Is Massachusetts Bad for Business?

Results from a recent executive survey ranked Massachusetts 47th for business.

A CEO magazine ranks Massachusetts as one of the worst states in the nation for business. Chief Executive Magazine ranked Massachusetts 47th based on a survey of corporate leaders. Survey respondents reported the Bay State is one of the worst for taxation and regulation. The state Republican Party is pointing to the survey and saying that Gov. Deval Patrick and the Democratic-led Legislature are bad for the economy and business. What do you think about Massachusetts’ business climate? Is this a good state in which to do business?

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Steve Marino

3:30 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The may be the biggest story since watergate, and the New York Times had this story on page 10!   more ›

North Shore Food Buzz: DeFusco Bakery Closes

A round up of North Shore restaurant and food news.

When you're looking for a night out and a break from cooking, you might want to know what's new not only where you live, but also in other North Shore communities. Here's our round up of the area's latest food news: Several North Shore Patch editors visited the Yelp sites for their communities and pulled together the top restaurants according to the anonymous, crowd-sourced review site. Take a look at the post for your community and see if you agree with the Yelp masses: North Andover (Top restaurant: Sultan Mediterranean Cafe) Beverly (Top restaurant: Nick's Roast Beef) Danvers (Top restaurant: Nine Elm American Bistro) Marblehead (Top restaurant: 5 Corners Kitchen) Peabody (Top restaurant: The Little Depot Diner) Salem (Top restaurant: …

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North Shore Food Buzz: Andover Pizza Shop Touts 'Fried Heaven,' Hawk Swoops Into Whole Foods

A round up of North Shore restaurant and food news.

When you're looking for a night out and a break from cooking, you might want to know what's new not just where you live, but in other nearby North Shore communities. Here's our round up of the latest food news in the area: Pizza Connection, which just opened on Park Street, doesn't just offer hand-tossed pies. Their "Fried Heaven" plate combines fried chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, fries and sauce. The new managing partners at the Wild Horse Cafe, which reopened Wednesday and boasts a martini bar and 26 beer taps, promise not to tamper with the nachos as they mull spring renovations. Of course, 2012 also saw lots of restaurants open. In Peabody, that included the long-awaited outpost of Red's Sandwich Shop in Salem — Red's Kitchen and…

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Death of the Ding-Dong, Twinkie, Wonder Bread: Hostess to Close

Reports are that Hostess is starting to close down after a labor dispute. End of a beloved era, or good riddance to junk food heaven?

Twinkies. Hostess Cupcakes. Wonder Bread. Ding-dongs. They will be gone forever, with reports that Hostess Brands, Inc., said Friday that it will sell off or close down its 82-year old business. Done in, the CEO claims, by labor union action. Hostess filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The company has been challenged by not only by snarly labor relations, and a national strike by its second-largest labor union, but also, posits the Wall Street Journal, by consumers switching to healthier foods and high ingredient costs.  One caveat: The Journal says that Hostess has threatened liquidation before, and not followed through. The move puts 18,500 workers out of their jobs, CNN reports. What do you think about this end to a …

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Mari

12:30 am on Saturday, December 1, 2012

Oh shut up, people choose because we still have a right to eat whatever we want. I eat a din-dong once a year. So what are you the food police. You people better get it in you head straight that we are in charge of food not the government cronies wife preaching what to eat. Self responsibility. BREAD IS A STAPLE!   more ›

The Andovers A La Carte

Andovers A La Cart: Masterful Meats

Check out two local locations offering sizzling and succulent meats.

Cooking meat can be an art. Marinating, heating and timing are all aspects of cooking meat that make the process more difficult than other kitchen tasks. This is why many of us opt to leave it to the pros when the craving for a great steak or some juicy tips arises. Luckily, the Merrimack Valley is home to a couple of places that grill, bake, and fry their meat to perfection. On The Bone, located at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover, has one of the largest selections of tender and juicy meats around. The Churrascos are a favorite dish consisting of skewered meats cooked with a Latin style. Skirt steak, tenderloin of beef, spicy chorizo sausage, and braised pork carnitas are all part of the party. “I think that all of the meats complement each …

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Music This Weekend: Rock City

Rock City, a local quintet, will perform at TJ Callahan's on Saturday.

This weekend, TJ Callahan's Pub in Tewksbury will host a pair of performances. Tonight, One & Done, the self proclaimed "Keepers of Classic Rock", will take the stage. Rock City will take the stage on Saturday night. Some of the band's most popular songs come from the catalogues of Lady Gaga, Van Halen, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and more. Also this weekend, you will find a pair of bands performing at Palmer's in Andover. The Great American Tavern and Andolini's will also be loud and proud throughout the weekend. Other Live Music This Weekend: Palmer's Restaurant & Tavern, 18 Elm St., Andover Fri., Feb. 3 - Split Risk Band Sat., Feb. 4 - The Flip Band Great American Tavern, 303 Main St., North Reading Fri., Feb. 3  - Mirage Sat., Feb. 4…

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Moor & Mountain to Say Farewell at the Month's End

Co-owner Alan French cites age and the Internet as reasons for voluntarily closing the business down.

After 45 years of running the Moor & Mountain outdoor supply store, owners Al French and Burt Batcheller are voluntarily closing up shop and retiring. “The business has been very good to me,” said French. On January 30, the duo is expected to close their doors officially. “Alan French and Burt Batcheller represent an almost unfathomable wealth of local and global outdoor knowledge and passion - and are always more than willing to share it all,” said David Bunting of the Andover Trails Committee. “It's a store where I know that anytime I stop by, I'll be able to engage in conversation about many issues close to my heart - the trails of Andover, the Shawsheen River, the Bay Circuit Trail and more,” he continued. French, 79, cited many …

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Five Types of Businesses Open on Christmas

It is hard to find businesses that are open on Christmas, especially in Andover. So AndoverPatch compiled a list five different categories of businesses open on Christmas.

Chistmas is a time of relaxation for many but some are still working to provide the basic services during the holidays. Multiple businesses are open in Andover, including coffee shops, Asian restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations and hotel restaurants. 1. Coffee Shops - Starbucks - What would we do without our fix?  Starbucks is open until 6 on Christmas eve, then 6 a.m - 6 p.m. on Christmas Day. Dunkin' Donuts - How could they not be open if their rival is. They are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 2. Andover's Asian restaurants, Peking Garden, Teatone (Chinese) and Mootone (Japenese), are all open. 3. Convenience Stores - Richdale on Railroad Street is open, while Andover Spa is not. If you need prescriptions or sundries, look no …

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