Several new businesses are slated to open on and around Thayer Street in the next few months, promising an influx of restaurants and shops in previously empty storefronts.
Better Burger Company, at 215-217 Thayer St., is set to open during the first week of January, according to owner Andy Mitrelis, who also runs Cafe Paragon, Spats Restaurant & Pub, Andreas Restaurant and five other burger joints throughout New England.
Renovations on the consolidated space, which used to house Yang's and Morrison Office Supply, began last week, Mitrelis said, adding the space "is going to be gorgeous." The restaurant will offer wireless internet, stools in the front window and will serve burgers, sandwiches, pizza slices, tacos and falafel, he said.
"I know the business," he said. "You can only be successful if you know what customers want."
Though Thayer Street already has restaurants offering similar foods, Mitrelis said he is not concerned about the competition. "We'll complement each other," he said. "There's room for everyone to make a living."
Better Burger was originally scheduled to open this summer. But despite the delay, Mitrelis said he is excited to add another dining establishment to his Thayer collection. The strip "is becoming a place to go," he said.
Meanwhile, the corner storefront at 178 Angell St., which has been shuttered since the Italian cafe Roba Dolce was evicted Feb. 16 for four months of negligence in rental payments, will have a new tenant in the next few months, said property manager Kent Stetson '01.
Stetson, who answered the phone at the number listed on the "for rent" sign, said the space next door at 233 Thayer St., previously occupied by the sandwich shop Geoff's, will also soon have a new occupant, though he did not provide further details.
"Unfortunately, I can't release any information at this time," Stetson said. "It's such a high-traffic area, there's so many people, of course I've received interest."
The property at 183 Angell St., the former Planned Parenthood clinic, which Stetson also manages, will have a new tenant — a clothing and accessory store for men and women called Jac's, according to Stetson. The space should be occupied by next month, he said.
