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.

Keith and Debra Viveiros pause for a photo in their newly opened coffee shop, Society Coffee Bar at 260 Broadway in Taunton, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
Keith and Debra Viveiros pause for a photo in their newly opened coffee shop, Society Coffee Bar at 260 Broadway in Taunton, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

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.

This image was part of “Nothing Could Be Finer Than to Eat At Hickey’s Diner,” a 1992 AP English essay written by Hickey descendant Kelsey Koehler. Pictured are Edward "Mac" McCarthy, left, and, on the right, John "Jack" Hickey.
This image was part of “Nothing Could Be Finer Than to Eat At Hickey’s Diner,” a 1992 AP English essay written by Hickey descendant Kelsey Koehler. Pictured are Edward "Mac" McCarthy, left, and, on the right, John "Jack" Hickey.

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.

Hickey's lunch wagon, pictured in “American Diner Then & Now,”  by Richard J.S. Gutman (1993).
Hickey's lunch wagon, pictured in “American Diner Then & Now,” by Richard J.S. Gutman (1993).

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.

February 2021 Wicked Local file photo: Dispatcher Nick Goyette of Mansfield is part of the staff at the Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communication Center in Foxboro.
February 2021 Wicked Local file photo: Dispatcher Nick Goyette of Mansfield is part of the staff at the Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communication Center in Foxboro.

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.

Bask Cannabis wants to open a retail marijuana shop at 400 Winthrop St. in Taunton.
Bask Cannabis wants to open a retail marijuana shop at 400 Winthrop St. in Taunton.

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.

Signs advertise open jobs for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses at Wedgemere Healthcare, 146 Dean St. in Taunton, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
Signs advertise open jobs for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses at Wedgemere Healthcare, 146 Dean St. in Taunton, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

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