News Notes

Ace Hardware & Dollar General to Open at Benny’s Sites
Ace Hardware and Dollar General are expected to open in several former Benny’s locations, including two sites in Seekonk, according to a Sun Chronicle article. The newspaper reportedly learned of the store openings from the website of RGB Architects of Providence, the firm working with the Carpionato Group of Johnston, RI. The Carpionato Group is redeveloping 29 Benny’s locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, according to a Providence Journal article. Ace Hardware and Dollar General will open at the former Benny’s stores on Taunton Avenue/Route 44 and Central Avenue in Seekonk. The stores are expected to open by June 2019, according to media reports.

Seekonk Rejects Ban on Marijuana Establishments
After rejecting a similar ban at the November town meeting, Seekonk voters rejected a ban on recreational marijuana sales at a special town election on Dec. 4. The result was 704 to 496 against prohibiting non-medical or recreational marijuana establishments from operating in the town. A total of 1,200 votes were cast, or 11.3 percent of eligible voters. A statewide ballot question in 2016 allowing recreational marijuana sales passed in Massachusetts and Seekonk voters approved it at that time.

Friendly’s in Seekonk Closes
Friendly’s restaurant on Route 6 in Seekonk has closed. Five other locations in the Northeast have also closed – Springfield, MA; Dover, NH; Bennington, VT; Rutland, VT and East Greenbush, NY. Friendly’s management offered to transfer employees to other locations, according to published reports. The company, based in Springfield, MA, was founded in 1935 and has approximately 230 locations, including franchises and company-owned restaurants.