New occupants are filling vacant storefronts along Route 20 and in Town Center while existing business owners are beautifying their properties.
As of 2026, Wayland’s new business activity includes the April openings of Dunkin’ and Jimmy John’s in the former Bank of America building, the opening of Terrain in the former Whole Foods location (see story below), and a significant pipeline of retail and dining projects slated to open this fall and next spring.
Future new businesses
Town Center owners have leased space to three new businesses. The Guild for Human Services, in partnership with Revival Kitchen & Cafe, will open a café and community space at 43 Andrew Ave., a storefront that has been vacant for more than a decade, according to Graffito SP President and Founder Jesse Baerkahn.
“The partnership will bring together a local nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a local café operator,” Baerkahn said.
The café will open early each day, serve scratch-made food and coffee, and provide an inclusive gathering place for the community, he said.
Revival operates locations in Cambridge, Davis Square, Watertown and Boston. Its stated goal is to create an environment where guests can enjoy coffee beverages, pastries and savory foods.
New City Microcreamery, formerly located in Sudbury, will relocate to the former Takara space in spring 2027. The owners said in a notice to customers that they are moving to a larger location that will allow them to expand their food offerings.
The company has grown from a single storefront in Hudson to five locations in 11 years. It now operates in Hudson, Arlington, Bolton, Cambridge and Chestnut Hill. According to its website, the company uses a liquid nitrogen process to freeze cream, producing a lighter-textured ice cream.
Owners Karim El-Gamal, Michael Kasseris, and Jason Kleinerman also operate the local Rail Trail Flatbread restaurants, which serve appetizers, bowls, flatbreads, burgers and desserts.
Mathnasium will open an after-school math learning and tutoring center in the former Supercuts space. The program provides customized mathematics learning plans for students from kindergarten through high school, with instruction delivered face to face. Nearby locations include Sudbury, Wellesley, Acton/Concord, and West Newton.
Town House Café & Bistro at 21 Cochituate Road is scheduled to open this fall, according to its website, though the exact opening date could not be confirmed with owner Kirstyn Lipson. The building is undergoing renovations and will offer breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and dinner in a historic setting.
Revitalization plans
As they approach their first anniversary in November, Town Center’s new owners continue their efforts to revitalize the property.
Earlier this summer, Town Center owners submitted plans to the Planning Board to upgrade gateway signage, pedestrianize Elissa Avenue and strengthen Town Center’s connection to the Rail Trail.
Baerkahn said the owners are also working with community partners to activate vacant outdoor spaces through projects that include the Eliza J. Norton Foundation ice-skating rink, an enclosed off-leash dog park and recreational areas for local sports teams and clubs.
As part of the Wayland Economic Development Committee’s outreach to commercial property owners along the Route 20 corridor, the owners of Wayland Power Equipment and Post Road Auto Body agreed to clean up the rear portions of their properties facing the bike path, according to EDC Chair Becky Stanizzi. The improvements are intended to enhance the appearance of that section of the trail for cyclists.
Town Center owners also agreed, as part of their early summer proposal, to relocate trash bins and add landscaping near the bike path.
The cleanup and revitalization effort is part of a broader initiative to improve the Route 20 corridor, enhance Wayland’s first impression for visitors, and attract new businesses.
