FITCHBURG / LEOMINSTER — The Tavern in the Square recently opened in the Twin City Plaza and several other stores and restaurants have either opened recently or about to open, including Starbucks coffee and Crumbl cookies.

While the big news lately at Twin City Plaza has been the news that the new owners of the former Kmart building are in talks with two different major outlets to see which one will occupy that space, according to Leo Xarras of Colwen Hotels, there’s been a number of other developments, first and foremost of which is the opening of The Tavern in the Square.

“So far, so good, but it’s been overwhelming,” said Tavern in the Square General Manager Melissa Garland, noting that the “classic American comfort” food restaurant has been seeing a stream of customers right out of the gate.

“It’s been busy,” said Assistant General Manager Patrick McFall. “Word of mouth has been getting out. A lot of it has been a lot of people wanting to try something new.”

Having the outdoor patio seating open on the first few nice years of the day didn’t hurt.

He noted that there are two other nearby Tavern in the Square locations, in Littleton and Shrewsbury. The chain has over 20 neighborhood restaurant and bar locations across New England.

“I think it’s just comes down to good service, great food, it kind brings everything together to be the best possible experience … making sure that everyone leaves happy,” McFall said.

He said the location, in the spot where the former Singapore long held sway is a positive.

“I think it’s in a good spot for many in the area. I do know that the Singapore used to be a staple for people in the area and some people were upset that it closed. … Hopefully they can recognize that we want to create that same staple where people can come back to over and over.”

He said he’s lived in Leominster for three years and in that short time, he’s seen a lot of business activity. “It’s changed, there a lot of news, a lot f new stuff opening up,” and he hopes Tavern in the Square will be a positive part of that change.

Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s has taken over the former Subway location, and it’s going great so far.

“Very nice. Yes, especially now that school ending and people are starting to use their free time,” said Manager Ethan Laraia. “And we also put up a road sign up by the highway and since then business has been very well.”

“The location has been very welcoming,” Laraia said, noting that while they have sub shops in Shrewsbury, Worcester and several other locations, they found that in Worcester people were mostly staying with the older mom-and-pop sub shops at first, “but in this area people were excited to come to a Jersey Mike’s. The freshness has a national reputation,” he said, adding that they just had a family come in from Florida who were glad to see that there was a Jersey Mike’s here.

One draw they have, beyond traditional subs, he said, was breadless options where the makings of a sub is essentially served on a bed of lettuce, for people who are on a keto or low-carb diet.

Hungry Bowl

The Hungry Bowl Mongolian Grill, Sushi & KBBQ opened about a month ago at the former Outback Steakhouse location, and it’s had a packed parking lot ever since opening. Employees there said they were excited to welcome the community to come in and see what they have to offer, which the authentic build-your-own Mongolian stir-fry dishes, which they cook after you select the ingredients, fresh sushi and Korean barbecue.

“Everything’s been great,” said Leominster Manager Kevin Zheng. “We’ve got a lot of regulars coming back. We do have great support from the community. People are enjoying the food, the atmosphere and service.”

He explained that the Leominster Hungry Bowl is a franchise that has several sister locations, and is also affiliated with Hungry Pot and Sora Sushi & Seafood Buffet.

“We have an open kitchen and a circular grill,” Zheng said. “The chef will cook everything on the flaming grill, and customers can observe if they want to see them cook.”

Takeout has also been going sell, with Zheng saying, “We’ve been like a local favorite for delivery and takeout.”

Chick-fil-A

Plus, the former Uno’s restaurant in the Twin City Plaza has been leveled and is being replaced with a brand new Chick-fil-A restaurant, if you can believe the sign on the fence surrounding the newly framed building.

Starbucks

The new Starbucks coffee shop looks set to open in the spot in the Twin City Plaza where Workers Credit Union was. The credit union moved up the hill to the former GFA Federal Credit Union location near Five Guys.

At Starbucks, the sign is up, the drive-thru is paved and all that’s left is firing up the expresso machine.

Crumbl

And for you cookie fans, Crumbl has a sign saying “We’re moving on in!” at the Twin City Plaza in the empty spot between Twin City Dental (nice location placement) and Family Martial Arts Center, (near Town Fair Tire and Burger King).

Nutrishop

The Nutrishop sports nutrition and dietary supplement store at Twin Cities Plaza has been there for about two years, operating at the space that had been a Jenny Craig location.

It’s been going “Good,” said owner Mike Voyer. “It’s a centralized location between the two cities, and it’s right off the highway.” He said with all the new restaurants and stores popping up like the planned Crumbl location, the yet-to-open Starbucks and the report of something going where Kmart used to be, “It’s exciting.”