Wilmington Select Board Approves Licenses For Cucina LaRosa’s, Restaurant Hopes To Open In 6-8 Weeks

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Select Board recently approved licenses for Cucina LaRosa’s, paving the way for the restaurant to open at its new location at the old Panera Bread location, inside the Wilmington Plaza.

“Seven years ago, we sat in front of this board and opened up a small takeout spot at 211 Main Street in Wilmington Crossing. We got through COVID. The Panera location [became vacant]. Market Basket let us sit on it for a year-and-a-half. And here we are. We’re ready to open the doors. It’s 100 seats. And I have a lot of good stuff going on in there!,” head chef, owner and operator Jason Evans explained to the Select Board.

The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus brunch on Sunday.

While Evans noted the process to open the restaurant has been slower than he would have liked, he anticipates opening the doors in the next six to eight weeks. Roof units were recently installed, and the plumbing work has already begun.

“I wish you the best of luck,” said Select Board Chair Gary DePalma. “Your business across the street [from the new location] was always good quality. Food was very tasty. I look forward to you opening up as soon as possible.”

“Thank you for continuing to have your business here in Wilmington,” added Selectman Greg Bendel, who noted that LaRosa’s has a great reputation in town and has previously helped out police, fire and DPW during snow storms. “It doesn’t go unnoticed. We greatly appreciate all you do for our community.”

Evans was present with his parents — Lawrence and Rosalie — who are owners and each play a role in the business, legally known as “Doodlesack LLC.” Evans explained that the restaurant’s name — LaRosa’s — is a mash-up of his parents’ first names.

After the restaurant’s requests received favorable recommendations from the Police Department, Building Inspector, and Health Department, the Select Board unanimously approved both an All Alcohol License — which permits the serving of wine, malt and distilled spirits — and a Common Victulaer License — which permits seating in a restaurant.