Here Are The Businesses Framingham Residents Want In The City

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham may be new to it's title as 'city' but it is trying to brand itself as a city on the rise, starting with it's business community. Framingham's commuter rail station is one of the busiest in the MBTA and leaves commuters in the heart of downtown. Framingham's government is trying to use this advantage to bring commuters into the city's downtown and help local businesses flourish, even receiving an honor earlier this year for it's downtown development strategy.

Businesses are becoming a priority for the city government, from the small businesses in the downtown to the big-box stores in the Golden Triangle. Patch asked Framingham residents on Friday what kinds of businesses they would like to see move into the city and residents flooded the Facebook post's comment section with ideas.

It's hard to list all of the businesses residents want to see come to the city (there were over 150 comments with suggestions) but here are some of the most popular answers:

Entertainment

A majority of residents who answered mentioned some form of entertainment center, similar to the Apex center in Marlborough. Among the ideas were roller rinks and laser tag, escape rooms, karaoke and bowling.

The family friendly entertainment suggestions were popular but adults didn't forget about their entertainment spots. Comedy clubs, and mellow restaurants and clubs where conversation can prevail over low music were also mentioned, along with a spot that featured pool tables and adult games.

Shopping

Framingham residents rattled off small businesses that could benefit the city including a boutique store to buy decor and knick-knacks, a bookstore, clothing store and record store.

Restaurants

Much like the retail suggestions, there were plenty of suggestions for locally-owned restaurants. Some of the most popular ideas were restaurants with healthy options like smoothies and acai bowls. One of the most popular suggestions was a juice bar and a farm-to-table restaurant.

Framingham residents sure do love their coffee as that was another popular suggestions, with many residents pitching a bakery-coffee shop duo. Residents don't just have a sweet tooth, several suggestions called for a variety in dining options, like Puerto Rican, Dominican, Italian and Filipino food as well as more restaurants offering outdoor seating.

Have some ideas you didn't see mentioned? Add them to the comments on Framingham's Facebook post: