Brighton Main Streets Recognizes Residents and Businesses
for Community Contributions to Local District
Little Pecan Bistro named Small Business of the Year, recently closed legacy business
Venetian Hair Salon celebrated for Excellence on Main Street
(Brighton, MA) August 2, 2022 – Nearly 120 people attended Brighton Main Streets’ 24th Annual Meeting to celebrate the recipients of this year’s community awards. Held as a wine tasting event at the Brighton Elks Lodge, the Annual Meeting featured nine vendors showcasing a variety of wine options. The funds raised at the event help the organization provide support to the neighborhood businesses in the shopping district from St. Elizabeth’s to Brighton Center to Oak Square.
Little Pecan Bistro was named “Small Business of the Year” for its contributions to the community throughout the pandemic. The eatery has been a welcome addition to Brighton serving fresh, delicious Asian-Latin fusion dishes. Despite facing the challenge of opening during the pandemic, Little Pecan gave back to the community by donating lunches to health care workers at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. Little Pecan was one of the first restaurants in Brighton to participate in the City of Boston’s B-Local initiative that provided loyalty discounts to customers and helped small businesses attract customers and increase sales.
“Little Pecan has great food and an inviting neighborhood bistro setting – complete with a relaxing jazz soundtrack for dining,” said Brighton Main Streets Board President Jeanne Levesque. “The owner Elizabeth and her staff make you feel welcome the minute you step through the door, with a friendly greeting and discussion of a fresh-made dessert or a featured special.”
Georgie Wilson, a Brighton resident who has been involved for the past two years, was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year.” Georgie’s take-charge attitude and dedication to the task at hand has made her a reliable and trusted volunteer within Brighton Main Streets.
“It is always refreshing when you come across an eager and ready volunteer. To find a volunteer who is given direction and not only follows through on it but goes above and beyond, now that volunteer is one you want to sing their praises from the rooftop,” says Brighton Main Streets’ Executive Director, Aidan McDonough. “From planting projects to some of our community events, Georgie has just always been a star among the rest. This recognition is well deserved, and we cannot thank Georgie enough for her efforts in supporting our small organization.”
A special “Excellence on Main Street” award was given to Venetian Hair Salon, which closed earlier this Spring after nearly 100 years of serving customers on Washington Street in Brighton Center. Lynda Roberts who managed the Venetian Hair Salon became a hero among the senior population of Brighton. Many of Lynda’s clients who were elderly and had mobility issues found themselves lucky to have Lynda as their hair stylist as she would pack up her equipment and provide at-home appointments, and for no extra cost.
“Linda is much beloved by the Brighton community because she goes above and beyond for her customers,” said Brighton Main Streets Board Member and lifelong Brighton resident Charlie Vasiliades. “Throughout Covid she would go to her elderly customers’ homes to cut their hair. Who knew a hair salon could be remote? My 94-year old Mom is one of the recipients of that kindness of spirit.”
About Brighton Main StreetsEstablished in 1997, Brighton Main Streets was one of many Boston neighborhoods to implement a Main Streets district after the success of Main Streets America’s UrbanMain Program launch in Boston. Since then, the Brighton Main Streets business district has strived to maintain its attractive, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly commercial center. It is comprised of two neighborhood hubs located along Washington Street– Brighton Center and Oak Square. The area includes over 150 small businesses and independent restaurants as well as a YMCA health club, two libraries, a police station and district courthouse. Learn more about the Brighton Main Streets district at www.brightonmainstreets.org.