Folks in Danvers Square have another option when it comes to breakfast and lunch at the new Danvers Bakery, located at 16 Maple St. - right downtown. The bakery is in the same location as the former Saralena's Pastry, which opened nearly two years ago and was set to close due to an illness in the family. Sam Bentalha had been researching business opportunities when he heard the shop was for sale. With a background in owning and operating bakeries and restaurants, the businessman said he knew it was the right move for him, at the right time. The transfer of ownership dates to before the …

Glitterati Prom and Pageant Superstore owner Katherina Mena has worked tirelessly to establish herself in the business world, while maintaining a solid reputation in the fashion industry - all before the age 30. With Glitterati in Danvers opening this week downtown, Mena's sister store to the Salem location has brought full service, upscale, high-end fashion to Danvers' younger set - just in time for the prom.The Danvers Glitterati already has exciting news to share. Disney is launching the Disney Forever Enchanted Prom 2013 Dress Line, an inspired collection sprung from the nostalgia of the …

James Alex and James Barberian are best friends who have more in common than just their first names, they are also business partners. The pair decided to start up an Orange Leaf franchise, and now have three frozen yogurt shops open and thriving. The first franchise opened in June of 2012, and is located in Lexington; shorty thereafter, they opened a second in Exeter, N.H. and now the third installment has finally opened after a few minor setbacks, in the location of the former Anthony's Deli in the Danvers square. The partners have a clearly defined recipe for success with the self serve …

When Ken Greer accidentally clicked a button in his search of franchise opportunities, and an associate put him in touch with Title Boxing Club, he knew he had found something unique. The North Reading native currently residing Peabody is a former student of entrepreneurial studies, and had been investigating franchise options. A self described fitness nut, Greer had always lived an active lifestyle, competing in soccer and baseball as a youth, and later, as a runner. Initially, he was simply looking for a brand that had proven success, but was intrigued by the idea he could combine his …

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Lights are aglow, halls are decked and excitement is in the air. Holiday festivities are in full swing, with revelers partaking in the joys of the season most weekend nights, looking to squeeze every bit of merry out of the month. Once again the pressure is on to pull off the perfect holiday party of 2012. Menu is always of utmost importance, with many folks thinking about what their menu will feature as soon as the Thanksgiving china is safely packed away. Some choose to go all out with a big family sit-down, while others prefer a varied selection …

The annual gift exchange, commonly referred to as a Yankee Swap, is a popular activity during holiday parties. The rules for such an event are fairly simple, and are as follows: Each attendee brings a wrapped gift, which are grouped together in a pile. Numbers are written on scraps of paper equaling the number of guests participating, and each guest picks their number out of the hat to determine the order they will be choosing their gift. The person who chooses number one gets to go first, and so on. Once the gift is opened, the guest decides at that point whether to keep the gift, or swap it…

We all know, the holidays do not take place during one week or one day, rather ‘tis the whole season for friends, family and festive gatherings. Holiday house parties are the perfect setting to bring people together to enjoy the spirit of the season, “to eat, drink and be merry,” and toast one another on another year well-done.When venturing out to a holiday house party, most invited guests ascribe to the theory to never attend a party empty handed. Some opt to bring a dish for the table, others a nice bottle of wine; however you choose to thank your host for your invitation to their party, …

Getting into the spirit of the holidays can be made easier by shopping early and keeping it local. From unique toys, designer handbags, accessories, customized artist-wear, jewelry and memorabilia, there is something for everyone on your holiday gift giving list. There are some great finds in smaller, local mom and pop shops located practically right in our own backyard.Danvers Patch has got you covered. We’ve compiled a short-list of five shops every shopper needs to check out during this holiday season to help find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.1: Green Elephant Toy Store: …

While most folks are finalizing their Thanksgiving menu this week, Cory Grace will once again turn her kitchen into a full service bakery, churning out custom cakes, delicious cookies and special-occasion gift baskets, overflowing with all manner of confections. The owner of Corinna’s Creations has been building her small business for nearly a decade in the Danvers home she grew up in, located in the Prep area, all while working her day job as payroll clerk at Danvers Town Hall. A self described creative spirit, Grace has always enjoyed craft-making, painting and making wreaths, skills she …

Calling all artists, and art enthusiasts, alike: Joe Schulte has declared, "When you call Ben Franklin, you're talking to me." ​ The 23-year-old entrepreneur and owner of the new Danvers business The Shop, at Ben Franklin Tees, is a self-described "art guy," who is committed to supporting local artists and local businesses, and encourages others to do the same. "In the same way you want your honey to come from a local farm stand, I support local," he stated. "Get local people in here buying local...it's so important to small businesses." ​ Over the past four years, Schulte has built his …

Warm Traditions Stove Shoppe has been keeping folks toasty with alternative heat sources for over two decades. Tucked alongside the Danvers Rail Trail on Pine Street next to the building that houses Pete’s-A-Place, the specialty stove business owned by Bob Raucci is celebrating its 21st winter this year. Despite rarely advertising and with few signs due to town bylaws, the business is still going strong under the careful guidance, and attention to quality, of Raucci.Originally from Peabody, Raucci came into the Warm Traditions franchise by chance. As a longtime teacher at the Essex …

Deborah McDermott is a self described fitness nut. Folks around Danvers may know the McDermott family from town sports like baseball and flag football, where dad and Danvers native Jeff helps coach his boys; or they may recognize wife Debbie, originally from Topsfield, as the Fitness Instructor at the Danvers YMCA has taught for many years, and can be seen warming up small groups during walks as part of her personal trainer vocation.  The new co-owner of The Gym Downtown in Hamilton, reflected on the path that brought her to the fitness industry. The former dancer, Masconomet Regional High …

East Coast Alpine Sports is a family owned specialty retailer offering expert services on a complete line of ski’s, snowboards, bicycles and skateboards-and all of the associated accessories. Located in The Endicott Plaza in Danvers, Sarah Sullivan said she is passionate about the business she owns with husband John, and thrilled to bring the outdoor lifestyle to the Danvers community.To date East Coast Alpine Sports has won the Snowsports Industries of America “Retailer of the Year” Award in 2010 and 2011; The Improper Bostonian “Best of Boston” Award in 2011, and Boston Magazine’s “Best of …

By embracing burgeoning technology and the advantages of social media, Nicasto's Driving School of Gloucester is set to propel their business into the 21st century, and they are taking Danvers along for the ride. Nicastro's, a family business started by John Nicastro, Sr, has been a staple in the Driver’s Educational arena on the North Shore for over twenty years. Nicastro’s has seen adults young and old from all over the north shore come to participate in classes, where they have learned defensive driving techniques and the rules of the road from Nicastro’s Massachusetts State Certified …

Londi's Famous Roast Beef, Pizza and More specializes in roast beef, salads and calzones. But their extensive menu has many more choices, from subs and triple decker club sandwiches to specialty pizzas that owner Ted Londi has learned to guage what's popular according the season. "Right now, we are selling a lot of roast beef and club sandwiches," he said. "But in the winter it's all steaks and dinners. But pizza is all the time, starting on Thursday through Sunday - it's all about pizza."At 116 Water St. in the Danversport, Londi's was one of the first businesses to open after the infamous …

Laura Broderick may have found the best way to give back to our honored active military men and women - literally. “They get their massages complimentary - I don’t charge them,” the Danvers resident stated. When asked how long this deal is running, or if it coincides with a special holiday or event, her reply is simple and succinct: “It’s not a special - I won’t charge them. Ever.” Broderick is not only giving back to active military, she’s included veterans of the military, too, who receive services at a 50 percent discount.One may wonder why Broderick chose this specific cause, to give back…

The Freemans weren’t exactly looking to get into the printing and promotional items business. In fact, Bob Freeman, who had a background in engineering, was simply looking into options for business ownership when his realtor suggested Pip Printing - part of a franchise based out of California - with a shop located in Danvers that had just hit the market. Pip Printing has been a staple in the Danvers Village strip of shops since the 1970s. The property was once the site of a butchery, before it became Postal Instant Press, and finally evolved into what is now known as Pip Printing. The Freeman…

  What a difference a day makes. When the building where Margaret's Place has been a staple for consignment clothing for the past quarter century was sold, many wondered if owner Margaret Melanson would just close up shop. But as the first ever consignment shop to open in Danvers over twenty eight years ago, Melanson at 75, was not nearly ready to throw in the towel on the business she has loved from the day she bought it from the original owner in 1984.  With a lot of help from her daughters, and some additional little luck finding the perfect space to relocate to, Margarets Place is back on…

With the end of summer nearing, Brian Lejeune, owner of Solar Infusions on High Street, is running a new promotion to help folks continue catching the rays. Starting Aug. 13, customers will enjoy unlimited tanning for just $88 through the end of 2012. “It’s a great deal,” he said. “People are getting about four and a half months for a really good price.”Lejeune explained that many Solar Infusions clients begin tanning for cosmetic reasons. But when they discover the health benefits, he’s found, they continue with sessions. "It's fun to teach people the science of tanning, the biology of how …

  The second time is the charm for custom window accents in Danvers.Customers of the former Window Works will be excited to hear that Skip and Lynn Torrance are back in business with a redefined vision for the 2000's, North Shore Window Decor. Customers can expect the same great quality and customer service the Torrances were known for at their former franchise, with the added advantage of shopping right out of their homes. The Torrances have lived in Danvers for more than two decades, raising their daughter, Kimberley, a recent college graduate, here. The couple, who are both originally from…