Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority (SRA), and Carlo Bonavita, President of TP & B Inc., have announced an agreement to open a new restaurant in historic Union Station, named “The Whistle Stop”. The lease represents the final retail space that was available in the main concourse.
The restaurant will feature a variety of Italian specialties as well as a beverage menu that will feature local craft beer and wine. Bonavita has a long local history in the food and beverage industry in Western Massachusetts.
“We are excited that Mr. Bonavita has chosen Union Station as the location for this unique concept,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “It is a first-class restoration of our station that has been completed, and we’re thrilled to welcome a first-class restaurant operator to serve the passengers and public in our main hall.”
The Whistle Stop will occupy 1,107 square feet, and is named after the original restaurant that was a longtime fixture at Union Station historically. The new Whistle Stop will feature Stromboli, calzones, pizza, and other fare that passengers can take with them or dine-in. The beverage concept is entirely local, featuring the best of Western Massachusetts.
“My grandfather came from Italy and settled in Springfield and raised his family here,” said Bonavita. “That family settled throughout the area and that history is what connected me back to Springfield and this opportunity to open The Whistle Stop at Union Station.”
The Whistle Stop joins Peter Pan Bus Lines, PVTA, Greyhound, MassDOT/Amtrak, Dietz & Company Architects, Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway, SIXT Car Rental, and Commuter’s Variety Store as committed tenants to the new facility.
“The roster of tenants that have already signed on at Union Station before we’ve even opened the doors has been impressive,” said Kevin Kennedy, Chief Development Officer. “The future of the building as an active multimodal transit center is bright, and we look forward to additional tenant signings in the near future.”
Union Station’s grand opening weekend kicks off on June 24th and continues on June 25th with a public open house from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The SRA continues to negotiate and seek tenants for a ground floor space along Dwight Street, as well as remaining upper floor office/commercial space. Interested parties should contact the Springfield Redevelopment Authority for further information at (413) 787-6020.
