Coffee shop opens after controversy
Joseph BenavidezNews Staff Writer
John Nadreau, left, and Joseph Cadette stand in front of Pro Stock Driver Dennis Maxfield’s racecar at the grand opening for their new Dunkin’ Donuts at 34 Elm Street, Templeton. The site was the former home of Grace Baptist Church.
TEMPLETON — After a controversial battle for property, a new Dunkin’ Donuts store has opened at 34 Elm Street in Templeton.
"This community has been booming, so this is a good opportunity for us," said Co-Owner John Nadreau during the grand opening Saturday morning.
Joseph Cadette, the locals other co-owner, and Mr. Nadreau have been business partners for years and this store makes the 19th one they have opened together. However, according to the pair, unlike their other stores, this one coincided with outcry from members of the community due to the fact that a historic church, Grace Baptist , would have to be tore down in order for the Dunkin’ Donuts to be built.
Built in 1782 and originally named the First Baptist Church, a collective of citizens had petitioned to prevent the church property from being sold during a May 2012 Special Town Meeting. The motion was passed over and the Grace Baptist Church was officially sold to Mr. Cadette on Dec. 27, 2012 for $26,000. The deed was later transferred to Cadette and Nadreau Realty LLC.
“What people don’t realize is that the church was condemned; the roof was caving in,” Mr. Nadreau said.
To preserve the memory of the church, Mr. Cadette and Mr. Nadreau donated the bell and clock to a sister congregation.
In addition, the co-owners have sent pieces of decorative carved wood from the church to couples married within the Grace Baptist Church walls. Mr. Nadreau explained that since couples could no longer visit the church, the wood pieces could serve as memorabilia.
During the grand opening, attendees were able to meet Pro Stock Driver Dennis Maxfield, who is sponsored by both Mr. Cadette and Mr. Nadreau, as well as receive a signed photo of his car and enter a raffle to win a 50-inch flat screen television.
The raffle will last one week with the winner chosen Feb. 15.
No fluoride in my coffee, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis building looks a lot nicer than the church, with it's peeling paint, and just plain unkempt look. This business will give a good number of residents jobs, that a empty building could not do. People want new businesses to come to our town, but the truth is we do not have much to offer a big business. Our electricity is going up, our water rates are the highest of area towns, and we can not offer them a deal on their taxes. Regardless of a number of drawbacks, a new business is going to open in East Templeton toward the end of this week or the beginning of next week. Last night the owner came to the selectman's meeting to get a Common Victualer License. The business is going to be called Reno's Pizza, and is a family business in the space next to the Post Office. I wish these people well and I hope everyone will support them. Bev.
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