Gardner is booming with new businesses - here's when some famous franchises will be opening
Several new businesses are scheduled to open in the Chair City. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming to town and when they’re scheduled to be open to the public.
Jersey Mike's
Although relatively new to the New England market, the sub sandwich shop, which has over 2,500 locations nationwide, is one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands in the country, according to franchise owner Tyler Tombs, who owns and operates Jersey Mike’s locations in Shrewsbury, Worcester, Westborough, and Framingham.
The Gardner store, which will be located at Timpany Crossroads, is scheduled to open over the summer.
Tombs said he estimated that he would be hiring between 20 and 30 full- and part-time employees to work at the Gardner location.
Aldi Food Market
The national grocery store chain, which has locations in Leominster and Worcester, will open a store in Timpany Plaza in Gardner.
The chain, which was founded in 1976 and has nearly 2,000 stores across 36 states, focuses on saving people money by offering shoppers a curated selection of Aldi-exclusive brands.
Officials have not announced when the store would be open to the public. Originally scheduled to open by the end of 2023, the store’s website informs customers that the Gardner location is “opening soon.”
Five Below
The popular retailer, which is aimed at catering to younger customers by offering a “treasure hunt” style of shopping, will soon open a store in Timpany Plaza in Gardner.
The chain, which has more than 1,300 stores across 42 states, offers customers trendy products, with most items priced between $1 and $5. More expensive items can be found in the store’s Five Beyond section of the shop. Five Below is also famed for its large selection of candy.
Officials said the Gardner location was scheduled to be open sometime in March.
Chipotle
The former Santander Bank building in Timpany Plaza will soon make way for a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant.
The Gardner location will feature the chain’s signature ‘Chipotlane,’ a drive-thru pickup lane that allows customers to grab their digital orders without having to leave the car, according to a Chipotle spokesperson.
The restaurant is scheduled to open in late 2024 or early 2025.
Joint Operations
The veteran co-owned and operated cannabis dispensary, which is aimed at providing a fun and educational environment, will open a third location at Timpany Crossroads in Gardner this year. Joint Operations also has stores in Mendon and Rowley.
District Manager Daniel Lencioni said he was hoping to have a soft opening for the Gardner location during the third week of March.
Diamond Hearts Art Studio
After three years of creating and teach art out of their Fitchburg home, Sean and Nancy Bray will open their own studio in Gardner.
The couple said they are hoping the studio will become a beacon for artistic expression in the Greater Gardner community.
The Diamond Hearts Art Studio will be located in the former Wheelen Supply Company building at 112 Main St., and the couple, who sell their work at various festivals and events across the region, will move into the apartment that is attached to the storefront.
A grand opening is scheduled for Friday, March 15, according to the studio’s website.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: When will Gardner's Jersey Mike's, Aldi, Five Below, Chipotle open?
