Wellesley business buzz: Lockheart to open restaurant at Newton Centre train station; Painting Place readies for Father's Day

June 15, 2026 - 22:06

The Lockheart restaurant, which has been a fixture in Wellesley since 2022, is preparing to open a second location inside the Newton Centre commuter rail station. The new outpost will bring the restaurant's menu of American comfort food and craft cocktails to a transit-adjacent space, offering both dine-in and takeout options for commuters and local residents.

Owner and chef Michael Lockheart said the Newton Centre spot will feature a similar menu to the original Wellesley location, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and house-made specialties. The restaurant is expected to seat around 40 guests inside, with additional outdoor seating planned for warmer months. The train station setting is intended to capture both daily commuters and the growing residential foot traffic in the village center.

Meanwhile, The Painting Place, a Wellesley-based paint-your-own-pottery studio, is gearing up for Father's Day with special workshop sessions. The studio will offer guided projects designed for families, including custom mugs, coasters, and picture frames. Owners say the sessions are meant to provide a hands-on activity for kids and dads alike, with all materials and firing included. The studio has seen increased interest in family-oriented craft events since opening its doors last year.