BrooklineCAN’s (Brookline Community Aging Network) Age-Friendly Business Campaign encourages businesses to be hospitable to older customers.
The Age-Friendly Business project, currently lists more than 100 businesses throughout the town, including in Coolidge Corner, Washington Square, Saint Mary’s Street, Putterham Circle, and JFK Crossing. Age-Friendly businesses are asked to consider more than a dozen attributes in making themselves hospitable to older people. Visit BrooklineCan.org for the complete list.
To serve customers safely during Covid-19, businesses have adopted special measures that protect both customers and employees. These safety measures benefit people regardless of age.
Two Brookline Age-Friendly businesses, representing a wide range of establishments, are spotlighted below to describe their Covid-19 safety measures.
Washington Square Tavern, 714 Washington Street, opened in 1999. Known as “The Original Tavern in Washington Square,” The Tavern, which opens every day after 4:00 pm for outdoor and indoor dining and takeout, features New England produce and American cuisine.
Alma Finnegan, co-owner of The Tavern, describes some special measures now in effect at the Tavern during the Covid-19 outbreak. Plastic partitions separate the seven tables carefully arranged outside and contact tracing is conducted on all guests. A new air cleaning system, which sucks out– instead of recycling — indoor air, has been installed throughout the Tavern. Bathrooms are cleaned every half hour and hand sanitizing stations are located in several locations throughout the restaurant. Finnegan notes that two parking spots have been reserved in front of the restaurant for guests ordering take-out. A member of the staff is always available to bring your order to your car. Finnegan adds that wine now is available for inside diners and those ordering take-out.
Hundreds of Washington Square Tavern guests have written ecstatic reviews on its Facebook page, such as, “Best meal in Boston… Never disappoints!” and “…They are on top of health and safety, and I am excited to come back again soon!”
Call 617-232-8989 for reservations or additional information.
Kurkman’s Market, (227 Cypress Street, Telephone: 617-277-6500) has served Brookline shoppers since the 1920s, nearly 100 years ago! The neighborhood market continues to be loved by its customers, most of whom are elders.
Seniors are an important component of the market. Some current shoppers have been coming to the store for more than 30, 40, even more than 70 years. Some customers had come to Kurkman’s Market as kids and continue shopping there as they have grown older.
The Kurkman family owned the store from the 1920s to 2002, when it was purchased by Harry Patel. Since its opening more than 95 years ago, Kurkman’s has been in the same location at 227 Cypress Street. The building is more than 100 years old.
During these trying times, many customers order by phone, email, or just stop by, sometimes picking up a few products, asking the store to bill them later, or put the order on their tab. Shoppers are given masks if they have not brought their own. They also receive fresh gloves to wear while selecting the perfect fare. Hand sanitizer is available for all visitors. Kevin, Kurkman’s manager, also notes if a shopper feels uncomfortable waiting in line, she (or he) may wait outside and her spot will be saved.
Reasonable prices and accommodating, helpful staff, willing to assist with an individual’s shopping list, keep patrons coming back. Kurkman’s has more than 300 accounts.
The store stocks products its customers want, carrying a wide range of distinctive product lines, including 100 flavors of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Neighbors sometimes stop by just to say, “Hello,” without buying anything. Kurkman’s knows each family. They are not just customers. They are all old friends.
This is the first in a regular series of articles about Age-Friendly Businesses in Brookline. If you know of a Brookline business that deserves a special shout-out, please let us know at agefriendlybusinesses@gmail.com or call Beryl Porter at 617-610-1366.
