Espresso's a go at Society Coffee Bar; what happened to Hickey's Diner? Our Top 5 stories
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.
Our top story this past week was for all the caffeine lovers out there. Taunton's newest café, Society Coffee Bar, opened to packed crowds. They've got a little something for everyone, no matter how you take your coffee.
Other top stories this past week included: a look back at Taunton landmark Hickey's Diner and the quest to find where it is now; how Taunton police are 'extremely concerned' about a proposal to outsource 911 dispatch; and a Taunton retail marijuana dispute that is headed to the Supreme Judicial Court.
Rounding out our Top 5 was a story taking a look at the labor market here in Taunton.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Espresso to impress aficionados at Taunton's Society Coffee Bar
Society Coffee Bar opened recently to packed crowds, and they've got coffee to suit whatever it is you're craving: from drip coffee to flavorful concoctions like their Kentucky Straight Latte, with bourbon caramel and maple syrup, and the "Quinny." They've also got pastries if you're feeling peckish.
Check out what's on the menu; Society Coffee Bar is now open at 260 Broadway.
What's brewing: Where to get a great cup of coffee in Taunton — and beyond
Restaurants we miss: Whatever happened to Taunton landmark Hickey's Diner?
For more than 40 years, Hickey’s Diner was a Taunton landmark, drawing customers from the city and beyond. Jack Hickey was often called the city's "last lunch wagon man." He was so beloved that when he retired, he was given a key to the city.
But what happened to the diner after it shut down? For some time, it was at Bristol-Plymouth, but because it was exposed to the elements, the diner had to find a new home. From there, the diner's journey takes a few twists and what might be a sad turn: its current whereabouts are a mystery.
Follow along as we take a look at the history of the city's last lunch wagon, and try to track down where it is today.
If you have any information, send the Gazette an email at newsroom@tauntongazette.com.
Greater Taunton restaurants we miss: A look back at some favorites
Taunton cops 'extremely concerned' with proposal to outsource 911 dispatch
The city may outsource 911 dispatch to a regional center in Foxboro, but it would be over the objections of Taunton's rank-and-file cops. City Councilors voted 6-3 on Tuesday to allow Mayor Shaunna O'Connell to keep exploring the idea. The regional dispatch center currently serves Foxboro, Mansfield, Easton and Norton, and it must deal with events at Gillette Stadium and the Xfinity Center as well.
Joe Ryan, president of the Taunton Police Patrolmen's Association, said that he and other members of the union are "extremely concerned" with the proposal.
Aftermath: 5 years after Taunton mall stabbings, what's changed in mental health care, dispatching?
Taunton retail pot dispute lands in Supreme Judicial Court's lap
The state's highest court will take up a lawsuit against the City Council over its handling of recreational marijuana licenses. The Supreme Judicial Court has scheduled arguments for April 6 in Bask Inc. v. Members of the Taunton City Council.
The case centers on efforts by Bask to open a retail pot shop at 400 Winthrop St., which is currently a convenience store.
Another pot shop controversy: Taunton pot project wasn't 'singled out' with stop-work order, city's attorney says
Taunton hirers tout abundance of jobs
Rounding out our Top 5 is a story about the labor market here in the city. A pulse-check of the labor market in and around Taunton shows that job openings remain plentiful as employers scramble to hire. The state reports Taunton's unemployment rate stood at 5.7% as of November, the most recent month available. That's down 3% from a year ago. Bristol County as a whole stood at 5.3%, higher than the state average of 4.8%. All those figures are not adjusted for seasonality.
Gazette Reporter Chris Helms has the story here.
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Gazette Top 5 Society Coffee Bar Hickey's Diner 911 dispatch