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Iconic Worcester diner responds to storm-day criticism

  • Posted by Dining Out Feb 24 - Filed in Food & Dining - #Worcester  #Shrewsbury Street  #Boulevard Diner  - 6,694 views

    Boulevard Diner, 155 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester Massachusetts
    Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    WORCESTER — An iconic Worcester diner is receiving widespread support after responding to social media criticism over its decision to remain open during Monday’s blizzard, saying it has long served as a refuge for essential workers and neighbors in need.

    In a heartfelt Facebook post that drew more than 2,100 likes and nearly 200 comments — most of them overwhelmingly positive — The Boulevard Diner on Shrewsbury Street wrote that employees were given the choice to work or stay home as heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions impacted the city.

    “Our entire staff here at the diner are family and they had the choice to come in today or stay home,” the diner wrote.

    The post noted that the owner and several staff members also plow snow and provided rides to and from work for employees who chose to come in.

    The Boulevard Diner said the decision to remain open during severe weather has always been left to staff and is rooted in tradition rather than profit.

    “We don’t stay open out of greed,” the post said. “We stay open because they have always known us to be open and we want them to have a place to take a break from the world.”

    Established in 1936, the Boulevard Diner said it has served Worcester for nearly a century, providing meals and a warm place for factory workers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, nurses, tow truck drivers, plow operators, neighbors and people experiencing hardship.

    “Diners have been a staple to essential workers since the beginning,” the post said.

    The diner emphasized that it does not encourage unnecessary travel during storms, but wants those already on the roads for work or emergencies to know there is a welcoming place available.

    “We don’t promote any travel but if you do find yourself out there for any reason you’ll always know where to go,” the post said.

    Many commenters praised the Shrewsbury Street staple for its long-standing commitment to the community, calling it a Worcester institution and thanking staff for continuing to support essential workers during severe weather.

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