Small businesses opening and closing in Central Massachusetts

A Hooters restaurant in Shrewsbury is shutting down, though no specific end date was shared. This leaves only three other Hooters locations across Massachusetts. The building used to house a Chili's before Hooters moved in back in 2015. The closure might leave locals wondering about the future of the Fairlawn Plaza area. Meanwhile, a vacant office building on Providence Street in Worcester is getting a second life. A developer plans to tear it down and build a five-story apartment complex with 50 units. The building was once used by Worcester Academy but sold last year for nearly a million dollars. The new project will include mostly one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus a few studio units.Not all news is about closures—some spots are just getting started. Sarita Alvarenga opened a Salvadoran bakery on Main Street after years of baking at home. She’s been perfecting pastries since childhood and finally made her dream come true with family support. Her shop offers traditional treats that bring a taste of El Salvador to the community. A local septic company owner, Michael Marchand, got in legal trouble after faking records about a failed system repair in Bellingham. A court sentenced him to two years in prison, though it’s suspended for now with probation. The case shows how fraud in waste management can have real consequences. On a brighter note, an antique shop called Almanac Market just opened in a repurposed barn in Paxton. Owner Skye Wellington, who grew up around vintage items, decided to turn her passion into a business after struggling to find the right space. The rustic shop adds charm to Pleasant Street with its curated collection.