Caffe Nero Inching Closer To Downtown Opening

MELROSE, MA — More than two years after it was initially set to open, Caffe Nero looks about ready to get down to business.

The London-based chain of Italian-style coffeehouses made an appearance on Monday night's City Council meeting, applying for a common victualler license. The order was sent to a committee where it will likely be passed.

The application itself isn't overly newsworthy — every restaurant that serves food to be eaten on-site needs the license — but it's notable for some tangible progress for a long-anticipated opening.

Patch first reported Nero was headed for 530 Main St. in January 2019. The company said at the time it planned to open around the end of that year.

The project, which includes a bank next to Nero and residential units above, was held up at different points for several reasons, including the pandemic.

Wakefield Co-operative Bank has since opened and Nero finally has art on the door indicating an opening is within sight.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.