Sweet Tomatoes In West Newton Is Open Again

NEWTON, MA — Sweet Tomatoes is back in business this week in Newton - complete with the lunch time rush - after a tragedy forced it to close for more than a year.

"It's really bittersweet. We're thrilled that this business that meant so much to West Newton is back open. We're really happy for Hedy [Jarras, the owner] and her staff. But we're sad by the circumstance that led to this and no one can forget that," said Greg Riebman of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

About a year and a half ago the popular pizza joint closed after a car slammed into the building killing two customers and injuring several others just around the corner from the Police Station in West Newton. On Monday, Aug. 21 it reopened and by Tuesday at lunch time the word had gotten out and folks were standing in line ordering pizzas and turkey sandwiches.

Last year the Newton man who was driving the car that crashed into the restaurant on March 1, 2016, Bradford Casler, was charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide and driving to endanger. Gregory Morin,32, of Newton and Eleanor Miele,57, who were both standing in line at the counter at the time the car careened into the building were both killed as a result of the crash.

Last summer, the city installed curbside barriers to protect the restaurant from a potential repeat.

Miele’s husband is suing Casler and a former Sweet Tomatoes employee opened a civil action that seeks money for medical bills and lost wages.

Sweet Tomatoes first opened in 1988 in Newton Centre. In 2003 the owner opened the West Newton location with co-owner Elysha Bemis, and in 2007 a third location in Needham with co-owner and husband, Brian Canty. They recently added a food truck.

Reopening the West Newton Square location, is important for many reasons, said Riebman, including the fact that it's a bit of a focal point for the redesign plan for West Newton Square and the vitality of the businesses nearby. But there's another reason it's important, he said.

"This brings back a healing and renews West Newton. ... We're thrilled but sad," he said.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

(Images courtesy Google Map Screen shots)

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