Marlborough Alltown Store Won't Have Drive-Thru, Company Decides

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The Waltham-based Alltown Fresh chain has scrapped a plan to build a drive-thru at the Marlborough store — a feature meant to institutionalize the curbside service many shoppers got used to during the pandemic.

Instead, the chain is planning another feature not seen at many gas station stores: an outdoor eating area. The outdoor area would be in addition to the car wash and gas pumps at the Boston Post Road business.

"[The company] seeks to add a patio with seating next to its newly renovated convenience store. Global is also adding pedestrian and bicycle pathways and amenities, to help bring the site more in line with the goals of the new Wayside District," the company's land-use attorney Brian Falk wrote to the City Council.

Falk withdrew the drive-thru idea, originally pitched to City Council in April, at the same time he notified the city of the new application. The Wayside District is an area along Route 20 between Sudbury and Farm Road that has been targeted for upgrades to make it more walkable, bikeable and inviting for businesses and residents.

Alltown pitches itself as a healthier alternative to typical conveniences stores. Each store sells organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food made fresh in the company's Waltham kitchen, overseen by chef Joshua Smith. Some locations sell smoothies and offer kombucha on tap.