL #PrivateDining #UrbanRevitalization #DowntownRaleigh #PostCovidLife #Investments #FayettevilleStreetDistrict #DiningClubs #RestaurantIndustry

🚨FOOD INDUSTRY NEWS🚨 Squatters who have occupied a Gordon Ramsay pub in central London (Camden) want to open the Grade II-listed building to people who could "previously not afford to visit". One representative noted that "Camden is a borough with one of the biggest wealth disparities in London, so it seems only fitting that £13m properties that most locals would never be able to afford to visit should be opened up to all." 🍺 #gordonramsay #pub #squatters #foodindustry #newsletter

Turning Tragedy into Triumph: A Marketing Masterclass by Mezcalito As a native of the area, I have been thrilled to watch Downtown Durham's revitalization. One of my favorite restaurants in the area is Mezcalito. Recently, Mezcalito's faced a devastating setback. Their beloved restaurant was struck by a car, causing significant damage. Rather than succumbing to despair, the Mezcalito team took a bold step—they used this unfortunate event as a unique marketing opportunity. The "Wreck": A Beverage Born from Resilience They created a signature cocktail called "The Wreck," a refreshing and vibrant drink that embodied the spirit of rebuilding and moving forward. This clever twist not only garnered local attention and support, but also showcased their ability to adapt and innovate. Lessons Learned: Mezcalito's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of: 💚 Resilience: Even in the face of hardship, there's always an opportunity to bounce back. 💚 Creativity: Thinking outside the box can lead to unexpected solutions and positive outcomes. 💚 Community: Leveraging local support can be a powerful tool for recovery. #CreativeSolutions #CommunitySupport #MarketingInspiration #LocalBusinesses #SocialMediaMarketing

"New City Program Aids in Reopening of Seattle Restaurant" Read the full article below..

The Cow & Sow has rapidly established itself as a standout in hospitality, with its recent success in Birmingham highlighting what can be achieved with the right support. Backed by a £100,000 SME Grant from the West Midlands Combined Authority and delivered by Business Growth West Midlands, the restaurant has invested in cutting-edge kitchen equipment and furniture, bringing their award-winning steakhouse experience to life. We caught up with Charlotte Bowden, Account Manager BGWM and Mark Warburton, CEO and Founder of Cow & Sow | B Corp™ to hear how tailored support is helping them thrive.

Food Halls and Street Markets are where it's at 🤯 TLDR: 1. 36% growth in food hall space in just 6 months (with more to come) 2. Investor interest is at an all time high 3. Food halls are key to urban city revitalisation, leveraging unused spaces into vibrant community hubs. Article and full report in the comments 👇 #Foodhalls #multivendor #nextphase

Creating Meaningful Traditions: Lessons from Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire As 2025 approaches, I’ve been remembering the quirky yet deeply meaningful traditions that bring us together. One of my favorites? The annual cheese rolling event on Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire—a stone’s throw from where I used to live in the UK. Picture this: competitors chasing a 9lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep, uneven hill. It’s wacky, chaotic, and a little dangerous, yet it brings people together for laughter, fitness, and connection. What may look like sheer madness to an outsider is, at its heart, a celebration of tradition, resilience, and community. While we might not all want to tumble down a hill in pursuit of a wheel of cheese, the sentiment behind it offers something to leaders and teams: 1. Create rituals that matter. Whether it’s a daily check-in, a celebratory gathering, or an offbeat team-building tradition, meaningful rituals foster connection and joy. 2. Lean into shared experiences. Much like the cheese chasers, we thrive when we step into something bigger than ourselves—be it meeting new people, trying something new, or honoring those who’ve come before us. 3. Support each other through the tumble. Life, like cheese rolling, isn’t always smooth. Our traditions and connections help us stay upright—or help us laugh when we fall. As we close out this year, I want to thank my clients, colleagues, and friends —dedicated public servants, nonprofit leaders, and private-sector professionals— for your trust and commitment. You model caring, perseverance, curiosity, and willingness to embrace change. Here’s to a 2025 filled with unique traditions, shared laughter, and the occasional tumble that leads to something extraordinary. #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #OrganizationalHealth #Resilience #PublicService #NonprofitLeadership #MeaningfulRituals #CommunityConnection #Collaboration #WorkplaceTraditions #Innovation #Curiosity #ProfessionalGrowth #ResilienceBuilding #Gratitude #2025Goals What traditions or rituals have helped your team connect, stay grounded, or thrive? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

U.S. cities should plan their downtowns for their residents, not to make it easier for suburbanites to drive there. For decades, downtown streets have prioritized easy car access. It’s time they look more like walkable main streets and neighborhood streets