Wildwood restaurant in Marlborough closes its doors

Customers line up in front of Wildwood last Saturday following news of its closure.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – The Board of Selectmen plans to hire a consultant to help them hire the town’s next administrator.

This comes after Town Administrator John Coderre was named the new Town Manager of Foxborough in January.

could range between $10,000 to $20,000 for the town to conduct an executive-level search.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Dinnertime on a late Saturday afternoon.

At the Wildwood steakhouse restaurant on Boston Post Road East, about 40 customers waited for the doors to open.

For many of them, the Wildwood has been part of their lives.

“We’ve been coming here for our anniversary for 34

For all of them, it was a chance to say goodbye.

After nearly a century in business, the Wildwood closed its doors this weekend.

According to a Facebook post on Feb. 16, the steakhouse shut down because owner Gerry Seymour is retiring.

Diners past and present were quick to post their memories on social media. For many, the Wildwood was the setting for celebrations from weddings to graduations.

“Since my first campaign volunteering for Bob Durand for state Senate, spending more time in Marlborough, I have always enjoyed the Wildwood for a great dinner,” said state Sen. Jamie Eldridge. “As someone who recently moved to Marlborough, I’m particularly sad to see such a Marlborough institution close.”

On Saturday, Feb. 18, the first batch of final customers began to gather just outside the main entrance.

“We’re really sad to see it go,” said Helen Young of Sudbury, who was there with her husband, Scott. “It’s going to be a loss for sure.”

“I just love the restaurant,” said Hilda.

“It’s the end of an era,” said Henry Pacific, a lifelong Marlborough resident who used to go pheasant hunting with Seymour.

The restaurant will reopen under new ownership.

His last day at the helm of Northborough will be April 7. However, Coderre planned to use vacation time during the last week, and his last working day will be March 31.

According to Board of Selectmen Chair Mitch Cohen during the Feb. 13 meeting, before Coderre leaves, the selectmen will need to appoint an interim town administrator.

He said his preference would be to look externally and internally for the next town administrator.

The Board of Selectmen intends to issue a request for proposals to hire a consulting firm who would guide the selectmen through the process and help the town with input, such as surveys or community input sessions.

According to Coderre, it

Cohen said the consultant would help the board update the job description for town administrator and help them advertise an appropriate salary. The board may choose to form a search committee that would oversee the collection of resumes and screen the candidate to move before the Board of Selectmen.

The board would then hold public interviews of the candidates before making a selection.

The selectmen also voted to place an article before Town Meeting remove the residency requirement for town administrator. Coderre said during a Jan. 23 meeting that this requirement dated back to 1970.

“It’s a little bit different times today. Most families have dual careers. It’s become very difficult to find managers that are willing and able to relocate,” said Coderre.

There would be an article on Town Meeting warrant to authorize a petition to the Legislature for a special act to amend the charter to remove the residency requirement.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – Community members gathered on Feb. 15 for the official ribbon cutting of the new Alltown Fresh.

“We’re so excited to be here in Hudson,” said senior marketing adviser Chip Rives.

The Hudson location marks the seventh store opened over the past 10 months.

Located at 240 Washington St., the property was formerly the site of Tuck’s Service Center. After operating for 69 years, the Tuck’s Service Center closed in 2021, and at that time owner Marty Libby announced that he was leasing the property to Global Petroleum Co. Rives said that the first Alltown Fresh was opened in 2019.

“[We tried] to reinvent roadside food and bring fresh, locally sourced, delicious, chefinspired and created food to your neighborhood. We’re excited to be here in Hudson,” said Rives.

During the ribbon cutting, community members presented a citation from Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow).