The Allen Center’s third annual summer Lunch Pop-up event series kicks off on Thursday, July 24, at the Allen Center in West Newton. Thursday’s event, running 11:30 AM-2 PM, will spotlight a variety of local businesses, with renowned celebrity chef Thiago Silva of SALT Patisserie providing lunch.
Events in the series, organized by Lauren Berman of All Over Newton, are hosted and staffed by The Allen Center. They will take place every Thursday at the Allen Center until mid-August, giving Newton residents a chance to see a rotation of small businesses. Customers must pre-order lunch online each week by Monday, as food will not be available for sale at the Pop-up.
Berman chose to coordinate each event in the series around a particular theme. This week’s theme will be a general shopping theme, with four businesses participating: CARLA SHAW Sustainable Fashion, Derby Farm Flowers, Cottage, and Lynne’s Vintique. Berman decided to host the event series at the Allen Center (35 Webster Street, West Newton) as a way to spread awareness about the facility. “[The Allen Center] is tucked away in West Newton, so a lot of residents aren’t familiar with it,” she said. “Since I work with small businesses, I thought it would be a great idea to bring in a notable restaurant and small businesses so that people can enjoy the place and support these stores.”
Adrianne Hartzell-Knudsen, the executive director of the Allen Center, was excited to collaborate with Berman. For her, the event is a way to bring more people to the Center while helping local businesses at the same time.
Thiago Silva, the renowned chef behind SALT Patisserie, has been working with the bakery since it opened three years ago. He said that he is excited to participate in Thursday’s event – the first Lunch Pop-up that SALT has attended. He said that since SALT’s opening, Berman has been an advocate for the patisserie, which prompted him to take part in the pop-up event. “[I’m looking forward to] getting people outside, eating and enjoying the Allen Center, which not a lot of residents know about,” he said. “It’s a great way for people to get to know the event and also about SALT.” In creating the lunch menu, Silva worked to ensure that people with dietary restrictions and allergies would also be able to enjoy the event, as he picked foods that could be easily modified while also keeping the meals refreshing.
Carla Wahnon of CARLA SHAW Sustainable Fashion opened her shop in Newton in January. She is extremely excited to share her work with the community at Thursday’s event – her first time participating in Berman’s summer series. “It’s a chance for me to get to know more residents of the area and spread awareness of my brand,” she said. “I love participating in activities that build community like this one.” CARLA SHAW Sustainable Fashion stresses the importance of botanical jewelry that is sourced in sustainable ways, all while keeping up with today’s styles. Each piece is made from real plants, preserved in different types of metals.
Lucinda Chrislip of Derby Farm Flowers started her business in Newton in 2021. Having bought the original Derby Farm in Arlington two years earlier. She is grateful that people are still able to support her small business despite the difficulties of the pandemic. She has attended previous Lunch Pop-up events in the summer, which she saw as a fun way to market her business. “Community is about discovery and making connections – not only with the customers but with the other business owners,” she said. “And who doesn’t like an outdoor lunch in the summertime? When you’re working, it’s a nice change of scenery to enjoy the summer air.” Derby Farm Flowers is a full-service florist that does custom arrangements. They source all of their flora locally.
Lynne of Lynne’s Vintique has been running her small business for nine years. She enjoys being able to engage, teach, and give out samples to people who stop by her pop-up. At the event, she’ll be loaded with seasonal honey sourced from Peter’s Farm in Needham. “It’s an ongoing challenge to acquire visibility, but it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “All Over Newton focuses on highlighting events and platforms that weave commerce and community, so I especially like that [this event] brings awareness to smaller businesses, which feature their specialities and share with the public.” Lynne’s Vintique is the only spot in Newton that carries organic local honey.
Surabhi Agrawal of Cottedge has operated her business online for about a year. Thursday’s event will be her first pop-up event, which she is delighted to participate in. “It’s a great way to share the story behind Cottedge in a setting that feels fun and local,” she said. “As an online business, I don’t often get the chance to interact face-to-face with people, so this felt like a special opportunity to see what pieces people are drawn to. There’s a unique connection that happens when you can see and feel the fabrics in real life.” Cottedge is a clothing brand that celebrates handcrafted textiles from India. Agrawal feels that pop-up events like these give people the opportunity for her timeless pieces to come alive, and she is excited to share their history with others in person.
While Berman experienced challenges coordinating with other businesses, particularly when it came to availability and staffing difficulties, she looks forward to celebrating the community and introducing the community to small businesses at Thursday’s event. “I love seeing people getting together and enjoying themselves. Helping make that happen and integrating small businesses is part of that because they are a critical part of what makes the villages in Newton thrive.”
Hartzell-Knudsen also views the Lunch Pop-up event as a way to bring the Newton community together. “It’s a nice way for people to come together and is an opportunity to have a good time,” she said.
Ed. Note: We have updated this article to clarify the role of Lauren Berman, who organizes the events, which are hosted and staffed by The Allen Center.
Chloe Yu is a Fig City News summer intern and a rising junior at Cornell University.
