Salem Bar Closed After Car Crash, Stadium Food: MA Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — Welcome to Patch's weekly round up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings and more in the state's dining scene.

This week, we learned about a new food option at a beloved Gillette Stadium vendor, and a new deal they're offering for a Patriots win.

It was also a difficult week for some in the food industry across the state.

Adam Drohan said his first thought when he arrived at Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill last Friday morning — and found a white Honda sedan had smashed through the front entrance of the restaurant and traveled across the dining area all the way into the bar — was concern about whether the driver was OK and if the cleaning crew had cleared out before the crash.

"Seeing the car through the wall is something you would never expect to see," he said. "Then, after that, my thought was that: '(expletive) we have a lot of work to do.'"

That work got underway immediately with Drohan telling Patch on Tuesday that he hopes to be closed for just a few weeks to a month before a hopeful reopening in time for the busiest time of year in Halloween's unofficial hometown.

In the meantime, he is asking patrons looking to help him and his staff out to head over to the sister establishment at Paddy Kelly's on Washington Street. The hours there are being extended to open for lunch at 11 a.m. daily with half-priced specials to provide hours and an income for Sidelines employees who are otherwise on the bench as long as the Canal Street location is on the inactive list.

With Halloween tourist season, not to mention football season, on the doorstep of the business, it's a particularly tough time for staff and ownership to have this shutdown happen.

Here's what else was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• The Salem Pantry Expands Work With Local Vendors, Diverse Food Options
• 'Hit Pretty Hard': Salem Bar Picks Up Pieces After Car Blasts Building
• Beverly Toys For Tots Ice Cream Social Set For This Weekend
• Series Of Food Delivery Robberies In Worcester Under Investigation
• Man Accused Of Burglarizing Tewksbury Restaurant: Police
• Gift Cards For MA Teachers, National Dog Day Deals: MA Cheap Eats