Somerville Coffee Shop Expanding To Worcester

WORCESTER, MA — A stalwart Somerville coffee house is expanding westward.

Fortissimo Coffeehouse will soon open a Worcester location along Commercial Street, and the owner says he's moving west because of the buzz surrounding New England's second-largest city.

Fortissimo owner Rodrigo Borges is in the process of renovating a space at 250 Commercial St. — the former Cafe Agrizzi — and plans to open in early October. The Worcester location will offer espresso drinks along with a mix of Brazilian pastries and breakfast food — including the sought-after Pão de Queijo cheese bread.

Borges opened his first Somerville café about seven years ago after a 10-year stint working at Faneuil Hall. Borges heard about new developments in Worcester, in particular the Woo Sox stadium, and saw an opportunity to expand. The Commercial Street location is advantageous, he said, because it's close to lots of jobs and City Hall.

And, since he's opening during a pandemic, he wants to be able to offer delivery services to a large group of people. He's looking to hire for up to four positions at the café, including a cook.

"I like the city, I'm just excited to open a new coffee shop," he said.