Some submissions were edited for length and clarity. Here are the local businesses readers have relied on during the pandemic. There are several locations, but one reader called out the 270 Franklin Village Drive spot and wrote, “Early and outstanding adaptation to limited-contact and contact-free pickup and delivery options, as well as supplemental grocery offerings.” Louis-headquartered cafe chain, Panera, was also named a favorite. Four months later, when I finally ventured out to shop on my own again, I found: a senior citizen shopping hour, a friendly outside greeter with hand sanitizer at the ready for you, clear directional arrows and waiting in line markers, a clear plastic shield and hand sanitizer at the cash register.” And the St. One reader wrote, “Back in March, the store assembled, for quick and easy no-guess shopping, end-of-aisle displays of critical supplies: Rice, beans, tea, hand sanitizer, cleanser, etc. We also received votes for two food and restaurant chains based outside of New England: Trader Joe’s which may be headquartered in California, but has 19 locations across the Bay State.

We received recommendations from more than 70 readers who wrote in with 65 recommended spots including their favorite local restaurant, grocery store, pharmacy, kitschy independent bookstore, and more. Recently, we asked readers which businesses helped them through the pandemic, with services like curbside pickup, delivery, and new protocols in place with public safety in mind. Readers share their favorite places to get the best apple cider doughnuts in Massachusettsĭuring the past six months people have relied on local businesses in new ways, as the novel coronavirus disrupted daily routines, lessened crowds, and kept more inside to curb the spread.

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