Making News in Business, April 11

EASTHAMPTON — Maria Colpak, manager of customer service at Cumberland Farms in Easthampton, recently received an award from the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association.

Here come the sweetness: Four new businesses prepping to open in downtown Northampton

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Downtown Northampton is about to get a whole lot sweeter.

Area property deed transfers, April 4

AMHERST

Making News in Business, April 4

HOLYOKE — Job seekers across western Massachusetts are invited to a “Get Hired Job Fair” at Holyoke Mall on Wednesday, April 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., on the lower level in Macy’s Court.

Consumer Corner with Anita Wilson: Spam texts a growing threat to consumers

Have you gotten a text message saying you owe money for unpaid tolls?

Spreading the Mexican spice: After five years in Florence, Masa Mexicano spreads its wings with second location in Belchertown

By EMILEE KLEIN

BELCHERTOWN — Before chef Saul Ayala cooked in decorated Italian restaurants and high-end bars in Boston, Dallas and New York City, he learned about working in a kitchen from his cousin Roberto Saravia, owner of Masa Mexicano in Florence.

Area property deed transfers, March 28

AMHERST

Making News in Business, March 28

NORTHAMPTON — The Downtown Northampton Association (DNA) has appointed Amanda Shafii as its new board president. A dedicated business owner and community advocate, Shafii brings experience and passion for the city’s downtown vibrancy to her new role.

Mill River Music jams: Northampton guitar shop relocates to larger digs on King Street

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — On an early March weekend, as numerous musicians took the stage at venues across the city for the Back Porch Music Festival, some spent a portion of their downtime at Mill River Music and Guitars, relaxing on the store’s couches, surrounded by hundreds of acoustic and electric guitars displayed on the walls.

Area property deed transfers, March 21

AMHERST

Making News in Business, March 21

NORTHAMPTON — The Northwestern district attorney has made promotions and other staffing changes following the departure of three prosecutors for legal positions in other state and federal agencies.

Belchertown rolls out welcome mat for businesses

By EMILEE KLEIN

BELCHERTOWN — When Town Manager Steve Williams goes on the road to advertise Belchertown as a viable, business-friendly community, business owners admit to him that they never considered the town as a potential home for their company.

The Roost set to close in Northampton after 14 years

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — The Roost, a coffee shop located at the corner of Main and Market streets, announced on social media that it will be closing down permanently, although hinted at a potential new business may be reborn from the closure.

Area property deed transfers, March 14

AMHERST

Ashfield’s historic Elmer’s Store seeing new life with opening of Wicked Good Café

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

ASHFIELD — Wicked Good Café is bringing new life to the historic Elmer’s Store, with help from both new and familiar faces.

Area property deed transfers, March 7

AMHERST

Making News in Business, March 7

NORTHAMPTON — The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce has hired Nia Stimage-Norwood as a program assistant and promoted Jack Brown to marketing director.

Food is in their DNA: New Holyoke restaurant Casa del Pollo offers African American soul food and Latin cuisines

By SAMUEL GELINAS

HOLYOKE — While Casa del Pollo just opened last month, its soul food menu has been developing for generations — a business built to model the childhood dinner table, and revive expressions of comfort, joy and community that comes from cuisine.

Clothing retailer J. Crew eyes summer opening at Mountain Farms Mall in Hadley

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — J. Crew Factory, a national clothing retailer, will be coming to Mountain Farms Mall later this year.